Athletic Arms

The Athletic Arms, which has been serving the local residents since 1897 is better known to the good folk of Edinburgh as the Diggers due to being nestled between two graveyards. Local grave diggers used to quench their thirst here after a long  day of burying the dead.

The current owner is in his sixth year at the helm and has amassed a collection of over 250 single malts. We will go a long way to prove that great real ale bars are also often great whisky bars. The space has been modernised over the years but is still traditional with a marble bar top, wooden floors and eight polished tall fonts, we are one of only  a handful of pubs in the city to still use them.

The 250 strong whisky collection is served in larger than normal 35ml measures for taste and quality. We are in our third year of running a whisky festival, where we offer over 40 ever changing single malts, available in 35ml measures for only  £2.50, we believe this is one of many reasons the institution remains so popular with locals and tourists alike.

As well as the extensive collection of whiskies we offer a dynamic range of beers and ales, which change regularly to allow variety. We are proud of our affiliation with the cask marque organisation and "Dugs welcome".