The Last Drop, Edinburgh

What is so Special about The Last Drop?

The Last Drop is a traditional Scottish pub in the centre of Edinburgh's historical Old Town, to be found at 74/78, The Grassmarket, near The Royal Mile. It is a place of wooden beams, a friendly atmosphere, fine ales and quality food.

The Last Drop is a pub I have enjoyed visiting regularly for what is now considerably more than twenty years and - as a consequence of which - you may be assured that what follows comes very much from personal experience. Regular updates will be posted, as and when required. This is by no means a bland, standard recommendation from someone writing ten pub guides a day via the dubious benefits of internet research and vague word of mouth - this is the real deal. Why not put me to the test and try it out for yourself? Visit The Last Drop and meet real Scots, in a real Scottish pub - I honestly don't believe you will be disappointed!

Stop Press!!! - A Great Honour Bestowed on this Page!

Monday, August 25th, 2008

It was on the above date that I was delighted to discover this site had been afforded the fantastic honour of being named, "Lens of the Day," on Squidoo! This means that it was prominently featured on the site's homepage for the day and as a result received a great many visitors from around the globe. Thank you to all of them who left so many wonderful comments in the Guestbook below and I hope that some of you will be inspired enough to pay a visit to Edinburgh and The Last Drop pub!

Site Contents

A brief guide as to what you will find on this site about The Last Drop

Why should you be required to rely on so called pub information sites which can be months - or even years - out of date? Do you have any idea how many sites such as this are created and then left, unattended, for all eternity? Why not bookmark this site for future reference and keep up to date with what is happening at The Last Drop?

This guide to The Last Drop was last updated on Thursday 25th June 2009.

Click on any of the options below to go straight to the required and relevant section, or better still, browse the entire site for a greater idea of what is going on at The Last Drop.

Where is The Last Drop?
Thirsty?
The Journal of the Traveling Squid - A Round the World Charity Trip
The Five Dollar Vacation
Do you want to know more about Gordon Hamilton, the Author of this Page?
Hungry?
Are You An Exorcist?
Get to know your way around Edinburgh
Why is "The Last Drop" so called?
Properties to Let in Edinburgh
See more of Edinburgh here on Squidoo
Greyfriars Bobby
Edinburgh on flickr.com - a city of beauty, culture, heritage...
Maybe you can get to meet Maria, The Last Drop's very own Ghost!
The Smoking Ban in Scotland (2006)
Want to know more about the history of Edinburgh and the Grassmarket?
Perhaps You Would Rather Search For Your Own Bargain Book?
William Wallace
What's the Weather like in Edinburgh Today?
What's Happening in Edinburgh Today?
Quality Scottish Merchandise at Affordable Prices
There are a lot more than Pub Reviews on Gordon Hamilton's Blog
Visit Edinburgh soon!
Are you an Aspiring Writer? Would you like to Create your own Pub Reviews?
Do You Have Your Own Website or Blog on the Internet?
Tourist Information in Edinburgh
What did you think of The Last Drop and this Site?

Where is The Last Drop?

How do I get there?

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Thirsty?

Come in, sit down and have a drink...

From the very first moment that you set foot in The Last Drop, you cannot help but get a feel for its historical significance and associations. Whether that be due to the "Old Worldly" wooden beams aplenty, the deliberately and carefully subdued lighting, the memorial sites in the street you have just left or a complex blend of all three and more, you will have to judge for yourself. This sense of tradition and heritage is very important to the proprietors and something they are always looking to maintain.

So what is your favourite tipple? You certainly won't be short of choices from this well-stocked bar. Is a traditional pint the order of the day? Select an ale from a choice of Belhaven Best, Caledonian 80 shilling or perhaps that favourite of Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus, Deuchars IPA. Lager drinkers also have the option of partaking of Scotland's favourite and best selling lager, Tennent's.

Wines and spirits drinkers too have a great selection to choose from but being in Scotland, surely you have to try a "wee dram" of the world's finest malt whisky? The owners of The Last Drop have actually supplied a tasting guide to help you make an informed choice from thirteen of the very best. Browse the guide, or ask for advice - there will almost certainly be at least one there to suit your taste!

Soft drinks and coffee are of course available for any drivers or teetotallers. I can also strongly recommend a "Gaelic" or "Irish" style coffee, laced with fine whisky and topped with cream. This is particularly enjoyable after a fine meal, which we shall look at in more detail a little later on...

