The Halfway House in Edinburgh, City of

My sister and I ran into this pub to use the toilet, she used it first, but as I have toilet issues (IBS), i asked my sister to please hurry as I was going to soil myself. In the urgency she opened the door to the singular cubicle the pub has to offer and let me in to do my business as she fixed her tights and long embellished skirt as I finished up. Once we left we wanted a soft drink but the barman refused to serve us on account of us both being in the same cubicle at one time. I understand why he said this- drug use at the moment is absolutely rife, I work in a small town bar myself so I know. But suffering with what I do, and after being embarrassed like that in front of an intimate pub setting, plus my knowledge of bar staffs ideas being unshaken even in the face of customers reasoning, I didn’t even bother to dispute. I just left embarrassed. I do think writing this would hopefully help someone else in my situation. Nobody should soil themselves waiting for their family member to finish using the solitary toilet on offer- out of fear of not being served at the bar. Was disappointing to be honest, as the last time I was here the pub reeked of urine, but I gave it a second chance this time, and I was proved wrong as a result. I hope the bar staff see this and realise that their unwelcoming attitude should be given with factual knowledge rather than just their own notions

My sister and I ran into this pub to use the toilet, she used it first, but as I have toilet issues (IBS), i asked my sister to please hurry as I was going to soil myself. In the urgency she opened the door to the singular cubicle the pub has to offer and let me in to do my business as she fixed her tights and long embellished skirt as I finished up. Once we left we wanted a soft drink but the barman refused to serve us on account of us both being in the same cubicle at one time. I understand why he said this- drug use at the moment is absolutely rife, I work in a small town bar myself so I know. But suffering with what I do, and after being embarrassed like that in front of an intimate pub setting, plus my knowledge of bar staffs ideas being unshaken even in the face of customers reasoning, I didn’t even bother to dispute. I just left embarrassed. I do think writing this would hopefully help someone else in my situation. Nobody should soil themselves waiting for their family member to finish using the solitary toilet on offer- out of fear of not being served at the bar. Was disappointing to be honest, as the last time I was here the pub reeked of urine, but I gave it a second chance this time, and I was proved wrong as a result. I hope the bar staff see this and realise that their unwelcoming attitude should be given with factual knowledge rather than just their own notions.

Cosy wee bar on the Fleshmarket, friendly barman and good selection of drinks. Place was very busy but it is only small but we managed to squeeze in. Would recommend and would return.

Acogedor bar en el mercado de carne, barman amable y buena selección de bebidas. El lugar estaba muy ocupado, pero es solo pequeño, pero nos las arreglamos para apretar en. Lo recomendaría y volvería.

Tuve una experiencia horrible aquí anoche. Llegué al pub conmigo y mi pareja y otras 3 parejas. Se encontró inmediatamente cuando llegamos por el bar hombre sin rodeos diciendo ‘cuántos hay en su grupo no tomamos grupos grandes’ dije que somos 8 pero todos somos parejas. Había dos mesas grandes libres y un montón de espacio para sentarnos cómodamente sin estar en el camino o abarrotar. Se negó a servirnos diciendo que no toma grupos grandes. Encontré a este hombre grosero y su razonamiento era totalmente extraño diciendo que nuestro grupo era demasiado grande. Decidimos irnos e ir al siguiente pub, pero nos sigue un bar que procedió a ‘avisar’ a los trabajadores del siguiente pub sobre nosotros. Mientras que los simpáticos camareros nos dijeron que no hiciéramos caso, yo estaba muy decepcionado con las acciones de este hombre. No volveré y no recomendaría.

A little gem of a pub and definitely one of the best places to get real ale in Edinburgh. Wonderfully filled with railway pictures and memorabilia. It's in an extraordinary location, a short (steep steps!) walk from the station. The photos on Google are a little misleading as meals are no longer available, but it's a must for beer fans, and they offer a great selection of whisky.

Vive a 300 millas. De vuelta después de un partido exitoso en Murrayfield. Buen precio, excelente servicio. Sigue siendo un pub quebrado. Por favor, visita.

Indeed a tiny pub with a lot of personality

Great little pub with friendly atmosphere. Barkeeper suggested different whiskys to try and was very knowledgeable. Not a “touristy” venue , just genuine and basic .

