The Sheep Heid Inn
45 The Causeway
Duddingston
What is it? This old public house claims to have started trading back in 1360, making it the oldest in Scotland. Local historians claim that there was an inn on this spot in the time of David II, king of Scots, and the owners are still searching for more evidence. It is in Duddingston at the foot of Arthur's Seat between Craigmillar Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The atmospheric inn retains its traditional feel, with plenty of roaring fires, low lighting, coach house-style windows and even its own skittle alley. Everything about the venue feels authentic.
Interesting fact The Sheep Heid was a big favourite of Mary Queen of Scots when it became a stop-off point on her regular jaunts between Craigmillar and Holyroodhouse. This royal patronage was continued by her son James VI, whom tradition records presented the innkeeper with a richly embellished ram's head snuff box in thanks for the good times he had playing skittles in the yard.
Verdict Although now part of a large chain, it retains the perfect balance of a local pub without the intimidation for visitors that sometimes brings. There is a healthy mix of young and old customers. I love a place that has a neighbourhood feel about it and The Sheep Heid has that in abundance. I will certainly be back racking up a game of skittles in the near future.
Signature drink Decent range of cask ales, mixed drinks and spirits, which the staff were confident enough to talk about. I had a G&T, for £3.95, since it was a nice day.
Price Not too bad considering they get their fair share of tourists: small white wine £3.85 and a pint of lager £3.
Food Good honest country pub food, served all day. I had a big portion of steak frites which came in at £13.95.
Children Child friendly and does a kids' food menu too.
Toilets In keeping with the country pub feel.
Alfresco Nice wee beer garden out the back which is packed in the summer.
Avoid if you prefer the style bars/poseurs' palaces of the capital's George Street.
Perfect for kicking back in front of a open fire with a pint after a skelp around Arthur's Seat.
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