The Journal of the Traveling Squid - A Round the World Charity Trip

It was in mid-March 2009 that I was asked by Squidoo's Lensmaster of the Year 2008, Jaguar Julie, from Florida, USA, to be the first participant in a worldwide charity project she was in the process of organising. She planned on sending a t-shirt and journal on a worldwide trip via Squidoo contributors. Each person is required to sign the t-shirt, make an entry in the journal, take a relevant photo, make a donation to their favourite charity and subsequently post the items on to the next person.

I felt of course extremely honoured and was delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile project. I decided that, as the very first Squidoo site I created about a place was this one on The Last Drop, what better place to send The Journal of the Travelling Squid on its way than the place where essentially I started my own Squidoo journey.

The t-shirt and the journal can be seen in the photograph above along with Last Drop barman Alex Mill and I. This image was taken on 31st March 2009 and the items packaged up and sent on their onward journey the following day to Squidoo contributor aj2008.

The Five Dollar Vacation

An international charity project devised following this visit to The Last Drop!

The Five Dollar Vacation - A Worldwide Charity Project with a Difference

It may seem strange for a Briton like me - who has never even visited the United States - to talk about The Five Dollar Vacation when of course this title would perhaps seem slightly less mysterious as his creation were he to brand it, "The Five Poun...

Do you want to know more about Gordon Hamilton, the Author of this Page?

Do you want to see the full details of what he does and what he writes about?

The site linked to below will provide far greater details as to who Gordon Hamilton is and what he writes about, apart from pubs!. The main subjects which he writes about at present are the actual Business of Writing, Business Advertising and Marketing, Food and Drink, Personal Finance and Travel but he also from time to time touches on a lot more.

Gordon Hamilton - Freelance Writer

Gordon Hamilton has been a Freelance Writer, writing for - and creating - Web 2.0 sites on the Web since April 2007. The first site which he joined was Helium.com, followed by Squidoo in August 2007 and Hub Pages a month later. Those three sites rema...

Hungry?

Grab a menu and prepare yourself for a treat!

I vividly recall the occasion of my very first visit to The Last Drop. I did not live in Edinburgh at that time and was visiting the city with an uncle to attend an International Rugby Union match and we went there on his personal recommendation.

I was immediately impressed.

I liked the layout of the pub, the beer was great, and as it was around lunchtime, we decided to order some food. Being the carnivore that I am, I went for the Steak and Guinness Pie and I was not disappointed. It was absolutely delicious and I am delighted to say that it is still made in The Last Drop, by the same, secret recipe, and served up right to this very day. I have since partaken of it on a great many more occasions.

The food in The Last Drop is served from noon until nine pm, seven days a week, and is prepared fresh on the premises wherever possible and practical. This is something which very much comes across in the eating experience. It is also cooked in a healthy fashion, with not a deep fat fryer to be found in this kitchen. The other big seller on the menu (apart from the Steak and Guinness Pie) is the haggis, turnip and potato - or haggis, neeps and tatties as you are perhaps more likely to hear it referred by aficionados of traditional Scottish food. The haggis is bought in fresh from a trusted local butcher and is not of the "chemically enhanced," tinned variety!

There are of course many more items on The Last Drop's menu at extremely reasonable prices, including everything from snacks and wraps to salads and baked potatoes. Perhaps you may fancy something with an international flavour, such as pasta, curry or enchiladas? Whatever your choice, I very much hope you have the chance to experience it soon and know that regardless of what it may be, you are in for a treat.

Are You An Exorcist?

Do you perhaps know someone for whom this t-shirt would be perfect?

There are of course a great many of us who love our whisky and other spirits - but equally, it can be possible to take this passion a little too far! Are you one of those people whose friends lock their drinks' cabinets when you pay them a visit? Do you perhaps have to lock your own drinks' cabinet when particular friends pay you a visit?

The t-shirt pictured is but one example of dozens of products available to buy online at fantastic prices, summing up just such people. Click here to visit the store and snap up a hilarious bargain today.

Get to know your way around Edinburgh

See the sites, visit the pubs, sample Scotland's finest malts!

Edinburgh truly is a city which has something for everyone. The historical sites of the Old Town where The Last Drop is situated, the shopping on Princes Street and George Street - among others - in the New Town, the different types of pubs and restaurants city-wide. But how does a visitor find these places which they have heard or read so much about? That is where this handy little map comes in...

Click on the image or link below for further details. This will automatically take you to Amazon.com.

