I was refused entry from this establishment back in 1991 ( regulars only, son) and never returned. Until early 2025 when I happened to be back in Edinburgh. I took a leisurely walk down Morningside Road and decided to stop in. This was mid afternoon on a week day in winter and it was only semi busy. Had a quiet pint, no one bothered me. Food menu looked quite limited. City prices as you'd expect. This is a different Canny Mans to the one I knew as a young man but decent nonetheless. read more

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Really good Sunday roast beef dinner! We arrived here looking a bit shabby after a day on a tour bus and had no reservation so the staff had to ask the kitchen if we could be served. We got seated at a cozy table and the waiters were very attentive. Our dinner consisted of an open faced sandwich with abundant chicken and ham, a well rounded seafood platter with plenty of selections and a just like my mom used to make delicious roast beef dinner. The three of us split dessert--two ice creams with liquor (an amaretto and a banana) and they were yummy too! Thank you to our tour bus driver Jim for this restaurant recommendation! Our dinner was just perfect after a long day on the bus. Thank you Canny Man for a delicious meal! read more

I don't believe the owner of this place wants any customers, he seems to hate everyone. As you will immediately notice when you walk in there is a sign saying effectively 'NOTHING ALLOWED'. No cameras (I don't know why this is an issue, how many people take places of the interior of pubs, apart from Yelp reviewers), no mobile phones (I can sort of understand but a bit impractical), scruffy people (I understand the thinking behind this but there is a very vague definition of what scruffy is, my friend was turned away because he had piercings). As well as this the manager hates students, which is his prerogative, but the bar is quite far down Morningside road and cannot be frequented by too many students. Once you are inside, you just can't help escaping the feeling that you are not wanted there. Unusually this does not come from the regulars, who are all friendly enough, but from the bar staff and especially the manager. The drinks are all good enough, there is a good selection of lagers, ales and spirits, and they are not too pricey, but I don't want to drink in a pub where you can feel dislike and tension always smouldering under the surface. read more

Canny Man's - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This is a charm filled must see. The decor will keep you looking around and adoring each item for the length of your visit. The staff are pleasant and professional. A great place for a drink and sandwich. I had the Robin and was very satisfied. read more

Canny Man's - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Canny Man's has some wierd paranoia about anybody coming in who is potentially threatening, dirty or has a knack for taking photos. Most places will let just about anybody in and then ask those unwelcome to leave, but Canny Man's is, apparantly, not most places. I was kind of bewildered as to what their disconcerting sign was all about, as it's not particularly posh inside. In fact, I thought it was kind of boring. It's just a standard pub with nice decor, reasonably priced drinks, unfriendly staff and no TV screens. This is certainly not the place to come and get rowdy over a heavy session, but if you're after a chilled out drink in the afternoon or evening, this could be the place. read more

Canny Man's - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Best dinner of our entire lives, we will never ever forget the hospitality, the care of preparation, the impeccable service and the quality of the food. To start: A bottle of champagne opened at the table, two glasses compliments of the proprietor. A dozen oysters on the half shell (tasting of mineral and the wild sea, and simultaneously sweet and buttery), served with horseradish, lemon, Tabasco and cocktail sauce. Scottish smoked salmon (thinly sliced and soft as velvet, melting like salty butter on the tongue) served with red onion, chopped hard boiled egg, lemon wedges, Tabasco and plump salty capers and buttered soda bread. An Edinburgh rhubarb and ginger infused gin cocktail for me and a gin and bramble for him. For the main course: Aged steak and roasted potatoes for him (with a slightly rich gravy) and crusted broiled sea bream (soft and delicious with a light crunch of a breadcrumb crust) and buttery potatoes for me (with a light lemon cream sauce), a large dish to share of steamed carrots perfectly cooked, sweet and sour red cabbage and broccolini on the side. A large glass of Marlborough Chardonnay for me (a large pour served at a perfect temperature, it paired very well with the fish, and a gin and tonic for him. For dessert: Scottish vanilla ice cream with peaches and peach schnapps for him, Scottish vanilla ice cream with dark cherries and a cherry liquor for me. He had a glayva (Scottish whisky liquor) on ice and I had a malt whisky). To finish: Espresso martinis recommended by our host (vodka, Kahlua, creme de cacao, and espresso), they were AMAZING! He said they would make us either argue or cry as he delivered it to our table and we proceeded to flirt heavily with each other and laugh until we left. This entire meal was a game changer. We are ruined. I am not lying when I say that the Scottish know EXACTLY what they're doing when it comes to food, hospitality and the finer things in life. Our new anniversary dinner spot. We are more than willing to travel for it! read more

