Best pubs in Edinburgh › The Jolly Judge
#1 of 31 best pubs in Edinburgh · Royal Mile · EH1 2PB
Best for cask ale and cider by the fire in a low-beamed basement off the Royal Mile.
It's on 5 of the 11 Edinburgh pub lists we read, and Reddit recommends it 5 times. That makes it #1 on our best pubs in Edinburgh.
Outside seats · Dogs welcome
“Specializing in cask ale and draught cider, this cozy pub is tucked away across from the magical [Writers’ Museum](https://cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/writers-museum).”
Saveur ↗
“Tucked at the foot of a close (a narrow alleyway typically leading to a courtyard), the Jolly Judge is a low-ceilinged basement pub.”
The Roaming Numeral ↗
“Jolly Judge will now go forward to be judged for the Scottish CPOTY.”
Edinburgh CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 (#1), winner ↗
“Tucked away down one of the narrow alleyways of the Royal Mile, this cosy little pub is set within a historic square of tenement buildings and is one of the best spots to get a half’n’half, which is half a pint with a dram of whisky.”
Solo Sophie ↗
Also named by The Times' 35 best pubs in Edinburgh, r/Edinburgh and r/Edinburgh.
A pub scores 2 for each list or award that names it and 1 for each Reddit recommendation, up to 4. How we rank.
Typical crowd by hour from Google's busy times. Darker means busier.