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The Antiquary
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
cozyold-fashionedlocal-crowd
About the Vibe
Tucked away in a basement on St Stephen Street, The Antiquary is the kind of old-school Edinburgh pub that locals fiercely protect. For 35 years, it's maintained its cozy, unpretentious charm with split seating areas, roaring fires in winter, and a bar that feels like it's been frozen in amber. You'll find students, Stockbridge regulars, and football fans all sharing the same space—some watching sports on big screens, others huddled in nooks for quiet chats. The beer selection is solid (Guinness and Deuchars IPA are well-kept), the Sunday roast is legendary for hangover recovery, and the friendly staff will happily chat about the city over a drink.
Known For
- •Sunday roast
- •extensive whisky selection
- •pub quizzes
- •dog-friendly
Best For
casual drinksSunday lunchgroup gatherings
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 10, 2026
The Real Deal Basement Pub
The Antiquary is exactly the kind of basement pub Edinburgh does best—unfussy, welcoming, and steeped in local character. You'll find yourself drawn to its split-level layout, where one section buzzes with football fans and quiz night energy, while the other offers quieter corners for conversation. The staff are genuinely friendly, the beer is properly kept, and if you time it right for Sunday lunch, the roast dinner is one of the best value meals in the city. It's not fancy, but that's precisely the point.
What really sets it apart is how it feels like a true neighborhood haunt. Locals know to ask for the quiz master on quiz night, regulars have their usual spots, and the atmosphere is warm enough that you'll want to linger even when you've got places to be. The whisky selection is solid without being intimidating, and they're genuinely dog-friendly, which matters in a city where many pubs are less welcoming to four-legged companions. Skip the flashier options in the area and come here for the real thing.