Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623

About us

Much like the TARDIS, the Diggers may look small from the outside, but stepping through the doors draws you into a high-ceilinged, light and ornately decorated bar. Both inside and outside have just received a fresh lick of paint but the back bar display, featuring a selection of the pub’s 200-strong, single malt selection is really something to behold. The pub is also ranked as one of the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh by Lonely Planet. If you’re a real ale drinker then you’ll love the extremely rare, brass Aitkens Toll founts; once powered by water, now by air and a delightful way of delivering a cask-drawn pint to the customer.

Facilities

Dogs allowedFamily friendlyFoodReal aleWiFi freeDartboardCricketFootballRugbyTerrestrial TVCask Marque

Pub reviews

Reviews

4.7/5

Neil Broadhurst

1 month ago

Diggers (The Athletic Arms) is an Edinburgh institution regarding pubs. It is best known by its nickname of the Diggers which comes from the fact that it was a popular haunt of the gravediggers from the nearby cemetery many, many years ago.  It has also been known for people, not from Edinburgh, to become confused when meeting someone at Diggers as there is nothing of that name outside. 😅 It is also well known for its 80 shilling beer or “heavy”.  It has a good selection of other beers and an impressive selection of whiskies. The decor is very much traditional and often seen as an old man's pub.  There are a large number of beer related mirrors on the walls and also several TVs for watching sports. A sign also proclaims the pub's pies were pie of the year a while back.  Unfortunately we did not find this still to be the case, especially as they had obviously been heated in a microwave (the pastry was soft) and were not fully heated. The staff were friendly. Definitely worth a visit

Tom Hutchinson

1 month ago

An obviously great pub. The main draw is the whisky list, which is incredible. Encyclopaedic, like the wine list at a 3 star Michelin place, but also emminently affordable. Good beer selection, and a nice ambiance - not too heaving or loud.

Paul Richardson

2 months ago

Best pub ever, particularly on matchday. Food is limited but chicken curry pies are delicious. Great range of beers and whiskies. Always well staffed by friendly and professional staff. Fabulous match day atmosphere.

Pragya Kumari

2 months ago

We went to the place for our graduation batch after party The amount of whisky selection they behold is extremely impressive And if you are like us who graduated in brewing and Distilling, or enthusiast about whisky it's your place. The bar person was so polite and helpful can't even explain there patience with such massive groups The place has my heart now.

Rob

6 months ago

Whenever we're in the area we always take time to stop at the Athletic Arms for a pint or some whiskey. Great ales and excellent selection of whisky and other spirits. Food is also great, especially the pies. The atmosphere is always relaxed and the place itself looks great with comfortable benches. And you should also get a diggers t-shirt while you're there!

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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623
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Opening Times

Mon11:00 – 01:00
Tue11:00 – 01:00
Wed11:00 – 01:00
Thur11:00 – 01:00
Fri11:00 – 01:00
Sat11:00 – 01:00
Sun11:00 – 01:00
Pub food and drink

Food & drink

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Orchard Pig 0623
Orchard Pig 0623