The Jolly Judge has been named Branch Cider Pub of the Year again, praised by CAMRA for its selection, service and cider education
The Jolly Judge, a compact pub tucked into James Court off the Lawnmarket beneath Edinburgh Castle, has once more been honoured by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland branch of CAMRA as Branch Cider Pub of the Year. This recognition marks the eighth occasion the venue has taken the branch title in succession, with the only interruption when the competition was cancelled in 2026 because of the Covid pandemic.
The award reflects the pub’s sustained commitment to curating a varied cider list and creating a welcoming environment for people curious about the range of flavours that real cider can offer.
Last week the pub’s landlord, Adam Neil, who has managed the Jolly Judge for 19 years, accepted a framed certificate alongside CAMRA representatives including Karen Hetherington, the branch cider representative, and Chris Miller, the branch chair.
The Jolly Judge has not only dominated the branch awards but has also been recognised at a national level, previously taking the overall Scottish title and securing the national accolade in 2018. Inside the pub the emphasis is clear: multiple ciders on tap, a rotating bottled list, and events that encourage customers to explore beyond their usual pint.
Why the Jolly Judge stands out
The pub’s approach to cider is both deliberate and educational. Adam has focused on promoting cider for around 15 years, assembling a core offering of eight ciders on tap and an ever-changing roster of bottled options. Regulars and visitors alike are guided through different production methods and taste profiles so that customers can develop preferences, rather than sticking to a single brand. By positioning cider as a worthy alternative to beer, the Jolly Judge expands the choices available in a traditional pub setting, while still providing a modest selection of handpulled real ales for those who prefer them.
CAMRA’s role and the significance of the award
The Campaign for Real Ale has long championed authentic beverages, campaigning for both real ale and real cider and perry. CAMRA defines those products as authentic traditional fruit products not made from concentrated juice, and the organisation’s branch awards highlight venues that exemplify that spirit. Praise from branch leadership underscores what makes the Jolly Judge noteworthy: knowledgeable stewardship of the bar, a commitment to variety, and service that elevates cider to the same level as well-kept ale. Such recognition from CAMRA is a cue to enthusiasts that the pub is a reliable destination for quality cider.
Serving styles and selection
The Jolly Judge’s service sometimes surprises visitors who expect only bottled choices. Chris Miller notes that the pub consistently offers at least four still ciders dispensed from boxed bags on the bar, alongside sparkling ciders available on tap. In addition to draught options, the bar stocks a selection of unusual bottled ciders, often in larger-format bottles intended for sharing. That variety enables customers to compare textures and flavours side by side, from still, tannic farmhouse styles to lively, effervescent farm ciders. This breadth of choice is a key reason the venue has repeatedly attracted CAMRA’s attention.
Community events and cider culture
Beyond daily service, the Jolly Judge stages an annual cider festival that normally features around 14 different ciders, providing an occasion for tasting and discovery that draws both locals and visitors. The pub also highlights larger bottles meant to be shared, which encourages communal sampling and conversation about flavour profiles and production techniques. Adam’s long-running efforts to educate customers have helped many people ‘catch the cider bug’, turning casual tasters into regular cider enthusiasts who return to sample new additions and revisit old favourites.
Final thoughts
The Jolly Judge’s eighth branch win reinforces its reputation as a specialist cider venue in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The combination of an experienced licensee, a thoughtful selection that covers still and sparkling styles, bottled rarities, and events that bring the community together explains why CAMRA continues to single it out. Whether someone is already devoted to cider or simply curious to explore beyond beer, the Jolly Judge provides both the options and the guidance to make that exploration rewarding. That consistent focus on quality and variety is what keeps customers returning and awards coming through the door.
