Port O' Leith
Quick info
About Port O' Leith
On Constitution St in Edinburgh, Port O' Leith is a pub decorated throughout with ships' flags and nautical items. The bar runs to a wide selection of spirits and whiskies alongside a solid beer range, with bar snacks covering the food side rather than a full menu. Seating is limited, with tables in short supply, and the small room adds to the close quarters. It operates on a walk-in basis, no reservations. Dogs are welcome and regularly present among the regulars. Staff keep a curated playlist going, including Leith-related tunes, over a room that draws a loyal, returning crowd.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention guinness, whisky selection, dogs welcome and great playlist/music.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention guinness, whisky selection, dogs welcome and great playlist/music.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers keep coming back for the beer and spirit selection, with the Guinness singled out as excellent and whiskies drawing particular praise. Close behind, the atmosphere and staff draw repeated mentions, described as friendly, chatty and down to earth, with dogs a constant presence in the room. Several note the playlist and music as part of what makes a night out here, and one recalls the owner playing a Trainspotting-era classic on request. Food is limited, with one reviewer noting few options, though nobody treats this as a real drawback. A recurring thread from longtime regulars is that the pub has changed since earlier decades, with the wilder bar-dancing scene of the past giving way to a calmer room, though most frame this as change rather than decline. Tables and room are described as limited, which one reviewer says only adds to the atmosphere. Visitors passing through Leith mention stopping in casually, including one pair killing time before a tram, and leaving having enjoyed the music and welcome.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers keep coming back for the beer and spirit selection, with the Guinness singled out as excellent and whiskies drawing particular praise. Close behind, the atmosphere and staff draw repeated mentions, described as friendly, chatty and down to earth, with dogs a constant presence in the room. Several note the playlist and music as part of what makes a night out here, and one recalls the owner playing a Trainspotting-era classic on request. Food is limited, with one reviewer noting few options, though nobody treats this as a real drawback. A recurring thread from longtime regulars is that the pub has changed since earlier decades, with the wilder bar-dancing scene of the past giving way to a calmer room, though most frame this as change rather than decline. Tables and room are described as limited, which one reviewer says only adds to the atmosphere. Visitors passing through Leith mention stopping in casually, including one pair killing time before a tram, and leaving having enjoyed the music and welcome.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I drank in here when Mary was in charge and while it's not the same pub that it used to be, it doesn't mean that it's worse, it's just different. Change happens everywhere. Anyway, I came in for a quiet pint on a weekday afternoon, the Guinness was excellent and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I'd not been in for while, but I don't think I'll leave it so long next time. I'd recommend.”
- Google user
“Laid back af. Clean taps. No taps aff. Beautiful dogs. A local joint with character and 0 cold, ostentatious amplifier types. That's handy, pop in.”
- Google user
“Not the pub it used to be; but time moves on. Great beer, friendly & chatty staff, dogs everywhere! Captures the old vibe... If you ever feel unwelcome, come here.”
- Google user
“If there is one pub you need to visit in Leith then its the Port O' Leith. I remember going there in the 90's and seeing people dancing on the bar and things could get a bit wild..so okay these days the bar is a slightly more laid back but its still a cool place to have couple of beers and see the Leith life.”
- Google user
“After our walk in Leith, we had to wait for the tram and stopped by a pub. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. I really liked the music too.”
Highlights
“A lively Leithers landmark pub, with ships' flags, nautical decor and loyal regulars, bar snacks.”
- Great beer selection
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Cozy
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Restroom
- Trendy
- Offerings· 3
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
Location
Bars near Port O' Leith
- The King's Wark4.51,6240.1 miWheelchair accessible
apple crumble, venison sunday roast, mussels
- The Guildford Arms4.54,4331.7 mi
beef & ale pie, cask ale selection, cowder fish soup
- The Cocktail Geeks4.82,3251.7 mi
studio ghibli theme, themed cocktail storytelling, journey's end theme
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port O' LeithWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5558 | — | guinness, whisky selection, dogs welcome |
| The King's WarkWheelchair accessible | 4.51,624 | 0.1 mi | apple crumble, venison sunday roast, mussels |
| The Guildford Arms | 4.54,433 | 1.7 mi | beef & ale pie, cask ale selection, cowder fish soup |
| The Cocktail Geeks | 4.82,325 | 1.7 mi | studio ghibli theme, themed cocktail storytelling, journey's end theme |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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