Popped in as too early for a train...was very busy..bit shabby..

Small and lovely. Cosy and comfy. Lovely spot.

Great pub for a wee rest half way up the stairs.

A typical Scottish pub, off the beaten track 🤠

Lovely pub on the steps from Marketstreet to the Royal mile. Try good whiskey and hear from a well-educated bartender who knows everything about this drink.

Pub propio y tradicional de Edimburgo que logra evitar ser turístico sin dejar de estar a metros de la Royal Mile. La cerveza está bien cuidada y la selección de cerveza ale cambia regularmente y los precios son razonables. Uno de los mejores pubs del centro de la ciudad.

What a great place. On an alley (Close) and tucked away. If you’re looking for a small, authentic, feeling place to get a couple beers then THIS IS IT! Not a ton of room or seats so be prepared. There is some outside seating also though. They do NOT serve food other than some snacks. Highly recommend.

Good honest pub caught in a little corner of tourist streets... a gem. Went in right at opening and the bartender was kind, informative on their selections, and made great convo. Best genuine experience in the area.

Found this hidden gem. Small, cozy, fun. Hope to return

Really nice pub with a friendly bartender!

Found the Halfway House Halfway down a Close. A great find, good ale in what Is 1 of the smallest bars I've ever been in. We stayed for 2 pints and then made our way back to the Royal Mile. I've starred it so next trip to Edinburgh I no where to head.

A very nice pub. I tried a good dark Scotch Ale. Very tasty. The staff is very friendly. A time well spent. I hope to come back again (soon).

Recommended. Lots of atmosphere, small and intimate.

A typical Scottish pub. Pleasant atmosphere and good beer

Very odd experience at Halfway House 2pm on 19/09/24 - First time in my life I was refused service because I apparently had “difficulty opening the entrance door”. I had previously had one glass of wine with lunch, an hour earlier. Thought I would pop in for a pint before catching the train home. Looked through the window before entering into the pub, with only about 4 or 5 other people inside thought it was nice and quiet, and so I approached the bar and ordered my pint. “Not today”, came the reply. I asked if the beer was off? The reply left me speechless. “No, it looked like you had difficulty opening the door”. Quickly departed and headed down to Brewhemia where I enjoyed excellent service and a very good pint of Stewart’s lager. Avoid the Halfway House. Very odd. If I was the licensee, I would be checking on my bar staff, something not quite right.

There were several types of cask ale and they were all delicious. A pint was 5.40 pounds and a half was 2.70 pounds. Visited in August 2024. There were several types of cask ales and they were all delicious. A pint was £5.4 and a half was £2.7. Visited in August 2024.

A small local pub but friendly staff and outstanding Guinness, especially compared to neighbouring pubs in the area. Very smooth, perfect head and the right consistency - pleased to have found this venue. Also a lovely warm atmosphere that makes for an authentic Edinburgh pub experience.

Pub to have a pint and a single malt in a pleasant atmosphere. I didn't order food, but I think it was more for drinking than eating. The girl who helped us was very nice 😌

Very authentic pub! Great atmosphere, good music, and friendly staff.

We stayed at the Market Street Hotel, just down the street, so had passed here several times. Finally, it was too inviting, so we stopped. Glad we did. . The barkeep was patient and knowledgeable. We learned how to describe our tastes and sampled several to be sure. It was a most excellent evening.

Just popped in for a quick beer. Good range of well kept ales, lovely atmosphere and friendly service. Happy.

We stopped in for one quick shot on our way back to our hotel. I feel like if you're not a local, you're just another annoying tourist. I asked for some local scotch or whisky that I could only get in Scotland. The bartender didn't even show me the bottle he chose, and I was given Glenlivet. I can get that almost anywhere back home in the States. I left feeling unwelcome for the first time in Edinburgh.

Visited here recently with a few friends on a day out. It was a pub located down a lane so it could be difficult to find. The pub was quite small so we were lucky to get seated but the atmosphere was nice and it was good for us to chat away and watch the euros.

