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The Bonnington
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
friendlycozylocal
About the Vibe
The Bonnington Leith defies its old reputation as a gloomy pub—it's now a warm, welcoming spot where friendly staff make you feel like regulars from the moment you walk in. Located on a gentle slope in Leith, it splits between a lively bar upstairs and a cozy eatery downstairs, perfect for grabbing a meal before or after a night out. You'll find excellent coffee, rotating real ales, and a menu that goes beyond standard pub fare with standout dishes like their gingerbread cookies (courtesy of The Gingerbread Baker) and hearty burgers.
Known For
- •excellent coffee
- •rotating real ales
- •Gingerbread Baker cookies
- •burger
- •live music and quiz nights
Best For
casual dinnerspost-work drinksdog-friendly outings
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 10, 2026
A Leith local that finally got it right
I used to write off The Bonnington as one of those dark, unfriendly pubs, but I was dead wrong. This place has completely turned things around—friendly staff who actually care, a warm atmosphere that feels like a proper local pub, and a menu that punches well above its weight. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee in the morning, settling in for a burger at dinner, or just enjoying a pint on a quiet evening, this spot delivers without pretension.
The downstairs dining area is particularly inviting, with table nooks and a central fire that makes it perfect for cooler evenings. They've got a solid selection of local and national beers, but don't skip the coffee—it's genuinely excellent. And if you're into sweet treats, you have to try their gingerbread cookies from The Gingerbread Baker; they're a local favorite for a reason. It's the kind of place where you'll find yourself coming back, not because it's trendy, but because it just feels right.