Grassmarket Pub and Food Crawl

A 2.5-hour social tour of Grassmarket's four historic pubs, combining traditional pub food with local beer tastings. You'll learn the area's history as a former execution site and marketplace while sampling locally-brewed ales and pub classics in venues that have operated for 100+ years. Food portions are designed for sharing, making it ideal for groups wanting a casual, social experience. Best for social groups and traditional pub experience seekers. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 4-20. You meet at Beehive Inn, Grassmarket. Key highlights: Tastings at four historic pubs operating 100+ years, Local Edinburgh beer introductions from breweries like Caledonian and Innis & Gunn, Traditional pub food (fish and chips, pies, steaks) in shareable portions.

Price: £35

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 4-20

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: social groups and traditional pub experience seekers

Best time: Evening departures (5pm-6pm) work well for after-work groups; weekdays have fewer tourists. Spring through autumn for pleasant walking weather; avoid December/January for icy cobblestones.

Meeting point: Beehive Inn, Grassmarket

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet at Beehive Inn, introduction to Grassmarket history and pub culture - The Beehive dates to 1654 and was once a coaching inn; the guide explains Grassmarket's role as execution and marketplace site.

First 35 minutes First pub food and local beer tasting; introductions to Edinburgh breweries (Caledonian, Innis & Gunn, etc.) - Shared starters arrive at table; expect cheese boards, fish and chips, or meat pies available for groups to share.

35-75 minutes Walk to second pub, local beer and main course tasting, more history about specific building or former residents - Many Grassmarket pubs have literary or historical connections; guides share anecdotes about famous patrons.

75-125 minutes Third and fourth pubs in sequence with additional beer tastings and dessert options (sticky toffee pudding, tablet) - Pace slows as food accumulates; you're sampling rather than eating full meals at each stop.

Final 10 minutes Return to Beehive Inn or disperse, guide recommends nearby restaurants for continued evening - Tour typically ends by 7pm-8pm, allowing time for dinner reservations if wanted.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Beehive Inn, Grassmarket.

• Tastings at four historic pubs operating 100+ years
• Local Edinburgh beer introductions from breweries like Caledonian and Innis & Gunn
• Traditional pub food (fish and chips, pies, steaks) in shareable portions
• Grassmarket history including execution site and marketplace past
• Social atmosphere ideal for groups and meeting other travellers
• Accessibility: Grassmarket has cobblestones and one steep slope between pubs; not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness needed. Pubs themselves are at street level with some steps at entries.

What is included: Food tastings at all four pubs (shared dishes), Beer tastings at each venue, Expert guide with local history knowledge, Walking between venues.

Not included: Full meals (portions are tasting sizes designed for sharing), Alcoholic drinks beyond beer tastings, Tips and service charges. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Appetite for shared food (expect 3-4 dishes total), Cash for optional additional drinks or tips. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Evening departures (5pm-6pm) work well for after-work groups; weekdays have fewer tourists. Spring through autumn for pleasant walking weather; avoid December/January for icy cobblestones..

Tip: Food portions designed to share

Tip: Tours run rain or shine

Accessibility: Grassmarket has cobblestones and one steep slope between pubs; not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness needed. Pubs themselves are at street level with some steps at entries..

Operator: Edinburgh Pub Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Edinburgh Castle (5 min uphill walk)
• Royal Mile (2 min walk at top of Grassmarket walk)
• National Museum of Scotland (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Edinburgh Pub Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Grassmarket has cobblestones and one steep slope between pubs; not wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness needed. Pubs themselves are at street level with some steps at entries..

Best time to go: Evening departures (5pm-6pm) work well for after-work groups; weekdays have fewer tourists. Spring through autumn for pleasant walking weather; avoid December/January for icy cobblestones..

Is this tour suitable for non-beer drinkers?

Yes. The guide can arrange soft drinks or ciders at each stop instead of beer. Food tastings are the main event; beer is secondary. Inform the guide when booking if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

How much beer will I consume?

Each pub serves approximately 100-150ml (roughly one-third pint) of local beer. Four stops total approximately 400-600ml across 2.5 hours, equivalent to roughly one pint total. This is designed as tasting rather than heavy drinking.

Will we see where executions happened?

Yes. The guide points out the execution sites in Grassmarket (historically used for public hangings through the 1700s) and explains the area's dark history before moving into the lighter pub experience. The tone is informative rather than sensationalized.