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We popped in for a couple pints and a quick snack. We had hand cut nachos! As billed, a requisite order!! Very lively inside and out. Bartenders were very friendly. The little statue of a dog, namesake for the pub, is a real fan favorite with steady streams coming by for pics and to rub the nose.
Bobby was the name of a Skye Terrier dog owned by John Gray, a night watchman for the Edinburgh Police. The two were inseparable up until Gray died of tuberculosis. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and it is said that for 14 years, Bobby faithfully kept constant watch and guard over his grave and never spent a night away from him. He was taken care of by residents throughout those years and was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from his master's grave. In honor of Edinburgh's most famous and faithful dog, William Brody sculpted this statue of Bobby and it was unveiled in November 1873, opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby's headstone reads "Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all". If you look closely, his nose is a bit lighter due to tourists have started rubbing his nose for luck. It's a very cute, endearing story that reminded me of Japan's Hachiko.
It is such a cute story. I'm not sure if all my facts are straight but the gist of it is this dog's owner, John Gray, was a night watchman who took the dog with him to work all the time. Even when John died of tuberculosis the dog would not leave his grave. For 14 years the dog was faithful in guarding the grave and townspeople helped the dog providing him with shelter in the graveyard. With a touching sentimental story like that who wouldn't want to take a picture of this sculpture and give him a pat on the head for being so loyal.
Statue review: some people were rubbing the nose of Greyfriars Bobby statue. I did not, but I did visit the grave and the restaurant for lunch after seeing the statue. Pub review: Love this pub! The two gals were really working hard to serve everyone. This is a popular place. We didn't have trouble getting a table at exactly noon when it opened, but it was completely full when we left. I had a half pint of Guinness and a lovely Chicken and Brie pie. The waitress recommended it, so go with her recommendations because the pie was excellent. I also shared a Cranachan (Scottish dessert) with the hubby because, well, when in Scotland, drink Guinness and eat dessert. Really, the saying is true, Guinness just doesn't travel well, so drink it in Ireland and the UK. The Cranachan was interesting, probably not something that I'd order a second time, but it is now off my bucket list. Great pub, interesting story about Greyfriars Bobby. Don't forget to go inside the cemetery and visit the graves too.
Such a sweet tribute to a loyal puppy! It's a statue of a little doggie that guarded its owner's grave until he passed away himself! It's in a nice area by a good pub of the same name (in a separate review), so if you're in the area, it's worth a visit. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit just the statue itself unless you're just really into the story etc. but it seems to be in a main touristy area so not hard to stop by and see the sweet pup!
What an emotional thing to see - this sweet pup. Definitely a must see and to read about this story! The reason the dogs nose is gold unlike the rest of his body is because people touch it for luck. He was a loyal pup and deserves to be seen by all for sure - also the gift shop that is in his name was cute too, cute stuff and nice workers!
One of the landmarks of Edinburgh that makes up the history of this wonderful city, if you're doing the tour then you need to make a stop here and pay tribute to the wonderful devoted dog behind the story. Admittedly, it's just a dog statue but I'll bet you would be hard pressed to name any other famous dogs from history that weren't simply Presidential pets or television stars. Laika, the Russian space dog is the only one that comes to mind. Maybe you can think of others?
I love a good story, especially one with a dog in it. Bobby was an old policeman's dog, who decided to get a small cute dog instead of a big one to cajole troublemakers into acting right instead of scaring them into it. Bobby means policeman in English slang. As a story with a twist, our tour guide said this isn't even Bobby, it's a likeness of his girlfriend. Once Bobby's girlfriend found out Bobby was getting fixings and such from the butcher at his old master's gravesite she started sitting vigil with him. After the priests gave up trying to run him off they recognized the moneymaker of him sitting next to his master's grave they let him stay. After he passed away the priests had the girlfriend take his place and still fed her, and she continued to draw in people who would donate money. One last thing. Bobby isn't buried there since he's a dog, but that the priests placed a marker for him. Dogs aren't allowed to be buried on hallowed ground, or so says the tour guide. It's a great story. What annoyed me to no end is the pub across the street from Bobby. They turned the statue around so that the pub is in the background when you take a photo, sort of like free publicity. I found this so tasteless I may just 1 star that pub on yelp.
