Edinburgh isn’t short of pubs, though some of the best boozers the city has seen have disappeared over the years.
Since we all enjoy a wee drink on Hogmanay, some of these pubs were go-to choices when it came to seeing in the New Year. Sadly, they’re no longer - but we have our memories.
Check out some of Edinburgh’s loved and lost watering holes below.
READ MORE - Long lost Edinburgh shops we all flocked to during the sales
Sportsters
The huge site across from Waverley Station has had several lives, and currently stands as German style beer hall Brewhemia.
Back in the day, it was known as Sportsters bar, or to some - City nightclub. As Sportsters, the venue boasted over 30 screens to watch the action on with drinks prices ‘lower than any competitor’.
The Cas Rock
A popular pub and live music venue, Cas Rock was dedicated to punk, rock, metal and indie.
Sadly, we lost this city centre spot in 2000 after it was replaced by El Barrio and the city has never been the same thing.
Diane’s Pool Hall
A Haymarket institution, Diane’s Pool Hall closed its doors for the final time in 2017.
After 31 years of the family-run pool hall, owner Diane McNair settled down to retire and people across Edinburgh could no longer play a round of pool for 20p. It’s still a sore topic for many locals.
The Green Tree
A popular spot in the ‘90s, The Green Tree was frequented by students and locals alike.
The drinks were cheap and the atmosphere was always lively, making it the perfect stop on New Year’s Eve. Not only does the pub no longer exist, but the building has long since been demolished.
Sign up to our Edinburgh Live nostalgia newsletters for more local history and heritage content straight to your inbox
Jekyll and Hyde
A Hanover Street staple, many will remember the purple and black decor of Jekyll and Hyde - themed around the story of the Victorian Dr Jekyll and his counterpart Mr Hyde.
The venue closed down in 2016, and now stands as the Hanover Tap - a far brighter and less gothic spot that’s equally as popular.
Cargo
Once one of the largest bars in Fountainbridge, Cargo stood at the end of the canal. The ‘slick and modern’ bar seemed like it would last, though quickly folded.
Not long after, it became Akva - which also folded in 2020. At the moment the building lies vacant, though plans have been submitted for a new crazy golf course and eatery to move in.
The Spider's Web
Now standing as The Jolly Botanist, The Spiders Web was a Haymarket staple for several years.
The building has had many lives, though most remember this spot and its downstairs space called the Cavern. A no-fuss venue, they were known for live music.
Caledonian Ale House
Known as the Haymarket Station Bar until 1995, this spot offered a ‘unique’ atmosphere and was usually pretty packed.
During the tram works, it was knocked down in 2008.
Rutherford’s
One of Edinburgh’s long standing pubs, Rutherford’s was said to be the watering hole of choice for Robert Louis Stevenson.
Historic Scotland granted the building category B listed status in 1977, though the pub closed in 2008 and was linked with the neighbouring restaurant to the rear.
Today, the building still stands as Hispaniola Restaurant.
Ivanhoe
Named after the historical novel Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott, this spot was a pretty popular city centre boozer.
Described as a comfortable setting for socialising, the venue has since closed and the building demolished.
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh family find incredible lost letter giving snapshot of Christmas in the 1900s
Derelict former Edinburgh factory could be transformed into new business park
Locals recall Edinburgh family who sold ice cream on the Mound for generations
Remembering the West Lothian scientist who led the HMS Challenger on its 150th anniversary
Edinburgh 1990s music quiz - 10 questions to prove how much you know
