Jolly Judge, Edinburgh: Hours, Address, Jolly Judge Reviews: 4.5/5
Jolly Judge
Jolly Judge
4.5
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Jolly Judge public bar in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Low beamed ceilings, warm fire and a tranquil atmosphere, this is Scottish hospitality at its best. Sample the wide range of malt whiskies, real ales and tempting bar lunches.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavoured souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
756 reviews
Excellent
426
Very good
274
Average
35
Poor
11
Terrible
10
Clayton
96 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We found this place just exploring down the little cute alleyways it's not far at all from the Royal Mile you will definitely find it if you like to venture everywhere. You done a few steps and tour inside this small but cute and Cozy feel pub with plenty to please all. The beers we had were great the staff were very welcoming and friendly. If you want a traditional Scottish feel Pub then this is the place you have to visit.
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sasquatcheseating.
Wem, UK80 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Stumbled upon the pub down a side street. Ended up having a drink in here every night of our stay in Edinburgh. We'll kept ale and friendly staff. A real cosy boozer in the middle of the city.
Written 13 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cicely P
1 contribution
Jan 2022
What a gem of a pub.
Lovely cosy interior and welcoming atmosphere.
Staff friendly and attentive.
Excellent choice of beers and a good glass of wine.
Lovely cosy interior and welcoming atmosphere.
Staff friendly and attentive.
Excellent choice of beers and a good glass of wine.
Written 2 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
McPherson591
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK11 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Very disappointed as there was no atmosphere or even back ground music. Only choice of one white wine which I do not drink, could not get a procesco by the glass nor any rose wine.
Boxes on the bar holding up a blackboard but actually had cider on tap but not refrigerated.
Was hoping for something querky but very plain inside, would definitely not return.
Boxes on the bar holding up a blackboard but actually had cider on tap but not refrigerated.
Was hoping for something querky but very plain inside, would definitely not return.
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MsMoll
Sheffield, UK368 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
I ALWAYS pop in to the pub when I’m in Edinburgh, and I recommend it to anyone I know who’s visiting the city.
Fantastic atmosphere, unpretentious and friendly.
A great place to sit and chat with friends over a beer or a single malt.
I’ll be back, again and a again.
Fantastic atmosphere, unpretentious and friendly.
A great place to sit and chat with friends over a beer or a single malt.
I’ll be back, again and a again.
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
greyandgreen
Manchester30 contributions
Nov 2021
I visited Jolly Judge pub with my wife and a friend in late November 2021 . The pub appeared nice and welcoming, however on entering we were initially told there was no room at the Inn, and could not be served, with no suggestion to how we could maybe secure a table later. We then we stood outside the pub trying to decide were we should go as an alternative, and we noticed a small group leave, on re-entering we found a small table by the bar and eventually got served. It became clear that the bar was pretty clicky, with a group of around four or five next to us, being friends of the bar manager / bar staff and taking up valuable seating for visitors. We had decided to pay a visit to this pub as it had been recommended as one of the top small bars to go too, and to sample the Cider. However our visit was spoilt by the attitude of the manger who was pretty surly with poor customer service attributes.
Written 12 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marisa E
Cascais, Portugal1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
I visited Jolly Judge pub at the beginning of January 2022. The pub appears very warm and relaxed atmosphere, however the staff are very rude. I order from one staff member (I think her name is Elizabeth), and it is clear we are creating problems for her, I think she prefers when there are not many customers. The choice of beer and the atmosphere was very good, however the staff reduce this - manger also appears very scruffy. Not what to expect in a pub like this.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tim E
London, UK6 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
No music, no fun, poor experience. The staff did their best but when you go to a pub at Christmas you expect a bit of atmosphere. Sorry it was a sad experience.
Written 22 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lozbell88
Sidcup, UK449 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We visited this excellent, traditional basement pub on our way up to the castle. Choice of warm and cold drinks were z Elle t, felt very covid safe. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend and go back again.
Written 23 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
RenaissanceExplorer
4 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Good beer selection but poor service- no milk for tea. Could have tried by asking the cafe next door for some milk.
Written 8 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Is it kid-friendly?
john h
Hartlepool, UK410 contributions
Not really, it's quite a small bar but I don't think they'll refuse kids in the place.
The landlord was a very friendly chap
Suz.Ben.
1 contribution
Does pub serve food in the evening?
The Travelling Inspector
Scotland, UK88 contributions
No just lunchtimes
WendsPaisley
Paisley, UK74 contributions
Are children welcome? If not, can you recommend anywhere decent on or just off Royal Mile?
SveaLotta
Aberdeen, UK1 contribution
Unfortunately no, due to licencing laws no children are allowed inside the pub. They are welcome to join you in the outside seating area (above 5 years of age).
Frequently Asked Questions about Jolly Judge
- Jolly Judge is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:30 - 23:00
- Mon - Mon 12:00 - 00:00
- Tue - Thu 12:00 - 23:00
- Fri - Sat 12:00 - 00:00
- Hotels near Jolly Judge:
- (0.02 km) Writer's Apartment - a beautiful one bed on the famous Royal Mile!
- (0.02 km) Royal Mile Tower Apartment
- (0.02 km) Royal Mile Sir Hume Residency
- (0.03 km) Royal Mile View
- (0.03 km) Edinburgh Views
- Restaurants near Jolly Judge:
- (0.02 km) The Thistle Stop Cafe
- (0.02 km) Thistle Cafe
- (0.04 km) Taste of Scotland
- (0.04 km) Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
- (0.05 km) Wash Bar