I'm updating my review based on a few new experiences here. First of all, how did I manage to miss all of the extra nooks and crannies in this place? It's actually much larger (though by no means large) than it first comes across and even has a pretty cool looking beer garden for those 5 days a year when it doesn't rain. My primary purpose for my update is - the buffet. Has anyone else been here when they've had the buffet on? Do they do it every day or just maybe Thursday through Sunday? Or, is it completely random and my empty belly just got really really really lucky yesterday? It's free. It's good. It has things like chicken wings, roast potatoes, mini sausages and fancy sandwiches. It's free. It's free and it's the kind of stuff that most pubs would be charging at least £5/head for. My tight Glaswegian was so impressed and felt bad that we had only come in for one pint each, so he left a tip. That's how good it was. Beyond this, what I love about the Canny Man is the fact that you can come here on a Thursday and the place is packed. It's packed with the kind of people who are in for pints with friends, and the kind of people who are in for champagne with friends. This place is basically legend... (wait for it).. -ary. read more

Before I can review the Canny Man as a bar, I have to review the management as people. Horrible, horrible people. The sign outside lists six or seven types of people who will not be allowed to enter the bar. Backpackers, people wearing trainers, people holding cameras, people wearing football colours...the list goes on! This kind of attitude is enough to put you off visiting to Canny Man's but really- it is worth persevering! The interior of the Canny Man's is phenomenal, each room has a different theme but not in a tacky Disney kind of way. The music room is wallpapered in aged music sheets and covered in beautiful old instruments. The time room is covered in clocks with a few nods to Alice in Wonderland here and there. Apparently the management kicked off (how surprising) at health and safety when they were made to dust the walls of this old building because the matted spider webs added so much character. I heard they have resorted to spray cobwebs to get the same effect. Whatever it takes for the Canny Man's staff to be happy, you can't fault them for style. I would thoroughly recommend the Canny Man's to anyone looking for a private room for a special night. You have to phone ahead to book but you get fussed about all the more. Order champagne and a bowl of strawberries arrives too. Round after round of nibbles also helps to sober you up. Well worth smartening up your act for! read more

A coworker that is from just outside the city told me this was a must see while on vacation in Edinburgh. She told me it was an interesting place so I made it a point to check it out. I saw the reviews before going and everyone said how it was uncomfortable and judgmental - but I didn't feel that way at all. I thought everyone was really friendly and welcoming. Even the cab driver on the way over made comments how the workers there can be really mean to people. My boyfriend and I walked in but no one really acknowledged us. i walked in a little further and a woman approached us and asked for drinks or food. I said both and she sat us next to an older couple. We said it was our first time at the place and she explained they didn't serve pub food and walked away after taking our drink orders and leaving menus. The couple next to us, leaned in and made suggestions of what to order. I ended up ordering the same meal she had and it was really delicious. It was an open face sandwich and a hot potato on the side. After dinner, I asked the manager if it would be okay if I took some pictures and she said yes. She even gave me a packet that included the history of the pub and several postcards. I was really happy with my experience here. read more

