Old Chain Pier — Restaurant in Edinburgh

Old Chain Pier is a seaside restaurant and beer garden on Trinity Crescent in Edinburgh’s Leith Walk. Built in 1890 as a Victorian-era cargo pier, it now serves historic dining with strong local ties. The venue is best known for its Scotch Crab Linguine, crafted using locally sourced seafood that reflects the area’s maritime roots. Locals and visitors use it for long lunches, evening drinks, or late-night gatherings in the cozy beer garden setting. Its location near the Firth of Forth gives it a distinct coastal character within central Edinburgh.

Old Chain Pier is a Category B listed building from 1890, originally used for loading and unloading cargo along Leith Walk. It retains its Victorian design with exposed brickwork, metal beams, and original iron railings. Inside, warm ambient lighting creates an industrial aesthetic with rustic touches throughout both indoor and outdoor areas. The venue's lively yet grounded atmosphere comes from consistent use of reclaimed materials and low-level illumination that complements its historic layout. This blend of old-world architecture and modern hospitality shows how Edinburgh values preserved spaces for public gathering, especially in coastal districts like Leith.

Old Chain Pier is a regular choice in Edinburgh for locals and visitors seeking authentic coastal dining with historical depth. The venue highlights its house specialty, Scotch Crab Linguine, a dish that features locally sourced seafood within the industrial decor of this historic pier. People use it on weekends or early evenings, when outdoor seating along Trinity Crescent becomes active for casual meals and socialising. Its energetic atmosphere suits evening events and relaxed family visits equally, with options from drinks to full meals available in one space.