It's a cute statue with a heartwarming tale behind it all. You'll likely pass it as you explore this part of town, also right near the cemetery and the elephant cafe, so yes, you'll want to come to this area if you come to Edinburgh. Apparently there's some tradition where people are rubbing the statue for good luck, I personally don't do it and and have read that it is actually wearing out the statue, so I'd reccommend leaving giving that part a miss.
Greyfriars Bobby is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Located just in front of the entrance to the Greyfriars Kirk can be found the bronze statue of Bobby. Hundreds of fans flock here every day to pay their respects, all eager to get a closer look at their doggy hero. History and why it is famous- and trust me guys, he is inthe same league as Hachi- Bobby, born in 1856, was a Terrier who spent over 14 years guarding the grave of his beloved owner. John - a dedicated nightwatchman for the Edinburgh City Police Force - carried out his duties with his trusty companion night after night. After John's untimely death in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his master's grave until the day he died himself. The rumours about this little dog began to spread far and wide, and Bobby soon had quite the fan base. In 1867, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented him with his very own collar. This gesture signified that Bobby was a licensed dog, meaning that he was protected against the new law that had recently been enforced, which stated that all unlicensed dogs would be destroyed. Bobby passed away in January 1872, and as a final token of his loyalty, was buried close to his master in the Kirkyard. A granite fountain with a statue can be found opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard - a permanent memorial to this faithful pup. Bobby's grave can be found immediately inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. He was buried close to his much-loved John, ensuring that the pair's astonishing bond would never be broken. It is not uncommon for doting visitors to leave sticks, dog toys, and flowers on his grave. read more
It's the statue of a cute Skye Terrier named Bobby. A loyal dog who is said to have stayed at Greyfriars Kirkyard near his master's grave for 14 years until his death in 1872. He lived to be 16 years old with the help of the community who knew his master, John Gray. Bobby was buried in the courtyard entrance of the kirkyard near his grave. This statue is on Candlemaker Row across the street from Greyfriars Bobby Bar (named after this special little doggie). People continue to rub his nose for good luck. As you can see, the paint has rubbed off his nose. It's still a nice statue and tribute. We just happened to see it on our way to the National Museum of Scotland. It was a great little discovery. read more
2 months ago
9 months ago
So glad we came over here! If you come to Edinburgh, this is a must! Getting a photo is iconic. highly recommend! read more
We popped in for a couple pints and a quick snack. We had hand cut nachos! As billed, a requisite order!! Very lively inside and out. Bartenders were very friendly. The little statue of a dog, namesake for the pub, is a real fan favorite with steady streams coming by for pics and to rub the nose. read more
Bobby was the name of a Skye Terrier dog owned by John Gray, a night watchman for the Edinburgh Police. The two were inseparable up until Gray died of tuberculosis. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and it is said that for 14 years, Bobby faithfully kept constant watch and guard over his grave and never spent a night away from him. He was taken care of by residents throughout those years and was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from his master's grave. In honor of Edinburgh's most famous and faithful dog, William Brody sculpted this statue of Bobby and it was unveiled in November 1873, opposite Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby's headstone reads "Greyfriars Bobby - died 14th January 1872 - aged 16 years - Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all". If you look closely, his nose is a bit lighter due to tourists have started rubbing his nose for luck. It's a very cute, endearing story that reminded me of Japan's Hachiko. read more
A historic establishment in a tourist popular area adjacent to Greyfriars Kirkyard it has a great vibe inside and out with a busy and lively atmosphere. All of out orders were good at prices one would expect but not overly inflated. read more
7 years ago
It is such a cute story. I'm not sure if all my facts are straight but the gist of it is this dog's owner, John Gray, was a night watchman who took the dog with him to work all the time. Even when John died of tuberculosis the dog would not leave his grave. For 14 years the dog was faithful in guarding the grave and townspeople helped the dog providing him with shelter in the graveyard. With a touching sentimental story like that who wouldn't want to take a picture of this sculpture and give him a pat on the head for being so loyal. read more
Statue review: some people were rubbing the nose of Greyfriars Bobby statue. I did not, but I did visit the grave and the restaurant for lunch after seeing the statue. Pub review: Love this pub! The two gals were really working hard to serve everyone. This is a popular place. We didn't have trouble getting a table at exactly noon when it opened, but it was completely full when we left. I had a half pint of Guinness and a lovely Chicken and Brie pie. The waitress recommended it, so go with her recommendations because the pie was excellent. I also shared a Cranachan (Scottish dessert) with the hubby because, well, when in Scotland, drink Guinness and eat dessert. Really, the saying is true, Guinness just doesn't travel well, so drink it in Ireland and the UK. The Cranachan was interesting, probably not something that I'd order a second time, but it is now off my bucket list. Great pub, interesting story about Greyfriars Bobby. Don't forget to go inside the cemetery and visit the graves too. read more
Such a sweet tribute to a loyal puppy! It's a statue of a little doggie that guarded its owner's grave until he passed away himself! It's in a nice area by a good pub of the same name (in a separate review), so if you're in the area, it's worth a visit. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit just the statue itself unless you're just really into the story etc. but it seems to be in a main touristy area so not hard to stop by and see the sweet pup! read more
7 years ago
What an emotional thing to see - this sweet pup. Definitely a must see and to read about this story! The reason the dogs nose is gold unlike the rest of his body is because people touch it for luck. He was a loyal pup and deserves to be seen by all for sure - also the gift shop that is in his name was cute too, cute stuff and nice workers! read more
One of the landmarks of Edinburgh that makes up the history of this wonderful city, if you're doing the tour then you need to make a stop here and pay tribute to the wonderful devoted dog behind the story. Admittedly, it's just a dog statue but I'll bet you would be hard pressed to name any other famous dogs from history that weren't simply Presidential pets or television stars. Laika, the Russian space dog is the only one that comes to mind. Maybe you can think of others? read more
8 years ago
I love a good story, especially one with a dog in it. Bobby was an old policeman's dog, who decided to get a small cute dog instead of a big one to cajole troublemakers into acting right instead of scaring them into it. Bobby means policeman in English slang. As a story with a twist, our tour guide said this isn't even Bobby, it's a likeness of his girlfriend. Once Bobby's girlfriend found out Bobby was getting fixings and such from the butcher at his old master's gravesite she started sitting vigil with him. After the priests gave up trying to run him off they recognized the moneymaker of him sitting next to his master's grave they let him stay. After he passed away the priests had the girlfriend take his place and still fed her, and she continued to draw in people who would donate money. One last thing. Bobby isn't buried there since he's a dog, but that the priests placed a marker for him. Dogs aren't allowed to be buried on hallowed ground, or so says the tour guide. It's a great story. What annoyed me to no end is the pub across the street from Bobby. They turned the statue around so that the pub is in the background when you take a photo, sort of like free publicity. I found this so tasteless I may just 1 star that pub on yelp. read more
8 years ago
4 years ago
8 years ago
What can I say...typical bar food with bar food quality. Nothing to write home about. Good location but I would eat somewhere else if I were a visitor. read more
6 years ago
On our way to the museum of Scotland we stopped by here for lunch. No wait. Quaint space. Friendly staff. Tried the Game Pie and Lamb Pie. Both were delicious, right out of the oven. read more
10 years ago
It's a cute statue with a heartwarming tale behind it all. You'll likely pass it as you explore this part of town, also right near the cemetery and the elephant cafe, so yes, you'll want to come to this area if you come to Edinburgh. Apparently there's some tradition where people are rubbing the statue for good luck, I personally don't do it and and have read that it is actually wearing out the statue, so I'd reccommend leaving giving that part a miss. read more
7 years ago
Nice bar. We just stopped for a drink. It was a nice stop after a wet and rainy stop at the Greyfriers cemetary. Take a picture with the dog statue outside for luck. read more
11 years ago
Firstly I'd just like to write: Please DON'T rub Bobby's nose. This is not a tradition, it's a silly thing that only started a couple of years ago and is slowly ruining the statue. It's also extremely BAD luck and will likely render you blind, impotent and senile within a year. Saying all that it's a much loved statue by locals and is in memory of our famous four legged friend that was a loyal pet to his master. Both pet and master are now buried in the local churchyard so take a wander there too after you've posed next to (without touching) the statue. There's also been a movie made regarding the story if you're interested. (The image I've posted was taken in 2013, before people started rubbing his nose. It looks rather different now). Don / www.edinburghphotowalks.com read more
