Pubs were an intrinsic part of Newhaven’s culture, especially for working men, and ironically so too was the popularity of temperance societies such as the Rechabites.  At one time there were about a dozen drinking establishments in Newhaven, both pubs and hotels. 

Around Fishmarket Square alone, there were four public houses as shown in orange on the main page map, The Stone Pier, The Ship Inn, The Drift Inn (Main Street) and Barney Battle’s (Pier Place).

(All text taken from “Newhaven: A Scottish Fishing Community 1928 – 1978” by Chris Garner)

The Prom Bar was the first pub someone coming into Newhaven from Leith would encounter.  The Prom was, of course, named after the promenade that ran from here to Annfield.

The Annfield Bar was situated in the middle of the Victorian terrace of Annfield.

Smibert’s was known under different ownerships as The Bow-Tow, The Parrot Shop and Kings Arms.  It is a mock Tudor building with marbled dormer window surrounds which still exists to this day although is now a private residence.

The Ship Inn in the Square had two bars and was patronised by the fishermen from the wee boats.  It was said that inshore fishermen used the Ship Inn and trawler fishermen used the pub opposite, The Stone Pier (now the Harbour Inn).

The Drift Inn boasted an unusual feature. Instead of the beer being drawn up under pressure from below, the taps at the Drift were gravity-fed from above.

Barney Battles’ pub was owned by a famous footballer of the day and had a distinctive atmosphere. 

The last remaining hostelry on old Newhaven Main Street was the Marine Hotel at the intersaction of Pier Place and Craighall Road.