The Last Drop Tavern - Edinburgh - Pub Review

The Last Drop Tavern is a historic pub nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. The pub occupies an old stone tenement at 74–78 Grassmarket (EH1 2JR) and exudes an authentic old-world atmosphere. Its name – "Last Drop" – comes from a macabre piece of history: legend holds that condemned prisoners stopped here for a final drink before facing the gallows on nearby Gallows Hill. In fact, the pub commemorates Edinburgh’s last public execution (in 1864) at the Grassmarket site, and the old signage and décor inside allude to that grim heritage. Inside, The Last Drop feels like a genuine step back in time. Visitors will find a traditional, cosy interior (with dark wood, low ceilings and snug booths) that locals often describe as "warm and cosy". The pub’s rustic charm – complete with stone walls and classic Scottish pub mirrors – is punctuated by an eclectic range of real ales on tap and shelves stocked with whiskies and gins. Such details help explain why The Last Drop has a strong reputation with patrons: it consistently earns positive reviews (around 4.0/5 on major review sites) for its hearty food, friendly vibe and unique character. Its opening hours typically run from midday until late each day, catering to both midday visitors and evening crowds.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Last Drop offers a simple, no-frills pub setting focused on conversation and ambience. There is no on-site parking (as you would expect in the Old Town), and patrons generally arrive by foot, taxi or nearby public transport. Inside, the layout is cosy rather than cavernous – one main ground-floor bar area with long wooden tables and benches. The ceiling is low, and the space can feel snug when busy, but this only adds to the historic pub feel. Instead of arcade games or slot machines, the pub provides a few board games for tabletop fun, encouraging visitors to relax over a pint and a chat. Televisions are kept to a minimum; the pub does not bombard visitors with sports all day, though during big national events (for example, a Six Nations rugby or Scotland football match) one or two screens will sometimes be switched on for the game. In general, though, live sports and loud music are not the main draw here. On quieter evenings you’re more likely to overhear locals and tourists chatting about the day’s sightseeing or the pub’s ghost story than blaring commentary. (That said, a weekly quiz night is a popular midweek event, and the television might be tuned in to a big match or two – for example, one traveller noted, "There are even two TVs if you fancy catching soccer.") The key “entertainment” at The Last Drop is its atmosphere and history: tales of the gallows, the resident ghost, and friendly banter between staff and regulars create the real buzz. Do note, however, that the pub does get very busy at peak times (especially Friday and Saturday evenings or Fringe Festival nights), and with limited seating some evenings you may need to wait for a table or squeeze in at the bar. Overall, The Last Drop’s facility set is modest – no valet service and no private function rooms – but it excels at giving visitors a genuine historic pub experience rather than a flashy modern bar.

Food on Offer

The Last Drop serves a menu of hearty British comfort food and Scottish classics, prepared in keeping with pub tradition. You’ll find the staples: an indulgent beer-battered fish and chips with chunky fries, burgers piled high with cheese and crispy onions, and warming stews or pies (like steak and ale pie) that suit an Edinburgh climate. Classic Scottish dishes are prominent: for instance, winter menus often include Cullen skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup), vegetable Scotch broth, and haggis with neeps and tatties (haggis served with turnips and mashed potatoes). Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available as well – for example, a flavoursome plant-based burger or a veggie stew – so it’s fairly inclusive. The kitchen also runs occasional specials to mix things up (such as game sausages in season or a fish of the day).

A particular highlight is the Sunday roast, which many visitors rave about. The Last Drop offers a generous roast meal every Sunday: diners can choose from a variety of meats (beef, chicken or pork) or a nut roast for vegetarians, each served with all the trimmings – roast potatoes, seasonal veggies, gravy and especially large Yorkshire puddings. One travel guide even calls The Last Drop “one of the city’s most famous and historical pubs” and notes that it “promises a traditional boozer atmosphere for your Sunday dinner", complete with “honey-glazed parsnips and larger-than-life Yorkshires”. In short, the Sunday roast here is classic pub fare done well – hearty, filling and very much in the old Edinburgh style.

Smaller dishes and snacks are also on offer – think Scotch eggs, crisps or nuts at the bar and a few side orders like chips, onion rings or side salads. On weekends, breakfast or brunch menus (with items like eggs benedict or pancakes) may be added. In general, the emphasis is on unpretentious comfort food using quality ingredients – exactly the sort of fare that satisfies patrons after a chilly day of sightseeing or a lively night out. The menu manages to please both locals and visitors: in reviews, people commonly praise the strength of the classics (good steak, well-made burgers, warming soups) and say they leave feeling full and content.

