'%20d='M32%203C16.4%203%206%2015.3%206%2031.2c0%2010.9%206.6%2020.1%2014.3%2026.2L32%2077l11.7-19.6C51.4%2051.3%2058%2042.1%2058%2031.2%2058%2015.3%2047.6%203%2032%203Zm0%2014c-8.8%200-14.5%207-14.5%2016.4V55h29V33.4C46.5%2024%2040.8%2017%2032%2017Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23C99B4A'%20d='m27.5%2055%204.5-24%204.5%2024h-9Z'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)
The pub’s story
The Black Cat is a small, single-room Rose Street pub at No. 168, best approached through its modern operating history rather than an invented old-pub narrative. CAMRA records Filthy McNasties as its previous name, and Companies House shows the current company’s directors appointed using the Black Cat address in January 2011; that is evidence of the company at the site, not proof of the pub’s opening day. CAMRA’s earliest published exterior image is from 2014, followed by interior records in 2023 and a fresh survey in January 2026. The current room is deliberately intimate: mirror wall, banquette, barrel tables and a suspended gantry, with two changing Scottish cask ales and whisky flights. It becomes particularly lively for scheduled folk music and the Tuesday quiz. Choose it for close-up, music-friendly pub atmosphere; its cramped layout and lack of an accessible toilet matter more than a speculative foundation story.
What to notice
- 01
There are two shallow steps at the entrance, tight table spacing when busy and no accessible toilet, according to CAMRA’s current access statement.
- 02
Folk music is listed on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, plus Sunday afternoon; check the diary for changes.
- 03
Tuesday quiz nights can be crowded enough that non-participants may be asked to sit outside. Plan this as a quiz stop or choose another night.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
Companies House records directors of The Mother Black Cat Ltd appointed with the Black Cat, 168 Rose Street correspondence address; this does not itself establish the venue’s opening date.
CAMRA published an exterior image record of the Black Cat at 168 Rose Street.
CAMRA published an interior image record for the Black Cat.
CAMRA published a further bar-interior image record for the Black Cat.
CAMRA’s current record identifies this as its last venue survey date.
CAMRA last updated the record, retaining Filthy McNasties as a previous name and the current music/quiz/access information.
Sources & confidence
CAMRA’s January 2026 survey is the core current source for the Black Cat’s address, cask offer, whisky flights and folk music. Scottish Licensed Trade News supplies the 2011 lease and operator context. The profile distinguishes the former Filthy McNasties name from the present independent identity.
Research reviewed
- Black Cat, EdinburghCampaign for Real Alespecialist
SupportsCurrent address/hours, previous name Filthy McNasties, dated image records, January 2026 survey, February 2026 update, room description, beer/whisky offer, music, quiz and access information.
- The Mother Black Cat Ltd: officersCompanies Housegovernment
Supports21 January 2011 director appointments with the Black Cat, 168 Rose Street correspondence address; it does not establish the pub opening date.
- List of licensed premisesCity of Edinburgh Councilgovernment
SupportsCurrent council licensed-premises cross-check for the Black Cat.
- Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Pub GuideCampaign for Real Alespecialist
SupportsCurrent local CAMRA directory listing for the Black Cat in Rose Street.
- The best places for food and drink in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Paisley, Dundee and StirlingSnack Magazineeditorial
SupportsIndependent 2024 guide confirming the Black Cat’s 168 Rose Street address and current website reference.
