Tucked halfway up Fleshmarket Close, one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric old closes, the Jinglin' Geordie is a proper old-school pub that hasn't changed much in decades — and that's exactly why people love it. Named after George Heriot (the "jingling" referred to the coins he jingled in his pocket), this tiny one-room bar is a favourite of locals, dog walkers, and anyone who appreciates a good pint in a place with genuine history. Don't come expecting craft cocktails or a gastropub menu — come for the character.
Halfway up the atmospheric Fleshmarket Close, this tiny one-room pub — George Best's favourite — serves proper pints with old stained glass, friendly staff, and zero pretension.
It's a tiny one-room bar that fills up fast — go early or on weekday afternoons for a quieter pint and a seat.
A proper old Edinburgh pub on a historic close
The Jinglin' Geordie is the kind of pub that reminds you why Edinburgh's Old Town is special. You climb the steep, narrow Fleshmarket Close — one of the city's most photogenic closes — and halfway up, there it is: a tiny, one-room bar with stained glass windows, old photos and drawings on the walls, and a long-case clock in the lounge area. It's been here forever, and it feels like it. There's no pretension, no gastropub menu, no cocktail list — just a proper bar serving good beer to people who appreciate a bit of peace and a lot of history.
The pub is famously known as George Best's favourite Edinburgh watering hole, and you'll still find photos of him on the walls. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly bar staff, the reasonable prices, and the relaxed atmosphere. It's properly dog-friendly too, which is a real plus in the Old Town. The whole place is essentially one small room — a few tables around a telly on one side, some perching and standing areas on the other — so it fills up fast on busy nights, but that's part of the charm. If you want a quiet pint with character, this is your spot.