Jolly Judge
Jolly Judge
4.5
12:30 PM - 11:00 PM
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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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,992 within 3 miles
Attractions
500 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
779 reviews
Excellent
446
Very good
275
Average
35
Poor
12
Terrible
12
Sarah Croft
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A pretty unwelcoming place and unhelpful bar staff.
The jolly judge doesn’t offer food, however the staff are unwilling to give any recommendations as they “don’t eat around here”, a lack of hospitality I would probably say.
We did stay for a pint, however there was negative energy throughout the small pub which probably reflects the bar staffs attitudes.
Although the beers were cold and refreshing, I doubt I’ll return to the ‘jolly’ joker.
The jolly judge doesn’t offer food, however the staff are unwilling to give any recommendations as they “don’t eat around here”, a lack of hospitality I would probably say.
We did stay for a pint, however there was negative energy throughout the small pub which probably reflects the bar staffs attitudes.
Although the beers were cold and refreshing, I doubt I’ll return to the ‘jolly’ joker.
Written 9 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelpro G
Goochland, VA772 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great locals place! We felt right at home at Jolly Judge. Good selection of cask and draft beer. Highly recommend! We will be back.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
Watford, UK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Friends
We were staying in apartments opposite the pub and thought we would pop in for a night cap before heading to bed for the evening. 7 ladies in their 40’s. We walked in the pub and were stared at by everyone, were promptly informed by the bar staff that they don’t serve Hen or Stag do’s which we informed them we were neither of those. We asked if we could get a drink and we’re told that the bar was not the place for us and that we should go somewhere else!
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Trusty Trip Gal!
England, UK114 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
This is one of my favourite places!
A warm, cosy and a relaxing atmosphere is what you get in the Jolly Judge!
Prices are great! Friendly bar staff and fast service!
Dog friendly is always a bonus for us too!
Thank you and can’t wait to come back!
A warm, cosy and a relaxing atmosphere is what you get in the Jolly Judge!
Prices are great! Friendly bar staff and fast service!
Dog friendly is always a bonus for us too!
Thank you and can’t wait to come back!
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FowlerBuzz
Duncan, SC130 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We accidentally stumbled upon this pub, and we were glad we did. The atmosphere was awesome and the staff service was excellent. We went back once more while in Edinburgh!!
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Helper Crow
Toronto, Canada3,004 contributions
May 2023
Located down a side alley (For Close) just a few minutes walk away from Edinburgh Castle, we stumbled on this cool little pub almost by accident.
We were immediately met by very friendly servers and found a cozy spot beside the fireplace.
With its underground location and low-beamed ceiling - we almost felt as if we had found a hidden secret pub in the crowded city and it seemed as though the throngs of tourists on the Royal Mile were a million miles away.
We ordered a couple of pints and just sat back and relaxed - soaking in the charming atmosphere before heading back out into the throngs stampeding outside.
Definitely check this place out if you need a bit of a respite from the maddening crowds. Have a pint, re-set and tackle the Royal Mile later.
We were immediately met by very friendly servers and found a cozy spot beside the fireplace.
With its underground location and low-beamed ceiling - we almost felt as if we had found a hidden secret pub in the crowded city and it seemed as though the throngs of tourists on the Royal Mile were a million miles away.
We ordered a couple of pints and just sat back and relaxed - soaking in the charming atmosphere before heading back out into the throngs stampeding outside.
Definitely check this place out if you need a bit of a respite from the maddening crowds. Have a pint, re-set and tackle the Royal Mile later.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandilang812
Brisbane Region, Australia21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Fantastic little hidden gem of a pub. Friendly welcoming staff cold beer and quaint ambiance. Highly recommend this pub when in Edinburgh.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie M
2 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
This pub is a hidden gem, right in the middle of Edinburgh's overcrowded hot spot (in a close near the castle), that you should definitely 'accidentally' find on your own. In this pub you instantly forget you're in the busiest part of town, and even maybe Scotland. It's tiny and cosy and the staff is very friendly and helpful. A great place to rest your feet and get a pint!
I can also highly recommend doing the Drams without drama Whisky tasting at this venue. It's the perfect setting for a perfect tasting.
I can also highly recommend doing the Drams without drama Whisky tasting at this venue. It's the perfect setting for a perfect tasting.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
magmo3
Whitehaven, UK18 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Not sure I should post this review in case I can’t get in next time. Great atmosphere, good hand-pulled beer and efficient staff. I could have stayed all night but there might be other things to do in Edinburgh. But I’m not sure they’ll be better than the Judge.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenandRo
Settle, UK53 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A peaceful gem just off the Royal Mile. No music, no machines, just the best of real ales. Don’t tell everyone though - they’ll all want to visit!
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it kid-friendly?
john h
Hartlepool, UK447 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, UK90 contributions
No just lunchtimes
WendsPaisley
Ayr, UK79 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).
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Claim your listingJOLLY JUDGE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Jolly Judge
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