The Chain Pier pub, properly the Old Chain Pier, is one of Edinburgh's most scenic waterfront pubs, perched right on the edge of the Firth of Forth in Newhaven with some of the best sea views in the city. If you are a student looking to live near Edinburgh's coast and its characterful pubs, browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh for options in Newhaven, Leith and the wider city, then read on for what makes the Old Chain Pier worth the trip. This guide covers the pub's history, food, location and why it is a favourite waterfront spot.
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Chain Pier pub at a glance
| Item | Details |
| Name | The Old Chain Pier |
| Location | Trinity Crescent, Newhaven, Edinburgh (on the Firth of Forth) |
| Known for | Seafood, pub classics, waterfront views, beer garden |
| Setting | Right on the water's edge |
| Nearest tram | Newhaven (Edinburgh tram terminus) |
| Good for | Seaside meals, views, a scenic pint |
The Old Chain Pier: history and setting
The Old Chain Pier takes its name from the chain pier that once stood on this stretch of the Newhaven shore, a Victorian structure used for bathing and pleasure trips before it was destroyed by a storm. The pub that carries its name is a stunning little spot on the edge of the Firth of Forth, built almost on the water itself, so the sea views are the headline attraction. It has become a beloved local institution, combining a genuine seaside setting with the warmth of a traditional pub. My tip: go for a bright day or an early evening when you can watch the light on the Forth, the view is the whole point, and it is one of the few Edinburgh pubs where you feel like you are at the seaside.
Food and drink at the Chain Pier
The Old Chain Pier is known for tasty seafood and pub classics, making the most of its coastal position with fresh fish and shellfish alongside hearty pub favourites. There is a good range of drinks, and the beer garden is a real draw in warmer weather, letting you eat and drink right beside the water. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere round out its reputation as a great seaside stop. My tip: the seafood is the natural choice given the setting, and booking ahead for a sunny weekend is wise, as its reputation and the limited waterfront space mean it fills up.
Getting to the Chain Pier from the city
The Old Chain Pier sits in Newhaven, on Edinburgh's northern coast, which is now far more accessible thanks to the Edinburgh tram extension that terminates at Newhaven, running from the airport through the city centre and Leith. That makes a trip to the pub genuinely easy for students living centrally or in Leith, and it pairs well with a walk along the Newhaven and Leith waterfront. My tip: take the tram to Newhaven and make an afternoon of it, combining the Old Chain Pier with a stroll around Newhaven Harbour and the Leith Shore.
Why students love the Chain Pier
For students, the Old Chain Pier offers something different from the Old Town's busy tourist pubs: a genuine seaside escape within the city, ideal for a relaxed meal with visiting family, a celebratory dinner, or simply a scenic pint away from the crowds. Living in Leith or the north of the city puts it within easy reach. My tip: the Chain Pier is a perfect spot to bring parents when they visit, it feels special without being expensive, and see our guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh for more places to take guests.
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FAQs
Q: Where is the Chain Pier pub in Edinburgh?
A: The Old Chain Pier is on Trinity Crescent in Newhaven, on the edge of the Firth of Forth on Edinburgh's northern coast. It is now easily reached via the Edinburgh tram, which terminates at Newhaven.
Q: What is the Old Chain Pier known for?
A: It is known for its stunning waterfront setting on the Firth of Forth, tasty seafood and pub classics, a beer garden right by the water, and some of the best sea views of any pub in Edinburgh.
Q: How do I get to the Chain Pier pub?
A: Take the Edinburgh tram to its Newhaven terminus, which runs from the airport through the city centre and Leith. The pub is a short walk from there, and it pairs well with a stroll along the Newhaven and Leith waterfront.
Q: Does the Chain Pier pub serve food?
A: Yes, the Old Chain Pier is known for fresh seafood and hearty pub classics, making the most of its coastal location. The beer garden is popular for waterfront dining in warmer weather.
Q: Is the Chain Pier good for students?
A: Yes, it offers a scenic seaside escape from the busy Old Town pubs, ideal for a relaxed meal, a visit with family, or a scenic pint. It is easy to reach by tram from central Edinburgh and Leith.
Q: Why is it called the Chain Pier?
A: It is named after the Victorian chain pier that once stood on the Newhaven shore, used for bathing and pleasure trips before a storm destroyed it. The pub preserves the name and the seaside heritage.