The Yellow Carvel

Known as one of Edinburgh’s chief folk venues, The Yellow Carvel owed its rather curious name to a 300-ton armed merchant ship (or caravel) harboured at the port of Leith in the 15th century. Located on Hunter Square, the pub has become a haven for the city’s patchouli-scented folk crowd, as well as blues and jazz types. It features live music on a regular basis, including a number of bands from the famous London-based indy label Rough Trade. True to its name, the basement area of the establishment is decorated to resemble the deck of an old clipper, with sailing sheets and netting fixed to the ceiling.. Tired stowaways can find solace at Sandy Bell’s or The Royal Oak, both less than a mile’s stagger from the old Yellow Carvel.