The claim
Facing Bruntsfield Links, one of the oldest places where golf has been played, the Golf Tavern claims origins in 1456 and fills its walls with golfing memorabilia. The date reflects local golfing lore rather than any documented alehouse, and the national designations cover its neighbours on Barclay Place but hold no entry for the tavern. Treat the claim as legend.
What the records show
The 1456 comes from secondary lists and seems to attach to traditions of golf on Bruntsfield Links rather than to any documented tavern; no licence, deed or directory entry for it has been traced. The national designations have now been searched around Wright's Houses: within a hundred and fifty metres they hold twenty-six listed buildings, including the tenements at 1-19 Barclay Place next door and the Barclay church and its hall opposite, and no entry for the Golf Tavern. So nothing official dates this building either, and the 1456 stands as golfing legend.
What to look for inside
- Overlooks Bruntsfield Links, a historic public golf course
Visiting
The Golf Tavern is in Edinburgh, Scotland, at 30-31 Wright's Houses, Edinburgh EH10 4HR. We do not list opening times, because they change; the pub’s own site is the place to check before you set out.
Sources
- www.oldest.org/food/oldest-pubs-in-edinburgh/
- www.golftavern.co.uk/
- camra.org.uk/pubs/olde-golf-tavern-edinburgh-150098
- ratings.food.gov.uk/business/140663
- portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB28268
Know something we don’t?Suggest a correctionLast checked Sept 2026
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