'%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 Royal Mile Tavern occupies 127 High Street, one of a Category B-listed pair whose history needs separating from the current pub. Historic Environment Scotland records Thomas Bonnar’s 1813 rebuilding, earlier fabric toward Bishop’s Close, a 1578 lintel re-set during that work, the tenement’s reduction around 1970, and a pub frontage added after 1986. Those dates describe the fabric, not the tavern’s own launch. The present operator describes a whisky, craft-ale and live-entertainment stop that opens late daily; the city visitor listing gives the current split start times. Visit for a lively Royal Mile drink, but read the frontage as a layered conservation story rather than proof of an ancient pub.
What to notice
- 01
The 1578 lintel is in the North Gray’s Close pend: it is a piece of earlier fabric, not a tavern-opening date.
- 02
The timber pub frontage is later than the surrounding stone building; look for the contrast rather than assuming a continuous interior.
- 03
This is a lively, late-running stop. Check the current music listing if an act is your reason for visiting.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
A carved lintel dated 1578 survives in the North Gray’s Close pend; Historic Environment Scotland identifies it as fabric from the earlier Bishop’s Land, not a date for the current pub.
Thomas Bonnar built the present High Street tenement, incorporating older rear fabric and re-setting the 1578 lintel.
Historic Environment Scotland records the five-storey tenement row being reduced in height, leaving the ground and first floors at this part of the street.
The current timber pub frontage was added after 1986; the heritage record says it had been relocated from elsewhere.
127-129 High Street was added to the statutory list at Category B.
The Royal Mile Tavern trades at 127 High Street as a late-running whisky, craft-ale and live-entertainment venue.
Sources & confidence
Statutory heritage evidence gives a dated, building-specific chronology for 127-129 High Street; it is deliberately kept separate from the current tavern’s operation. The operator and city visitor listing support current identity, offer and hours. The operator’s nearby-monastery description is retained only as local context, not used to date the building or pub.
Research reviewed
- 127 and 129 High Street (LB29043)Historic Environment Scotland / Troveheritage
SupportsCategory B designation, 1813 rebuilding, earlier Bishop’s Land fabric, the 1578 lintel, circa-1970 reduction of the tenement and the post-1986 relocated pub frontage.
- The Royal Mile TavernThe Royal Mile Tavernofficial
SupportsCurrent whisky, craft-ale and live-entertainment identity.
- HistoryThe Royal Mile Tavernofficial
SupportsOperator’s local Old Town and nearby-monastery context; this is not used as evidence of the current pub’s age.
- Find UsThe Royal Mile Tavernofficial
SupportsCurrent 127 High Street address, contact details and daily late-close claim.
- The Royal Mile TavernForever Edinburgheditorial
SupportsCurrent visitor-listing start times and whisky/craft-ale description.
