CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

The Canons Gait

A stylish and traditional bar set in the heart of Edinburgh's Canongate on the Royal Mile.

The Canons Gait

About The Canons Gait

232 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DQ
01315564481
The Canons Gait Website
Facebook information can be found here

King David I of Scotland founded a monastery at Holyrood in 1128 and the road followed by the Canons as they moved between the monastery and the walls of Edinburgh further up the hill became the Canons’ Way or Canons’ Gait.

For many centuries the area known as Canongate remained a separate burgh, outside Edinburgh’s city walls. This made it a much more spacious and desirable place to live for the great and the good of the city, though at times it could also make it a dangerous place to live. The area was sacked repeatedly, most comprehensively by Richard II in 1380.

‘In the 1500s Mary Queen of Scots’ French tailor Jaques de Soulis lived here’. The building housing the pub is located on the site of Plainstanes Close, so called because it was paved like Canongate itself. In the 1500s Mary Queen of Scots’ French tailor Jaques de Soulis lived here.

Today The Canons’ Gait offers food all day, with a wide selection of imported lagers and traditional real ales and our cellar bar is a very popular venue particularly during the Edinburgh Festival with a full house most nights.

Upcoming Events at The Canons Gait

More Bars and Pubs in Edinburgh

Greater Grassmarket

Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District 39 Grassmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HS

Steeped in some of Edinburgh's greatest history, Greater Grassmarket is only a minutes' walk from the popular Royal Mile and visitor favourite, the National Museum of Scotland.

READ MORE

Eve Edinburgh

18-20 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JR

A restaurant, bar and entertainment space in Edinburgh with live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday until late.

READ MORE

The Salisbury Arms Edinburgh

58 Dalkeith Road , Edinburgh South EH16 5AD

Situated at the bottom of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, The Salisbury Arms is a beautifully restored local pub, bar and restaurant, that provides the perfect...

READ MORE

The Joker and The Thief

71 Elm Row, Leith EH7 4AQ

Welcome to The Joker & the Thief, a cozy wee pub on Elm Row. We serve great booze in a warm and welcoming environment. It really is a simple as that.

READ MORE

The Black Bull

128 Grassmarket , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2JU

The Black Bull is a wonderful bar situated on Edinburgh's Grassmarket, the perfect location if you want to visit some of Edinburgh's hot spots and are looking for a great atmosphere!

READ MORE

Copper Still

154 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QS

Copper Still is a delightful Scottish bar and restaurant located right in the middle of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.

READ MORE

The Basement Bar

10a - 12a Broughton Street, Edinburgh New Town EH1 3RH

Situated on Edinburgh's Broughton Street, The Basement Bar is a Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant featuring the city's largest selection of Mezcal and Tequila!

READ MORE

Brig Below

96-98 Leith Walk, Leith EH6 5HB

Brig Below, established in 2017 in the heart of Leith, is a new cellar venue available for live music, comedy, private functions and more.

READ MORE

Dropkick Murphys Edinburgh

7 Merchant Street , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2QD

​​Everyone’s favourite Irish Bar! Open late with live music Wednesday to Sunday. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just off the Cowgate and overlooking the Grassmarket.

READ MORE

Henricks Bar

1 Barclay Place, Edinburgh South EH10 4HW

Henrick’s bar is your home from home, your neighbourhood bar offering cocktails and comfort food in a relaxed and inviting environment.

READ MORE

The Sheep Heid Inn

43 - 45 The Causeway, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh East EH15 3QA

As Scotlands oldest Pub we would love to welcome you to The Sheep Heid.Serving guests since 1360 we invite you to join us for a bite to eat and a drink...

READ MORE

Legends

71 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JW

Classic and alternative rock club with regular drinks specials, themed events and karaoke nights.

READ MORE
All Bars and Pubs listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
The Chocolatarium
The Cookbook Shop
King Pins
Fayre Play
The Cogency
Cancer Research UK
Escape The Past
Cancer Research UK
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
The Chocolatarium
The Cookbook Shop
King Pins
Fayre Play
The Cogency
Cancer Research UK
Escape The Past
Cancer Research UK
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG

Popular Events

Charlie Puth
Internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum and award-winning artist, producer, musician and songwriter Charlie Puth has announced the Whatever's Clever! 2026 World Tour, coming to Edinburgh in July!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic McEwans Hall in Edinburgh come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Orchard Wassailing
Come along to Lauriston Farm Community Orchard for songs led by Penny Stone, and merry noise-making with bells and drums, to celebrate their beloved orchard trees and wish them a good year ahead!
Community Connections
Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Auld Reekie Board Gaming Club
Fancy a night of epic games and good laughs? Join Auld Reekie Board Gaming Club for an evening packed with board games, from classics to new favourites!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall