Tolbooth Tavern Celebrates On-Screen Role in Guillermo del Toro’s New Frankenstein

Tolbooth Tavern, one of Edinburgh’s most historic pubs, is raising a glass to its latest starring role following the release of Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein on Netflix.

Filmed on Canongate, the production brought global attention to the Royal Mile, with Tolbooth Tavern proudly featured as part of the atmospheric set.

Standing since 1820, this 200-year-old pub has long been woven into the city’s cultural fabric. From its days as part of the original Canongate Tolbooth to its modern reputation for warm Scottish hospitality, Tolbooth Tavern continues to welcome tens of thousands of visitors each year. The pub is also no stranger to the screen, having previously played a role in Outlander’s Edinburgh sequences.

Known as one of the Royal Mile’s most characterful and haunted pubs, Tolbooth Tavern blends history, mystery, and exceptional local cuisine. Today, it is celebrated for its home-cooked Scottish dishes, locally sourced produce, and authentic old-town charm. Its enviable location places it just moments from Edinburgh Castle, Canongate Kirk, Holyrood Palace, and the foot of Arthur’s Seat, making it a favourite stop for tourists, film fans, and locals alike.

With the release of Frankenstein drawing renewed attention to Edinburgh as a film destination, Tolbooth Tavern is delighted to be a small part of the story. Night-time footage and fresh imagery of the pub’s movie signage has been captured this weekend to showcase how the filming appeared on set.

Tolbooth Tavern continues to stand proudly at the heart of the Royal Mile — a true piece of living history now immortalised on screen.