The Merlin
Your local in Morningside: board games, live music, sports, and a beer garden that's always ready for a catch-up.
Photos
About
If you're walking down Morningside Road and spot the big Belhaven sign outside The Merlin, you've found one of the friendliest spots in the neighbourhood. Step inside and you're greeted by a proper pub that’s been given a lovely recent refurb — think upholstered booths, wooden tables, framed artwork, and TVs showing everything from Six Nations rugby to Premier League football. There's a beer garden out back with picnic benches and umbrellas, perfect for those rare sunny days. The real magic, though, is the regular events: Monday night digital quizzes with £30 gift cards up for grabs, weekly board game evenings (they've got a solid selection), and live music every Saturday from 7pm. Food-wise, you can grab a three-plate small plates deal for £16, and there's always a Burger of the Month. Oh, and if you're a student, ask about their 20% discount card — pop in to get yours. With free WiFi and wheelchair access, it's as welcoming as it gets.
Facilities
Board Games
The Merlin hosts regular free tabletop games nights on Fridays, offering a selection of board games ranging from party games to modern eurogames.
Dining
The Merlin offers a range of pub food including burgers, small plates, and special deals. Food is served daily from 12pm to 9pm. The pub has a restaurant area and also a beer garden.
Full Description
The Merlin is a Belhaven pub located at 168-172 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4PU, in the Morningside locality. It is operated by Greene King and offers a wide range of facilities and events. The pub has been recently refurbished, with updated interiors featuring upholstered booth seating, wooden tables, framed artwork, TVs, and pub game machines. The exterior includes a beer garden with wooden picnic benches and shade umbrellas. The pub is dog friendly, wheelchair accessible, and family friendly. Free WiFi is available. Parking includes free street parking and paid street parking; there is no dedicated free or paid parking lot, valet, or garage parking. The pub accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC payments. It serves food including pub classics and small plates, with a current offer of three small plates for £16. There is a Burger of the Month and a Malt of the Month. The price range is £10-£20 per person. Online booking is available. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00-23:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00-01:00, Sunday 12:00-23:00. Serving hours (kitchen) are daily 12:00-21:00. The pub has Sky Sports and TNT Sports, showing live football (SPL, Premier League, EFL, European), rugby (Six Nations, United Rugby Championship), darts, and the World Cup. It also has an electric vehicle charging point (7kW, Type 2 socket). The pub hosts regular events: Monday Digital Quiz Night (free entry, £30 gift card prize), Board Game Evening / Tabletop Games Night (Fridays, free entry), Live Music every Saturday (free entry). Seasonal events include St Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, Bank Holidays, Father's Day, Summer, Halloween, and Christmas. There is a student discount offering 20% off food and drink. The pub has a Greene King app for ordering and rewards. The pub has 1435 reviews on Belhaven with a rating of 3.9, and 500 reviews on Tripadvisor with a rating of 3.4. Tripadvisor reviews mention the refurbished toilets, friendly staff (especially Ross), good real ales (Abbot Ale, Speckled Hen), but some negative comments about food quality and noise on big match nights. The pub offers functions and private hire. It is part of the 'Live at Your Local' summer programme featuring Untapped battle of the bands competition.
168-172, Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4PU, UK
Morningside
EH10 4PU