8 years ago
If you're in Edinburgh and you want to see a horde of tourists crowding around the statue of a little dog waiting for an opportunity to rub its nose then this is for you. For me, like another peeing little statue in another city, it's a quick photo opp and move along. There is history though go this statue so it is significant to the city. Stop by and rub the nose of the dog statue, check out the cemetery and church and eat at the pub which is now Nicholson's. read more
If you're from Edinburgh, you'll no doubt know very well the story of the wee dog that was faithful to his master, even after his owner's death, consequently prompting the building of the statue and monument which marks the story of Bobby, the Skye terrier. If you're a tourist you're probably going to be up here anyway exploring the Old Town, so you should definitely come and gaze at wee devoted Bobby. The fact he lay on his master's grave for fourteen years, only leaving when he needed food, has got to have earned him a symbolic pat on the head and a read of his story. A lot of the local residents used to come and feed Bobby and look after him, and the engraved dinner dish given to Bobby at the time can be seen at the Museum of Edinburgh. Just across from Bobby's statue, there's the Greyfriars Churchyard where Bobby's master was buried, and there is also the well-established Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, for some traditional imbibing and often live Scottish folk music. read more
16 years ago
Everyone knows the story, and everyone loves the little pooch. But not everyone knows the truth behind the tale... The tale is much more heartbreaking than the public are led to believe. Many think that the little dog was so grief stricken he didn't leave his masters' side, however he was actually so utterly gutted that he actually turned to stone. The statue that tourists snap photos of everyday is the actual dog, forever wrapped in grief...waiting...waiting, for his next master to awake him from his slumber. God bless ye Bobby read more
Greyfriars Bobby is a story that has travelled well across the globe. It's the age old tale of a loyal dog who waits patiently for his master even after his death, and is touching for young and old alike. This is a small statue erected in wee Bobby's honour, sitting just outside the graveyard and Bobby's bar. The Skye terrier is immortalised in all his glory near the George IV Bridge, and has been in this area for over 100 years. If you can shimmy up to pass the many tourists huddled around him, you can give wee Bobby a pat on the head for good luck. Although he is not a fountain anymore, he is still kept in really good condition and undeniable one of the stars of Edinburgh's tourist industry. There is always a place in people's hearts for a lovely dog who refused to leave his master's side for all that time. Films are dedicated to man's best friend all the time - the last one that springs to mind is Marley and Me. Bobby's tale is the original, and touching in its sweet simplicity. As Bobby looked out for his master, Edinburgh now looks out for him. read more
15 years ago
18 years ago
The graveyard of Greyfriars, just off the George IV Bridge in Edinburgh's Old Town is, to use a horrendous travel-writing cliche, a quintissentially olde world place of rest - or unrest as the case may be. In recent years the graveyard has gained notoriety - gently helped along by the cut-throat competition between the city's various ghost tour companies - as being the home of world's most active poltergeist. Apparently, George Mackenzie, a 17th century judge noted for his brutal treatment of the Convenanters (rebels against Charles I's attempts to reform the protestant church), has in recent years been the culprit behind all manner of bizarre attacks and visitations. For those so inclined, the City Of The Dead Tours go through the locked off area of the graveyard where the aforementioned pesky spirit has wreaked most havoc. For everyone else however, the moss-encrusted tombs, well kept gardens and fantastic views of Edinburgh castle should be reason enough to visit this small bubble of solitude in the middle of town. It's a truly beautiful spot. read more
9 years ago
18 years ago
With free entry (as long as you're early enough!) and so well placed (right opposite the National Museum, above Grassmarket and with the Castle looming overhead) there's no reason to not take a walk around. Peering into some of the vaults is still haunting, even in the middle of a hazy busy Festival afternoon as it is this time of year. read more
9 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
16 years ago
9 years ago
How can you not love a dog anything this one is the best do to the story behind it makes you want to run out and adopt a dog from the pound today. read more
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18 years ago
Greyfriars Bobby - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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