Review: 3 Old Monks – A Leith Pub Resurrected

Three Old Monks on Commercial Street is a combination of a sports bar and a gastro pub, and I would go there for a relatively cheap beer and some really good food. More importantly to me, the arrival of “3 Old Monks” means I am getting an old favourite back. For as long as I have lived in Leith, there has been a good pub on that popular corner just by the Water of Leith. I have fond memories of The Cameo Bar, and then it became the steampunk-themed Barologist. I feared we had lost that lovely location when it became the Sandport Tavern, because the steampunk theme went out and sports, betting machines, and super-cheap pints came in.

I’m not against super cheap pints, but I’m not a fan of that style of sports bar. It didn’t really seem to be anything special about the Sandport Tavern; they didn’t even bother to get any signs up. But the Sandport Tavern has moved on. The pub has been rejuvenated in just a few months and is now called 3 Old Monks. The big difference between 3 Old Monks and the Sandport Tavern is the food.

The Food at 3 Old Monks

The food is better than I think it was at The Barologist, which is a real shot in the arm for the venue. It has managed to retain some low-cost beer options and make sure some indie beers are available, so I am delighted. It is open every day of the week, from 3pm on Monday and Tuesday to 10pm, and then on the weekend, it opens as late as 1am. I’ve talked about the inexpensive beer, but I’m pleased to say that the food is equally well-priced.

I have been several times, and I have a recommendation. I can recommend the chilli nachos and the lasagne, although my favourite so far has been a steak and ale pie on their specials menu. Here’s a tip to readers: always check the specials menu.

I have not yet been for breakfast, but on some days it opens early enough for it. Throughout the day, you can get a breakfast stack of muffin, bacon, black pudding, square sausage, beef tomato, portobello mushroom, and scrambled or fried egg – i.e., the Scottish breakfast experience. Or you can pop in for a filled roll. I think this is a very clever idea.

A Tardis of a Venue

Three Old Monks is like walking into a Tardis; if you don’t know the building, it is easy to underestimate how huge it is inside. It was fantastic when it was The Barologist, as you could explore themed realm to themed realm. You walk in and see the first bar, with tables to your left. You can go around the corner and then explore the back. You can go down some steps, and there is a pool or snooker table. Then there’s the other half of the venue, which is generally closed unless the function room has been reserved in advance for a celebration, wedding, or party. I think they’re calling it the “Chamber of Secrets” now, given the current 3 Old Monks vibe.

If, unlike me, you are a sports fan, I think there’s good news because the easy-to-see TVs are still in place. So if you want to keep an eye on the match and chat with friends, or if you are gonna get a gang of friends together and sit in a communal space to watch a game with food and beer flowing, 3 Old Monks is definitely the place for you.

My first couple of trips to the Three Old Monks felt as if the spectre of the Tavern was lingering; it wasn’t that busy, and I had plenty of attention from staff. In my more recent visits, it’s been filling up. In fact, I would say if you’re going on a Friday night or a Saturday night, you might struggle to get a table, especially if you rock in with lots of you. It’s not a huge kitchen, although I have to stress I’ve been very impressed by all the food that’s come out of it. It does feel like early days for 3 Old Monks, but my goodness, they have turned the corner of this Leith establishment.

Things to do in Leith

Commercial Street is right in the heart of Leith’s vibrant shore area. You are moments away from the Water of Leith Walkway, a perfect spot for a post-lunch stroll. The area is packed with history, and the Royal Yacht Britannia is just a short walk away at Ocean Terminal, offering a glimpse into royal life.

For those visiting Edinburgh, getting to Leith is easier than ever with the tram extension. If you are arriving by train, check TheTrainLine for tickets to Edinburgh Waverley, then hop on a tram or bus. If you have bags to drop off before checking into your accommodation, Radical Storage has locations nearby. For accommodation, there are plenty of options on Booking.com, ranging from boutique hotels to serviced apartments.

Overall

They have resurrected this wonderful location. Definitely one to keep an eye on. I would go for the food, and I found the staff to be really quite good and attentive. 3 Old Monks seems to be on the up, and I am delighted to see this Leith corner thriving again.