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The pub’s story
Nauticus brings the harbour-and-trade theme into contemporary Leith. DRAM Scotland’s opening report identifies the bar as a 2018 refurbishment of the former Parlour, while CAMRA records earlier names including Cavern Bar and Parlour. A published Lochend Golf Club history goes further back, recording a meeting at Mr Polson’s public house at 142 Duke Street in January 1905. That gives the address. Not the present bar. A longer public-house history. Nauticus’s own 1887 whisky-merchant story remains an operator heritage narrative because independent archival corroboration was not found. Today the operator and independent listings confirm an active bar at the Duke Street address. The broad visual language is secure: a dark racing-green frontage, gold NAUTICUS lettering and no projecting sign. Exact letter spacing, entrance geometry and small decorative features will wait for stronger current façade references.
What to notice
- 01
Read the 1905 public-house record as address history, not as a claim that Nauticus itself dates from 1905.
- 02
Look for the dark green and gold identity; small entrance and insignia details are not yet fixed.
- 03
The 1887 whisky-merchant story is retained as operator narrative, not confirmed archival fact.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
A published local history records a meeting at Mr Polson’s public house at 142 Duke Street.
The premises traded as the Parlour, with CAMRA also recording Cavern Bar as an earlier name.
Nauticus opened as a refurbishment of the former Parlour.
The operator's menu and site provide current operating and exterior-gallery context.
Independent sources checked current operation and hours at 142 Duke Street.
Sources & confidence
Seven sources checked 14 August 2026. Contemporary reporting and CAMRA establish the 2018 Nauticus/Parlour transition; a local-history source establishes the 1905 public-house address. Current operation is well supported, while exact frontage geometry remains unready for portrait work.
Research reviewed
- Nauticus BarNauticusofficial
SupportsCurrent identity, address, hours, phone and exterior gallery.
- NauticusCornerappearance
SupportsCurrent-open listing and exact-address gallery.
- Nauticus, EdinburghPostcard / On The Gridappearance
SupportsIndependent 2025-26 near-current physical cross-check.
- Design Focus: Nauticus, EdinburghDRAM Scotlandeditorial
SupportsFounders, former Parlour, 2018 opening and green/gold opening-design baseline.
- Nauticus, EdinburghCAMRAspecialist
SupportsEarlier-name and 2018-reopening corroboration; contact details are stale and not used.
- 125 YearsLochend Golf Clubarchive
SupportsRecords a January 1905 meeting at Mr Polson's public house, 142 Duke Street.
- Nauticus, Edinburgh BarEn Primeur Clubeditorial
SupportsIndependent current-hours and operation check in 2026.