Pocket Map and Guide Edinburgh (EYEWITNESS POCKET MAP & GUIDE)

by: DK Publishing

Full of practical information, in an easy-to-use foldout format. Also includes advice on where to eat,have a drink, or simply just shop!

Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
List Price: $6.99

Why is "The Last Drop" so called?

A brief look at the history of Edinburgh's Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is situated in the shadow of the city's most famous landmark, Edinburgh Castle, and is currently in the process of receiving a multi-million pound redevelopment. It first appeared in the 15th century as a marketplace but has a rich, often dark, cultural history far beyond the boundaries of the purpose for which it was created. Historical figures such as Rabbie Burns, Sir Walter Scott and the infamous Burke and Hare have all graced this place at one time or another and many of the properties on the Grassmarket were at one time in fact owned by the Knight's Templar, the secret society so recently brought back to prominence by Dan Brown's book, "The Da Vinci Code."

But it is the Grassmarket's function as the place of public hangings which leads to the name, "The Last Drop." Many a wicked criminal, innocent soul and religious martyr alike met their end at this location. The exact spot where the gallows once stood is marked by a St Andrew's cross in the cobblestones bearing the inscription, "For the Protestant faith, on this spot many martyrs and covenanters died." The Last Drop offers t-shirts for sale to those seeking a souvenir of their visit with the solemn monogram of a public gallows emblazoned prominently on the front.

Properties to Let in Edinburgh

Advertise your property for free or find the property you require

See more of Edinburgh here on Squidoo

It truly is a cosmpolitan, cultural and historic city

The City of Edinburgh has a very special feel to it - an atmosphere all of its own. The below sites afford some further idea of just what wonders you can see and experience within its boundaries.

Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags are twin rock formations to the north-east of Edinburgh City Centre, in the grounds of the Royal Holyrood Park. There are numerous walks over and around these geographical features, of varying degrees of length and d...

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the impressive thoroughfare which connects Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. There can surely be no other street in the world which affords the visitor such a diverse ble...

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh

Princes Street Gardens, in the very centre of Edinburgh, actually forms part of what used to be the bed of a man made loch, called the Nor Loch. Drainage of the loch began in 1760 with the developing Gardens first being leased by the Crown Estate in...

The Scott Monument, Edinburgh

"The Scott Monument. Erected 1840-44 to the memory of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832.) Born in Edinburgh, lawyer and ardent patriot. He won enduring fame as a romantic poet and the author of the Waverley novels. This monument was designed by George Meik...

Greyfriars Bobby

A touching - and absolutely true - historical Edinburgh story

Greyfriars Bobby Scotlands Legendary Dog: John Grey his wife Jess and their son moved to Edinburgh where he joined the Police force as a night watchman. as he patroled the streets at night alone he decided to get a dog to walk with him and he got...

Edinburgh on flickr.com - a city of beauty, culture, heritage...

The list is endless

For but a tiny sample of some of the most magnificent places Edinburgh can offer to the visitor or resident alike, click on any or even all of the photos in turn to see them full size.

St John's Church, Edinburgh

curated content from Flickr

Maybe you can get to meet Maria, The Last Drop's very own Ghost!

A spooky tale of times long gone and a mischievous spirit not yet at rest

Many a visitor to The Last Drop over the years has felt a gentle tug to their shirt or jacket from a seemingly unknown source. Some have even caught ill-defined sight of a young girl standing forlornly in the corner. Have you had, or could you yet have, such an experience?

Legend has it that Maria was a young Irish girl, murdered by a Scotsman and that she still frequents The Last Drop with mischief on her mind. Do you believe in such tales...?

The Smoking Ban in Scotland (2006)

How has it affected our pubs?

There can be little doubt that pubs were right at the forefront of businesses affected by the introduction of the Smoking Ban which came into effect in Scotland in March 2006. Two years on, where do we stand...?

Smokers' Rights

I feel it is imperative that I begin here by pointing out that this is by no means a site dedicated to encouraging people to start smoking, discouraging smokers from stopping smoking, or in any way creating the impression that smoking is an acceptabl...

Want to know more about the history of Edinburgh and the Grassmarket?

Here is but one suggestion...

The history of Edinburgh can be chilling and bloody but equally fascinating and diverse. From the days of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and even prior to that, this incredible city has wound tendrils through the mists of time.

The following publications - some offering great discounts - on Amazon.com give but a taste of what has gone before...

Note that Edinburgh's Grassmarket is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment work. The Last Drop and other businesses remain open for business, however, and the work is due for completion in late 2008.