The smallest pub in Edinburgh! Worth a stop. Quaint spot just on the stairs a block off Royal Mile. They have some quick and easy food - sausage rolls and meat pies. Plenty of beers and whisky as well. The football game was on when we stopped in, which was a good time

Normally love this pub. Regularly visit with my Uncle. Good beers. Good range of whiskies. Good alternative music. Been in lots of times before, but this time a friend asked for the ‘dram deal’ with ginger beer and the barman shamed her for Daring to dilute a 12 year old single malt with a ginger beer. He wouldn’t serve her what she asked for and dictated she had to have a famous grouse etc. He did the same with a fella from Belfast later who asked for some lemonade in his Talisker. He seemed to enjoy flexing his power over customers to impress the cute girl at the end of the bar.

Terrible service by absolute snob who wouldn’t serve whiskey and ginger or lemonade to customers. He didn’t know how to pour a pint of Guinness either so wouldn’t take any advice from me. Gutted as otherwise could have been a nice pub.

Lovely wee pub near Waverley station. Quite hidden, halfway up the steps towards the Royal Mile. Dinky and lots of oldie character. Good service. I'll be back.

Great wee place. Fantastic Guinness

Delightful place. I visited with friends (first time) just a few weeks ago. I definitely recommend it.. I'm looking forward to popping in again on my next visit to Edinburgh

Good little pub with a nice selection of beers and very handy for the Waverly station.

Would give zero stars if I could. We were turned away for no reason on the day of pride at 4pm. Can only see that the bar staff were homophobic considering I had glitter on my face for pride. As soon as we walked in, we were told "not today". Unfortunately we went here as google said it was gay friendly, obviously not. Now I see other reviews of people where the same happened, staff obviously on a power trip. Don't bother. UPDATE - As everyone can see from your drunken ramblings at gone 2am, I am obviously the vile/hateful one. I had zero "booze" and you were never verbally abused. The irony of your response is hilarious. Good luck to you and your disgusting attitude.

Wonderful little pub. Bruce is a great bartender!

We went to have a drink, we loved the pint of beer and the service too

Good pub, good beer, close to the train station.

Nice little pub and well located.

Once again not been in this pub. Need to fix this!!

Only pies available,no hot food to order as the menu says...not for 4 years

Brilliant pub, welcome to anyone

Good working person pub with a selection of pies.

I recommend it, I haven't eaten it but the beer is great ;)

Stumbled (literally) across this fine pub after our Edinburgh Dungeon tour, a welcom sight as you climb the steps & a perfectly nice member of staff, Stella + pint of lime & soda (driving) and a substantial sausage roll, fair prices in a nice quiet that wasn't too busy at the time, I would definitely visit again the next time I'm in Edinburgh.

Don't miss Halfway House, a charming pub mere steps from Edinburgh Waverley! This true local favorite holds the title of "Edinburgh's Smallest Pub," and its size only adds to its charm. While seating can be limited due to its compact space, the friendly atmosphere and constant buzz make standing room enjoyable. Admire the unique railway memorabilia while enjoying a pint – after all, you're practically on the platform! Whether you're a seasoned local or new to the city, Halfway House is a must-visit for a taste of Edinburgh's cosy pub culture.

Really lovely traditional old pub packed full of character

A dram and a pint on the way from the train station to The Scotch Whisky Experience. Quiet, but at 11:30am mid-week what else would you really expect? Last time I was in, it was nighttime, and I was rather drunk. Shoulder-to-shoulder with the rest of the patrons. Whenever you visit, Edinburgh's smallest pub is a must for a stop.

Was visiting Edinburgh with my daughter. The bartender was especially rude, refused to serve us, claimed we were drunk and kicked us out. We hadn’t had anything to drink that day except coffee. The pub right above The Halfway House was friendly and had great atmosphere. Never been kicked out of a bar, so at least now we can say we were and in Scotland of all places.

Just go. Great beer in a quiet nook with a friendly but not imposing bar keep/ manager. Stop by or stay for a bit...you won't be sorry! Sorry, no food here.

Very good pub, very nice, with good beer and good whiskey not very expensive! It’s a real change from the tourist pubs in the center!

For train lovers a short stop. Very small.

Nipped in for a couple of pints. Not changed much since the last time I was in 20yrs ago.

Great experience of scotch pub hidden in a very narrow street, very friendly service and great scotch whisky, totally recommend!

Bruce is a great bartender. We enjoyed his witty conversation. The cask ales were very good. Near the bottom of Fleshmarket Close.

