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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Andrew Smart

'Historic and charming': See inside Scotland's 'oldest' pub dating back to 1360

SCOTLAND has a well-established pub culture with a number of iconic spots tracing their roots back hundreds of years.

However, finding the country's oldest pub can be tricky with so many establishments contending for that top spot.

Despite this, it is widely believed that The Sheep Heid Inn located in Edinburgh is the oldest pub in the country, dating back to around 1360.

See inside The Sheep Heid Inn - Scotland's 'oldest' pub 

The Sheep Heid Inn exterior The Sheep Heid Inn exterior (Image: Tripadvisor)

While the pub's history can be traced back to the 14th century, the current building it occupies is about 300 years old.

Over the years, it has welcomed a number of well-known patrons including Mary Queen of Scots and the late Queen Elizabeth I (II in England).

Bar areaBar area (Image: Tripadvisor)

The Scottish bar is popular among visitors and regulars with many praising its "historic and charming" interiors.

Assigned a 4/5 rating based on customer reviews on Tripadvisor, almost 1600 people have given their thoughts on the watering hole.

The Sheep Heid Inn's Skittle AlleyThe Sheep Heid Inn's Skittle Alley (Image: Tripadvisor)


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One reviewer said: "Wonderful in every way - the food, the atmosphere and Ciara and Isla in particular were wonderful! Martinis went down a treat but best of all was the apple tart!"

Beer gardenBeer garden (Image: Tripadvisor)

Another wrote: "Amazing lunch and fantastic service from Ciara. The fish and chips were beautiful and tasty. Sticky toffee pudding was delicious as well."

A third added: "The food was stellar, but the stars of this experience were our staff! We had Kamil and Oliver at the table and Ciara at the bar. They were the perfect mix of friendly, efficient and knowledgeable.

"They greeted us like friends and treated the guests around us the same way, so the mood was jovial and light. The steak was perfectly prepared, from flavour to presentation."

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