Beers on Tap

For drinkers, The Last Drop is a fine spot for enjoying real ales and craft brews. It is part of the Nicholson’s pub chain, so you can expect their own house cask ales (often a pale ale or bitter) alongside a rotating selection of guest beers. In practice, the taps usually feature a lineup of regional and British brews; for example, a local Scottish ale (such as Belhaven or Caledonian) will often be on offer, plus a couple of ever-popular staples (perhaps an easy-drinking bitter and a hoppy IPA). Seasonal or limited-edition cask ales also appear from time to time, so regulars can look forward to trying something new – perhaps a festive winter ale or a summer session brew when it’s warmer. Bottled craft beers (including lagers and IPAs) round out the beer menu.

Traditionalists will appreciate that the cask ales here are well-kept. Patrons frequently note that every pint is poured with care – foam neck properly settled, the glass at a good angle – an indication that staff follow the Cask Marque standards. In other words, the beer tastes fresh, and the ales are turned over quickly. If you’re unsure what to try, the bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to recommend a pint to suit your palate, whether you want something light and fruity or rich and malty. In short, the ale list is typical of an independent Nicholson’s pub: a solid mix of crowd-pleasers and local favourites with just enough twists to keep it interesting.

The bar isn’t limited to beer. Nicholson’s prides itself on its spirits lineup as well. For whisky aficionados, there is an extensive Scotch whisky range (including some rarities), while gin lovers will appreciate the so-called “gin palace” featuring dozens of gins and tonics. Indeed, one Nicholson’s slogan boasts an “extensive whisky range, our gin palace, and our reputation as cask ale masters”, and The Last Drop lives up to that – with multiple shelves of malts and a wide array of flavoured gins behind the bar. Those looking for something else can choose from a handful of popular lagers (bottled or on draught), a short wine list of reds and whites, and the usual selection of spirits and mixers. For example, a cheeky “Last Drop” cocktail might appear seasonally. But by far the star remains a well-poured pint of real ale – it’s clear the pub is tailored to beer lovers. Overall, drinkers feel they can get an authentic Scottish pub experience here: classic beers in great condition, plus a solid backup lineup of spirits and wines.

Price Range & Value

The Last Drop is reasonably priced for its location in central Edinburgh, falling into the mid-range category (££) for the city. You won’t find rock-bottom deals here, but you also aren’t paying London prices. A pint of decent ale usually costs in the region of £4.50–£5.50, depending on the brand and whether it’s cask or keg. Glasses of wine or cocktails are a little extra, often around £6–£8 for a house wine or a spirit mixer. Pub favourites on the menu – like a burger and chips or a plate of fish and chips – typically come in around £12–£15. Some of the “nicer” entrées (steaks and more complex dishes) may climb closer to £16, while lighter options or snacks might be under £10. The Sunday roast is roughly £14–£16 for a full plate with all trimmings.

Customers generally feel that this represents fair value for Grassmarket. After all, dining and drinking in the Old Town tends to be pricier than in outlying neighbourhoods, so these prices are on par with other nearby pubs and restaurants. Reviewers often comment that the portion sizes are generous and the ingredients are fresh – for example, large roast potatoes and robustly seasoned gravy for Sunday lunch – which makes people feel they’ve got their money’s worth. Of course, cheaper pubs exist on the outskirts of Edinburgh or up north, but considering the historic setting and quality on offer here, most visitors say they’re happy to pay a bit more. Tips are not included in the bill (customers tip in cash or via chip if they wish), and you won’t see many hidden charges. In summary, The Last Drop’s pricing is solidly mid-range: expect to pay a typical city centre pub rate, and you’ll get hearty, well-made food and drink in return along with the bonus of the pub’s character.

Customer Service

The pub’s staff largely earns praise for being friendly and efficient, which enhances the welcoming feel of the place. Many visitors note that despite the steady stream of tourists, the bartenders and servers do a good job staying patient and helpful. In fact, one travel reviewer remarked on the “corporate-trained professionalism” of the bar team – meaning they strike a balance of being polite, knowledgeable and quick even during busy spells. Staff are often described as chatty (when it’s not too hectic) and genuinely engaging; they’ll happily explain the ale selection, pour tasters, or tell you a bit about the pub’s history if asked. For example, a regular might request a particular beer, and the bartender will promptly draft a perfect pint or suggest something similar. There is usually no long wait for orders during most of the day, and drink orders at the bar are filled at a brisk pace (even when there’s a queue). Food orders can take a little longer at peak times (Sunday lunch or evenings), but overall the kitchen keeps up reasonably well given the volume.

