Edinburgh pubs: Readers share memories of the Capital’s long lost pubs – including Champagne Charlie’s

Dozens of pubs across Edinburgh have closed in recent years, many of which bring back fond memories of a misspent youth or a sense of community and belonging.
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We asked which Capital pub you miss the most and your responses flew in – with over 600 comments on the Evening News Facebook page.

In no order, here's some of the pubs our readers miss and a few memories.

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Roxanne Kelly said: “The Burnt Post on Lothian Road – I many a good night had in there.”

The Green Tree and Cas Rock are just two lost Edinburgh bars our readers have fond memories of.The Green Tree and Cas Rock are just two lost Edinburgh bars our readers have fond memories of.
The Green Tree and Cas Rock are just two lost Edinburgh bars our readers have fond memories of.

Sandra Munro wrote: “The Yellow Carvell, just off the Royal Mile and North Bridge. Fantastic music at the weekends.”

Margaret Gillies reminisced about The Marina at Goldenacre, saying: “My local for years. I had my 21st birthday party there. I think latterly the downstairs bar was the Lamp Lighter. Often the last port of call on the way home.”

Mike Bremner picked out the The Stags Head in Canonmills, recalling: “Not the most elegant pub, but it was ‘home" for all the Tesco crew across the road.”

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Pete Thom wrote: “The Crags, and I'm a bit surprised I didn't see anyone else say it. Was my second home all through my 20s.”

June Burgoyne mused: “Didn't go to many pubs but loved a wee dance at Edgars, the Rose Street pub. My dad, years ago, used to drink and sing at the Granton Wardie Hotel.”

Frazer Henderson made a list of all his favourtites: “Fibber Magee’s, Jekyl & Hyde, Oddfellows, Beau Brummell, The Kitchen and Negotiants.”

Allan Iain Morrison misses a fair few, too, writing: “So many. Some still there but in name only. The Presevation Hall, The Holyrood (before it became 9A), The Pear Tree (when it was still a bikers pub), Sneaky Pete’s, Legends, Joseph Pearce.

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Graham Rowley said: “Champagne Charlie’s on Castle Street. It’s now a cocktail bar called Tonic. Was a great boozer when the late Graeme Allan owned it in the 90s. Also The Illicit Still in Brougham Street at Tollcross when David Rankin had it.”

Roz Britton recalled: “PJ Lyles on Leith Wal used to have epic lock-ins.”

Simon Shields said: I used to love The Green Tree on Cowgate the Cas Rock and The Auld Toll – all fine boozers.”

Alan Amos wrote: “Cheers on the Royal Mile and Bissets Bar in Morrison Street. Had some great times in both.”

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Carol Youngson Booth said: “The Doocot and when The Birdscage was on every Fri and Sat night… bring it back!”

Christopher O'Hara clearly liked to drink in Leith, as he told us: “All the pubs which were in the film Trainspotting.”

Kevin Campbell wrote: “Trafalgar and the Vintage in Henderson Street, having a pint with my dad.”

Robbie Hamilton named five: “Dizzies, the Old Salt, the Auld Clachan, Port Hamilton, Fire Station.”

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