Auld Reekie: An Edinburgh Anthology

John Betjeman referred to Edinburgh as, "the most beautiful city in Europe." This magnificent anthology takes in to account poetry, novels, essays and lots, lots more to capture the history and atmosphere of this incredible city. Delving back more than five hundred years, from the Battle of Floden to the latter day novels of Ian Rankin, legends such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson are just two of the household names portrayed in these pages. This book is essential reading for all those who love the city of Edinburgh and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock every year to "Auld Reekie."

Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 11/09/2009)
List Price: $15.95

Perhaps You Would Rather Search For Your Own Bargain Book?

Find incredible book bargains on Edinburgh or any other subject!

If you live in the United States or the United Kingdom, click on the appropriate link below to go directly to your country's Amazon book store and see what bargains you can pick up today on books on any subject. Perhaps you can find that Christmas or Birthday present for someone whom you are having defficulty getting something for? If you don't look, you'll never know!

United States' Book Store

United Kingdom Book Shop

William Wallace

The true story of Braveheart?

William Wallace - Braveheart

Whatever your own particular perspective causes you to think of William Wallace, surely no one can deny that he must have been quite a remarkable man in many ways? It was William Wallace who provided the inspiration and determination for the downtro...

What's the Weather like in Edinburgh Today?

Current weather conditions in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Local Pollen Reports

6°C (Feels like 6°C)

Last update: 11/10/09 10:20 AM Local Time

Humidity: 100%
Visibility: 5.0 km
Dew Point: 6°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1010.8mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 3km/h From: Airport Conditions

Today

Light Rain
High: 8°C
Low: 3°C
Sunrise: 7:39 AM
Sunset: 4:14 PM

Wednesday
Nov 11

AM Light Rain
High: 7°C
Low: 6°C
Sunrise: 7:41 AM
Sunset: 4:12 PM

Thursday
Nov 12

Partly Cloudy
High: 9°C
Low: 7°C
Sunrise: 7:43 AM
Sunset: 4:10 PM

Friday
Nov 13

Light Rain
High: 9°C
Low: 7°C
Sunrise: 7:45 AM
Sunset: 4:08 PM

What's Happening in Edinburgh Today?

Find out with the Edinburgh Evening News - updated here daily!

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Quality Scottish Merchandise at Affordable Prices

All prices quoted are in US Dollars

St Andrew's Cross Ringer T

From: Scotland: The St Andrew's Cross

Price: 18.69

St Andrew's Cross Value T-shirt

From: Scotland: The St Andrew's Cross

Price: 11.19

St Andrew's Cross Baseball Jersey

From: Scotland: The St Andrew's Cross

Price: 21.19

St Andrew's Cross Golf Shirt

From: Scotland: The St Andrew's Cross

Price: 21.19

St Andrew's Cross Trucker Hat

From: Scotland: The St Andrew's Cross

Price: 13.69

There are a lot more than Pub Reviews on Gordon Hamilton's Blog

Do you see anything of interest?

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Visit Edinburgh soon!

Flights available from across the globe to Scotland's cultural centre

Are you an Aspiring Writer? Would you like to Create your own Pub Reviews?

This is a blog full of practical tips and advice for just such people...

If you have always dreamed of being a writer yet either not known where to start or perhaps tried and failed, the tips which will be included in this blog on a very regular, ongoing basis, may just be what you have been looking for. Why not check it out, sign up to follow it and see what appears now and in the future that may just be precisely what you have been looking for...?

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Do You Have Your Own Website or Blog on the Internet?

How do you promote it and market it so that people see it?

How to Promote and Market a Website

As I have often said, to a great many people, what precisely is the point of having the fanciest, all-singing, all-dancing website in the world...if no one ever sees it? Stop and think about it for a minute: how many newspapers would continue to be p...

Tourist Information in Edinburgh

Find out what you need to know before you go!

Official Tourist Board - accommodation, attractions and events around Edinburgh.: Accommodation, attractions and events in Edinburgh - Official Tourist Board
Visit Scotland: Visit Scotland's guide to Edinburgh and surrounding areas
Auld Edinburgh - History, Tourist Information, Accommodation, and much more: A site focusing on Edinburgh and its rich cultural history.

What did you think of The Last Drop and this Site?

Have your say here...

Stumble It!

This is the place where you can give your own feedback, either upon this work or the pub itself. If you liked the site, why not e-mail a link to it to your friends? Perhaps they would enjoy it, too!

Thank you for reading, and hopefully, your visit to The Last Drop.