'%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
Garden View Deck & Bar is a seasonal, open-air drinks terrace at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s John Hope Gateway, accessed through the West Gate. It is a new hospitality use within a much older public landscape, not an historic pub: the Botanic Garden was founded in 1670 and established on its present Inverleith site in 1820. The deck gives a raised, green view over the Garden rather than a city-centre rooftop skyline, with champagne, botanical cocktails, wine and sharing food designed for slow summer evenings. It was refreshed with Maison Pommery for the 2026 season, extending Friday and Saturday opening beyond the wider Garden’s 17:00 close. The current set-up is walk-in only, free to enter and has indoor Gateway Café seating in wet weather. Treat the timetable as seasonal: it runs Friday to Sunday from May into September, so this is one to check before planning a special journey.
What to notice
- 01
The Deck & Bar is seasonal and currently runs Friday. Sunday only, from May into September.
- 02
It is walk-in only and free to enter. There are no advance table reservations.
- 03
After 17:00, use the West Gate; in wet weather, Gateway Café indoor seating is the fallback.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is founded; this is Garden history, not the bar’s opening date.
The Garden is established at its present Inverleith site.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is entered in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh tenders for construction of a deck on the hillside overlooking the Garden valley.
The refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar launches its extended summer format at the John Hope Gateway in partnership with Maison Pommery.
RBGE publishes the current Friday. Sunday seasonal schedule, walk-in policy, West Gate access and wet-weather indoor fallback.
Sources & confidence
Historic Environment Scotland anchors the old Garden’s history and keeps it separate from the new Deck & Bar. RBGE’s own visitor page supplies current access, seasonal hours and operational conditions; trade coverage confirms the 2026 refresh.
Research reviewed
- Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (GDL00334)Historic Environment Scotlandheritage
SupportsInventory record: Garden’s 1670 foundation, 1820 establishment at Inverleith, designated-landscape status and panoramic garden/city setting.
- View Notice: Garden View DeckPublic Contracts Scotlandgovernment
SupportsRBGE procurement notice describing the proposed deck on a hillside overlooking the Garden valley.
- Garden View Deck & BarRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburghofficial
SupportsCurrent seasonal hours, John Hope Gateway/West Gate location, walk-in-only policy, free entry, menu, access after 17:00 and wet-weather seating.
- Food and drinkRoyal Botanic Garden Edinburghofficial
SupportsCurrent venue relationship to the John Hope Gateway and the Friday. Sunday published schedule.
- Royal Botanic Garden unveils its refreshed Garden View Deck & BarScottish Licensed Trade Newseditorial
SupportsMay 2026 refresh, Maison Pommery partnership and the extended summer opening arrangement.
- The Gateway CaféHeritage Portfolioofficial
SupportsCurrent operator description of the Garden View Deck & Bar as a summer al-fresco offer within the Gateway setting.