That said, it’s worth noting that a few guests have pointed out occasional brusqueness during extremely busy hours. The pub does get crowded, and on a hectic Friday night or festival weekend, staff can seem pressed for time. (One TripAdvisor review did grumble about a somewhat curt server late one evening.) However, in general, these seem to be isolated incidents rather than the norm. Most repeat visitors say that beyond the one-offs, the staff remain polite and even help regulars by name. As one blogger put it, the mix of efficiency and good cheer means “each visit feels like you’re among friends", which is key in a cosy local pub. So overall, while this is not a gimmicky themed venue with costumed servers, it succeeds by providing consistent, down-to-earth service – quick enough to keep drinks flowing, but also personable enough to give it that community-pub vibe.

Events & Special Nights

The Last Drop is not a pumped-up event venue, but it does offer a few regular happenings that add to its appeal. The most consistent draw is the pub quiz night, usually held on a weekday evening (often Wednesday). These quizzes are known to be well-run and attract a mix of locals and visitors; even novice teams can join in for fun. Music in the background is generally quiet (classic rock or folk tunes) rather than a DJ, so conversations carry easily between rounds. Aside from that, the pub sticks mostly to informal get-togethers. For instance, on national holidays like St Patrick’s Day or Hogmanay, you might find themed drink specials or decorations, and around Halloween or Christmas the pub gets a bit of festive trim.

Sports fans will also find that The Last Drop will often screen big games. If there’s a major football or rugby match on (especially involving Scotland or a Euro/World Cup), the staff will do the courtesy of showing it – there are a couple of small TVs behind the bar for this purpose. It’s not a sports bar by nature, so don’t expect a stadium atmosphere, but the usual patrons will cheer along politely. Outside of quizzes and match nights, there are generally no loud “band nights” or dance parties – the pub’s identity is more about chilling out than partying. That said, during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other cultural festivals, the pub tends to stay open later and may have visitors spilling onto the pavement. Occasionally the owners host an in-house music or open-mic night, but these are sporadic rather than weekly fixtures. In short, the “special events” at The Last Drop revolve around pub quizzes, the occasional sports viewing and seasonal celebrations, all in keeping with a traditional local tavern rather than a nightclub.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping inside The Last Drop immediately immerses you in classic pub charm. As Nicholson’s promotional blurb notes, the pub offers “a warm and cosy atmosphere with our low ceilings and booths”. Indeed, the interior feels snug and welcoming: wood-panelled walls, old prints and antique mirrors decorate the space, and a few cushioned benches line the walls. On cooler days you might find the fireplace lit (older guests recall it being used in winter), which adds literal warmth. One instantly notices the vintage touches – for example, some original signage and wooden beams remain from earlier eras. Despite these antique trimmings, it doesn’t feel dusty or stuffy; there’s always soft background music (often classic rock or folk), and the lively chatter of a mixed crowd keeps the energy up. As evening sets in, the lights are low enough to be cosy yet still bright enough to read the menu. In short, the vibe is comfortably rustic rather than modern or minimalist.

The clientele is quite a mixed bunch, reflecting the pub’s touristy location. On any given day you’ll see international travellers browsing a guidebook at one table, a group of university students at another, and the odd local or theatregoer chatting with the bartenders. This eclectic mix gives the place a friendly “melting pot” feel. Regulars – including a few who’ve been coming for years – tend to wave hello to newcomers or glance over in curiosity as accents fly around. Despite the crowds of visitors, locals don’t seem put off; they appreciate that new faces add to the buzz and often end up lingering for an extra pint. Because of this diversity, conversations can range from Edinburgh trivia to debates about the play you just saw around the corner at the festival. Overall, the atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive: you do not need to be a lore seeker or well-versed in the ghost stories to feel at home.

Space-wise, the pub is fairly snug. It’s essentially one room, with only a few corners and one narrow passage by the bar. At full tilt (say, Friday night), it can get quite busy – tables are usually close together, and there isn’t much room to expand. That means that at peak times it’s wise to arrive earlier if you want a guaranteed seat. However, on quieter weekday afternoons or early evenings, there’s ample seating and even a sense of intimacy. The building is old, and this shows in the layout. For example, there is a small step up from the street into the pub, and the floor has a couple of slight level changes. Wheelchair access is thus limited (there is no ramp or lift), and the narrow layout might not be ideal for strollers either. The toilets are accessed through a short corridor and may not be fully accessible. On the plus side, a friendly dog will often be snoozing by the bar (the pub does welcome well-behaved dogs on the bar side), which adds to the homely feel.