The Canny Man's is a sure contender for the title of Unfriendliest Pub even now, despite the passing of its infamously grumpy landlord. But the frosty reception and the air of tresspassing are all part of the theatre of this unique little boozer. The onslaught on your confidence starts outside, where a sign reads: "no mobiles, no credit cards, no backpackers, no cameras..." Inside, an intimidating land lady (I think) guards the door as you enter and glares. Dare to wander in? You will need to survive the withering look that follows you around the room. Take a seat and ask for the menu and you will have a white line cloth and proper napkins set up which is very nice. If you manage to understand the ordering system (write some code on paper, not the name of the dish... THE CODE and don't for god's sake try to talk to the waitress), you're in. And it is worth it! My favourite of the hundred options is the surf and turf open sandwich though the food is all a bit pricey as is the wine actually it is good for a change. Inside, The Canny Man's is like a curio shop alongside the traditional mandolins and dusty jeroboams pinned to the walls are military uniforms, paintings, swords, prams and a boat. Then you look up: a shop mannequin is skewered to the ceiling, dressed as a witch and many other sinister faces are peering at you from paintings are everywhere. The whisky selection is extensive and reasonably priced and they usually do a free buffet weeknights as well as giving a little nibble to enjoy with your drink. It is our local but despite being regulars I don't think we are very welcome but hey! read more

It is like other review's have suggested. I did have a bit of a 'wow' moment when I entered and first impressions were I liked its character. It does have a long list though of 'don't...' so this might put people off and several work colleagues confirmed, that at least in the past, if they didn't like your face then you didn't get in. My single experience here is you don't get service with a smile. Border line rude actually to a colleague who is a regular which was a tad off putting and made me re-think my hastly thought plan of bringing my parents here on NY day. The wine is lovely (pretty classy actually) and they have a great selection of whiskies. The place is full of character and the little booth area at the back was perfect for our post work, post dinner drinks. It also meant we could be separate, jolly and not run the risk of being evicted for breaking the 'don't' rules when trying to phone a drunking colleague last seen in the middle of Morningside Road who hadn't made it to the pub. So, I would go back, though probably not with guests as such, and it looks like it does great food so that would be worth investigating. So we'll see. Note - DOESN'T accept credit cards, bank cards, etc but there is an ATM across the road! read more

Hmm, The Canny Man's. It's a funny place. From the brass plaque outside banning cameras, mobile phones and backpackers to the too-bright rooms with tacky 80s furniture, by way of the 50-something clientele in expensive jumpers - I think maybe it's just not for me. And I'm sure it used to be much more atmospheric, with low lighting and serious dust everywhere - I think they had to clean up the dust for fire reasons, or something? But I'm sure they could have preserved the old ambiance. On the up side, it does sell good beer! For a price. read more

A local institution, a small eclectic bar, with a great selection of beer, and a vast selection of whisky. The sign says it all - "no pictures" its a local's bar, its up to you if you take away great memories! read more

Canny Man's - The main bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The first you may notice as you walk into this pub (as previous reviews have pointed out) is a big sign stating clearly that photographs,cameras, sloppy-looking people and so forth are not permitted in this establishment. Oh and no cell phones either. Now before you turn around and leave this rather rude welcoming, please take a good look around- you are in for a rather pleasant surprise. (and find the no screens rule quite liberating- have a proper chat rather than get hypnotised by a TV screen!) There are a variety of room to choose from to enjoy your pint of ale and all with their own individual style and serving good food (ciabattas are quite tasty). The waitress matches the entrance signs- very rude and moody but still I am giving it 4 stars not for its service more for the ambiance of the place which to be fair is quite cool. I'm not bothered with the slightly older age group this pub is gearing to, it's sometimes nice to get away from the student dominated places every once and awhile. read more

The 3 times I've been in here, I've felt really uneasy. Maybe it was the big signs saying 'no phones, no cameras' - it may as well have said 'no customers' - or maybe it was the disgruntled barman 'we're not serving food' . Whichever, I didn't feel welcomed. I got the impression that it's very much a local pub, the same people come here all the time and everyone knows everyone and their son Jock. I came in looking for a drink with my auntie, luckily she was one of afore mentioned locals and so we were embraced...but I get the opinion if I went in hans-solo it would be a different story. read more