Friendly staff. Decent selection of beers. Small beer garden

This is a proper Scottish pub. If you're lucky enough to find a place to park and enjoy good conversation with the owner and the locals, then consider yourself lucky.

Great railway themed pub, fantastic bar tenders

A proper pub, really good ale, the Lia Fail was especially good, friendly customers, a welcome break from the many touristy pubs of Edinburgh.

An oasis of peace & quiet in the centre of Edinburgh in tourist season. Bar snacks only. Pies, bridies etc

Great location and wonderful atmosphere.

What a tiny pub. 4 or 5 pumps for cask. 6 or 7 tables.... Great location halfway up the stairs.

Made my day After disappointment with most of the bars this pub is how it should be: sincere, friendly, courteous. RECOMMEND!

A friendly welcome and a well kept pint of Stella

Great service.... Great banter!

Lot older customers, being intimating towards other people in the especially tourist & younger members of the customers. Over heard lot sexist remarks as well. My wife felt very uncomfortable & afraid Won't be going bck there in hurry.

Cozy. Quiet. Away from the hell that is the tourist centre of Royal Mile.

Nice little pub located along an alley. Friendly environment. We had a good time for a drink! It's probably standard in UK/Scotland but they also sell regular and flavored peanuts...

Nice Small, pub good atmosphere, staff could be cheerier.

Atmosphere is so cool for watching the football or rugby

Friendly service and a nice atmosphere, only a small pub, but it's a great stop off when you're climbing the steps.

Close to Waverley Station, know Fleshmarket Close from Ian Rankin, happy to find that halfway up is a cracking cosy pub. Drop in for a pint or two. Recommended.

I don't write reviews but I had to for this place. I went in close to closing time and the beer and music was good but what made it stand out was the barman was giving customers the food from their pie machine instead of binning them at the end of the night. Good beer, good music and a steak pie, what more could you ask?

Amazingly close to another poor review. Went in yesterday evening, 4th Feb asked who brewed one of the beers on tap. Then the one next to it and barman said they wouldn’t serve us and leave. Absolutely no reason for it. Hadn’t been drinking beforehand. First time in my life I’ve ever been refused service. Ridiculous and embarrassing.

Love this place. Amazing ale. Great pies. Rarely crowded despite being tiny. Love, love love it. Secret hidden in plain view

Nettes Pub, sehr klein, nur über viele Stiegen erreichbar, kein Essen. Zufällig entdeckt, auf ein Pint reingeschaut. Nett.

Great bar, great beer, great music.

Great little historic pub with a fine selection of ales.

Un rincón muy agradable cerca de la Royal Mile. Pequeño pero auténtico

Decent pub but the staff were extremely rude and arrogant towards us who were clearly tourists.

Fantastic little pub, and I mean little. Great selection of drinks and friendly staff. Definitely coming again when back in Edinburgh.

1st visit. Convinced hubby to go to the Royal Mile and had a wee stop on way up Fleshmarket Close. Small, snug pub that's been around for centuries. Outdoor seating also available. Popular with tourists and locals alike. Definitely get a sense of olde worlde here. If only walls could talk!

Great pint of Guinness for brekkie this morning.

Great wee pub, cozy local experience in the centre of town

Cute pub. No more serving food :(

A beautiful pub full of taste and atmosphere. Lovely welcoming staff. Service great. Fab ye olde time pub full of character 👌

Lovely food and staff, highly recommend!

Delicious beer, bartender is real professional - recommended me best Scottish beer

Lovely wee pub, will be back to try their pies

A small comfortable city centre bar. A great place to have a quick pint or spend the entire evening in.

This place has very unique atmosphere. The space is pretty small. Had some drinks. We tried whiskey flight, very fun experience for us.

Really chilled pub, nice and cosy. Felt very local with really friendly atmosphere. Lots of choices for whisky. A must visit

Lovely cosy bar good atmosphere 👌

Wie der Name schon sagt, findet man diesen Pub auf halber Strecke der Treppe. Stimmung super, Bierauswahl gut, perfekt für einen Stopp auf halber Strecke.

Absolutely appalling service, the bar man claimed to be the manager, completely lost his temper and refused to serve us.... He would not give us his name or a reason for not serving us, the experience ruined our afternoon trip, it was totally embarrassing, however he made a bigger fool of himself