During nice weather, the experience extends outdoors. On sunny days (especially summer afternoons) a handful of tables are placed outside on the Grassmarket Square; these outdoor seats are very popular, partly because they offer one of the best castle views in town. As one guidebook noted, the open-air seating across the street provides “great castle views”. There is also a small beer garden or patio at the rear of the pub (down a few steps) which some locals use in warmer months or in quieter times. These outdoor spots fill up quickly, so if the sun is shining and you want to sit outside, it’s wise to grab a table as soon as you arrive. In all, whether you sit under the pub’s low ceilings or out on the stone, The Last Drop’s ambience is strongly influenced by its history – it feels like a place with stories in every nook, and that historic aura is its foremost appeal.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Last Drop has a prime central location at the bottom of the Grassmarket, an historic square just under Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town. This puts it within easy walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. For instance, the castle esplanade is just a short uphill stroll, and the famed Royal Mile runs only a few minutes away. Ghost tour companies and buskers often congregate here, so it’s a lively corner full of history. Greyfriars Kirkyard (famous for Greyfriars Bobby and mediaeval ruins) is about 300 yards east down Candlemaker Row, and the charming Victoria Street – full of shops and cafés – is only a stone’s throw to the north.

Public transport is readily available: several Lothian bus routes pass nearby on Victoria Street and George IV Bridge, and the free city centre Hopper buses circle the Old Town frequently. The nearest tram stop is at Princes Street, about a 10-minute walk. Parking in the immediate area is scarce – the nearest pay car parks are a short walk away (for example, on Chambers Street or West Parliament Square) – so most visitors come on foot, by bike or by public transport. Cyclists will find a few bike racks near Grassmarket too, although in practice the hilly Old Town keeps bicycles from being very common.

Beyond transport, the pub is surrounded by a wealth of dining and drinking options. It’s literally across from Greyfriars Bobby Bar and Edinburgh Larder and just steps from many other traditional pubs (like The World’s End or Maggie Dickson’s). For a cultural comparison, within a couple of minutes on foot you could visit the National Museum of Scotland or see a show at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. And of course, during the summer Fringe Festival, the whole Grassmarket area becomes a hive of performers and audiences. This convenient setting means The Last Drop is a popular meeting point: it’s as easy for someone coming from the Princes Street shopping area as for someone from the South Side. In short, the pub’s location in the Grassmarket places it at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s tourist trail – surrounded by history, cuisine and entertainment – making it an ideal pit-stop on any Old Town pub crawl or sightseeing route.

Overall Impression

The Last Drop Tavern delivers a genuine slice of Edinburgh pub life, steeped in history and hearty hospitality. It’s rare to find a pub whose very name evokes its storied past, but at the Last Drop the legends are unmistakable – from the gallows signage at the door to the tales of a playful young ghost inside. Yet the experience isn’t all mediaeval gloom. Instead, you get the best of both worlds: classic, well-poured pints of ale and delicious pub grub in a setting that feels lived-in and authentic. The pub manages to honour its 150+ years of heritage (architectural details date back to 1634) while remaining a warm, down-to-earth gathering place today. Many visitors leave with fond memories of a robust Sunday roast, a deep conversation over whisky, or simply the novelty of sipping a pint in the shadow of the castle.

Of course, it’s not without its quirks. The Last Drop can get crowded (understandably, given its fame), and that authentic, creaky interior means there isn’t loads of elbow room. Those who prefer a sleek modern bar or prime sports-viewing real estate might find it a bit cramped or quiet on game days. Food can occasionally run out of certain special items on a busy night, so it’s best to arrive with some time to spare if you have your heart set on the roast or a particular ale. But such issues tend to be minor grumbles compared to the overall charm. In fact, as one guide put it, The Last Drop is “one of the city’s most famous and historical pubs” – a reputation it fully lives up to.

For travellers and locals alike, The Last Drop offers something special: a reminder that Edinburgh’s pubs are more than just places to drink. They’re living museums of the everyday, where the atmosphere itself tells a story. In this case, the story is darkly rich – scaffoldings and spit roasters – yet wrapped in a surprisingly cosy, convivial package. Whether you come in search of a proper Scotch whisky, a taste of Scottish hospitality, or just a pint in a pub that looks and feels straight out of history, this tavern delivers. My advice? Embrace the living history: pull up a chair, order a pint (or try their famous Sunday roast), and toast to the past – but not too hastily. After all, at The Last Drop, every sip might just be your own small adventure in Edinburgh’s storied past.