The Canny Man's is truly one of a kind. Yes, the sign outside may put you on edge a bit, yes the staff seem nervous themselves, yes the owner is very intimidating... But it works. And to be honest, I can see why the sign is outside. It means that the onslaught of tourists that a place that this must usually attack with vigour, flashing snaps of the ceiling and requesting gluten free beers at the bar, are nowhere to be seen. The bar is full of true Scots, proper locals and the odd tourist (me and the boyfriend). It serves a huge range of whiskeys, a lovely selection of wines and some of the best bloody Mary's I've ever had. The antiques hanging from the ceiling, and taxidermy on the walls tells stories that you want to listen to, and the fact that the pub has been handed down 5 generations is obvious and in your face, which I love. It would be a 5 star in my opinion if there was a little less fear in the air (from me and the staff), but you know what, sometimes it's important to stop taking photos of your life, and live it instead. read more

Popped in late afternoon mid-week (Wednesday) before the kitchen was open for supper, but, to my delight, there was a free buffet set out that more than satisfied my hunger! Egg and cress, prawn salad and bacon/rocket sammies, chicken bits, and more. The small, low-ceilinged rooms have the charm of a time gone, but still appreciated. I didn't know the place had a reputation for unfriendly service or for being unwelcoming. I didn't feel either of those things. No one really went out of their way, either, though. It seemed a nice place where families meet during the day and locals come in the evening. I'd go back. read more

I have read many, MANY bad reviews of the Canny Man's. Accusations range from bad food to racism to blatant snobbery. I'm not sure if my friends and I match whatever ideal client they are looking for, but after 6 or so visits, and despite the conspicuous 'No Backpackers' sign at the front door, I have never witnessed any such bad behavior from the staff. This is funny, as I and my guests have been backpackers; perhaps the fact that we were clean and groomed allowed us special permission to be served at this historic establishment. I like this pub because it's so quirkythere is so much random stuff tacked all over the walls that it's entertaining just looking around. Also, the Canny Man's may have the best selection of single malts of any place I've been. I can't comment on the food, as I have never sampled anything on the menu, but I can say that this is a cool, locals-only spot to take visiting friends for a unique pub experience. read more

I don't know about you, but I don't mind surly service and attitude when I'm expecting it! Anyway, it's a great marketing ploy here as the Canny Man's has been renowned for it for donkeys' years and is as popular as ever. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that The Canny Man's is the "mad old aunt" of Edinburgh pubs! You find her slightly peculiar, frustrating at times, but you just can't help but love the old biddy. It's SO Morningside. This pub's unique atmosphere really has to be experienced first-hand! As long as you go with an open mind then you'll have a great time. It can seem quite stuffy l as you step through the front door to be greeted by many a notice of rules... but at least you know where you stand! Drinks are averagely priced and there is a good selection. They do delicious sandwiches at lunch time and you can munch away whilst admiring the many ornaments, bits of bric a brac and the odd tat dangling from the ceiling! It amazes me that I seem to see something new everytime I'm in there! Go on, try it! I dare you! read more

Set in deepest Morningside, this famous little boozer has a reputation as something of a gentleman's pub which is doing us all a great service by choosing to be open to the general public. It doesn't warrant its pretences but,in truth, its all forgiven by the fact it's one of the most unique pubs in Edinburgh- probably Scotland in fact. An eccentric mix of traditional pictures, wax models and war memorabilia adorn the wall to make it one of the most strangely furbished pubs i've ever seen The whisky collection, and the array of champagne magnums, is astounding. The barman always gives you side snacks with every pint and there are no photographs or, supposedly, mobile phones allowed. Still, nobody really takes much notice so i recommend you go and have a laugh there. read more

A fantastic pub if not a little pricey, we don't usually go to this type of pub as it's a bit more expensive and seems more upper class and almost snobby. We ordered a Malibu and lemonade and a pint of Best which came to £7.40 which is quite expensive compared to places in town as the average price of Best is around £1.95! However, the atmosphere (note: we didn't have any trouble with the bar staff but i wouldn't say they were the most welcoming) and surroundings made up for it, a nice quiet relaxing pub to have a drink, the pub is rather eccentricly decorated, with instruments, model planes, a big model boat(!) and all sorts of things on the walls and ceiling. My boyfriend said he could spend all day looking around and we both really enjoyed it. I would say it was a lovely pub with a quiet atmosphere to have a drink, it is a little pricey though. read more

Yes you can have a cheaper night out in morningside if you so desire, but you wont get the peace and quiet, dedication to service, and generally quirky location to have a quiet drink a nice chat, and possibly make new friends and aquaintences. The interior decorated much like a tv set of antiques roadshow, the building itself steeped in history and linked to the astley ainsley hospital, However, order a brandy and how many pubs give it to you in the best crystal, order a good malt and be made to feel special, as for the no mobile phones GREAT, no disturbances, dress code quite right , if you want to sit in shorts, go to a sports bar, not an institution such as the "CANNY MANS" by the way i am biaised towards the pub having frequented now for about 16 years. i only go in probably twice a year, but always made to feel at home. read more

Really nice bar but the chap with the beard and the glasses clearly hates his job and thinks he is above everyone who visits the bar. Shame. read more

What a brilliant quirky bar! I heard about this place a few years ago and only this week did I manage to go. I had already been instructed to go in the side door, as the locals go in this way and not through the front. A bell rang as I opened the door, just what I always wanted, something to herald my arrival and draw attention to moi! :/ I got my drink and found a nice corner to settle into to have a good nosey around the bar. There's so much to see. Lots of quirky items hung about the place. I especially liked the portrait of a westie's head on top of some military outfit. They provided table service and the waiter already had change with him when e took money from us, so there was no going back and forth, very slick! I want to go back very soon to have another look. read more

Well it's changed days here in morningside. For those that remember the 'mans' as a semi biker pub full of under 30's listening to good music above the rattle and chime of pinball machines, and the occasional 'exotic' dancer, you're in for a shock! The 21st C canny mans is very gentrified - aimed firmly at dragging the local middle classes away from their PCs/TVs. The pub caters for the 40s and over....look out for some serious 'mutton dressed as lamb' which is an almost permanent fixture around the main bar. It's got to be worth a visit to check out the decor and the interesting layout of the place (see other review on yelp). We always bring friends from out of town to have a look...it's big on visuals but low on atmosphere these days. Is it possible that the mgt have managed to add fun to the long list of things they ban in their pub? Good range of drinks, especially if you are a whisky fan, often served with a wee snack on the side. Decent range of beer too which seems to be well looked after. You are talking 'town' prices here too - guess that's the price for the venue! Added bonus in summer is the small beer garden, you could easily lose a day in there soaking up the sun and several G&Ts. In summary the canny mans is definitely worth a visit but you will want to go elsewhere for a bit more fun and atmosphere! read more

This used to be a great pub. They have turned it into a restaurant. I couldn't even order a pint over the bar. I was told in no uncertain terms by a grumpy polish Maitre D' that I was to sit if I wanted to order. The food when it finally came was very good. They've completely lost the plot and ambience with their concept. read more

An excellent pub with good beer and polite staff. Anyone who has ambitions in the licensed trade would do well to see how a tight ship is run. The sign at the door (no this, no that) is all growl and no bite. Wi-fi is available and the TV is on for the rugby. The staff are formal rather than cold. Service is excellent. My pint was confiscated for being a bit too cloudy. Like a pub should be. read more

I loved this place!Me and my husband popped in here for a drink on the rare opportune moment that we have a spare couple of hours without our son. The first impression is how full the walls are with bits and bobs but i actually loved that. It was very busy and did seem to have an average age of 50+ of the people in there but that really wouldn't put me off going there again. The drinks aren't too pricey and the staff were very polite. read more

It is interesting that everything that Evelyn wrote is 100% true! And yet I do not rate this pub. It is not somewhere I feel comfortable and the prices are so damned high as to seriously put you off. Apparently the wine list is great, but I think management keep it hidden somewhere obscure. Fair enough to enforce the rules and protect the locals. But I'm a local too, and presumably at some point when all your old protected locals have died off you need some more? For all its quirkiness and charm, I'm just not a fan of giving them my money :o) But as Evelyn said for that special night out (if you liked boarding school rules) then go and have a look. read more

You could have been there 100 times before and in your 101st visit still find something hanging from the roof or bolted to the wall that you had not noticed before! Stock standard beer on tap and a nice selection of wine. Not the friendliest of staff...you'd probably get a better conversation outa the 1800's moosehead on the wall... read more

A very unusual pub! I suspect that the Canny Man's is pretty unique, and it doesn't seem to change over the years. The whole place has weird and unusual things hanging from the ceiling and on the walls, ranging from wax models, to bits of car - you certainly wouldn't be lacking in a subject for discussion, that's for sure! This used to be a working man's pub, in fact many moons ago women were not allowed in at all! It used to be termed as a traditional 'spit and sawdust' bar but I haven't seen sawdust on the floor for many years, and I suspect if you spit, you'll be tossed out! It's become quite expensive and there is a clique of regulars who can, if they so desire, make you feel rather uncomfortable as an outsider, with simply a look. Still, you must visit this pub at least once, just to say you've been! read more

"No phones, no cameras, no backpackers" reads the sign that greets you to Canny Mans, also known as the Volunteer's Arms. The inside of the pub is more welcoming though: every wall is decorated with random memorabilia, giving the place a relaxingly cluttered, homely feel. There are huge champagne magnums, instruments, hanging skis and a boxed weasel all in no apparent order. My personal favourite spot is 'the Churchill Corner' where you can toast the big man as you sit beside his small shrine. It's a surreal but warming experience. In terms of drink, expect to spend over £3 a pint. This is the price you pay for the antique bar, the wide selection of spirits and the unique atmosphere. The staff are famous for being aloof, even rude, but I've never seen it. And that seems to be the thing with Canny Man's: you either subscribe to its bonkers personality or sit in the corner tutting about Morningside prices. Go see, find out for yourself. read more

Canny Mans is a very old pub. It is very strange place with all different and unusal things on the wall and celing. Years ago women were not allowed in this pub. They have a note outside telling you the things your not allowed, your not allowed your mobile, or camera in the place. It is quite a cleaky pub though, and it is very expensive, and is upmarket. Didn't feel it was a very friendly place, as people stared at you if you weren't a local. read more

My favourite pub in Edinburgh. Best whisky selection in town an the perfect environment for sipping. The walls and ceilings are an antique museum. Not to mention the incredible selection of over 100 smorrebrods (open-face sandwiches). read more

Don't be put off by the brass plaque outside the door, although the owner might be eccentric in his tastes, it's all in a good cause providing a nice place to go and have a drink. Great selection of Wines, Ales and Whiskys, with interesting décor (there is ALWAYS something to look at), and good service all add up to a drinking experience from a bye gone age, brought bang up to date for the discerning pub go-er. Just make sure you are dressed casual, but smart we know someone who was banned for life for wearing a baseball cap. read more

Canny Man's is well known for its unique character, incredible whisky selection, impeccable service and high standard of clientèle. The interior is decorated by a playful array of oddities and antiques, making it a fine place to enjoy your favourite malt or discover one you've never heard of before. In addition to their excellent selection of whiskies and champagnes, Canny Man's serves up delicious food - primarily a choice of over 100 different Smørrebrød (open-face sandwiches). read more

This has got to be the BIGGEST Dump I have been in . This place Should be told to clean up and get there act together.

A wonderful traditional pub worth going out of your way to find - we took a taxi from the centre of town. It has a really old-fashioned ambience with loads of nic nacks around the pub. My husband was really impressed with the choice of whiskies. Food was excellent and reasonably priced. Favourite pub in Scotland. read more

Extremely poor service and knowledge of malt whisky is pathetic.

Horrid abnoxious staff. Dont waste your time.