Edinburgh. Dates back to 1516 with the current building constructed in 1740 (though the cellarage from the original structure still exists). Located in the Grassmarket, it served as a coaching inn and was a major hub for coaches travelling to and from London. The name comes from a legend dating back to 1128 when King David I was hunting in what is now Holyrood Parks and was attacked by a white stag. It is said he was saved when a fiery cross appeared between the stag's antlers.

For many years public executions were held near the pub which kept it quite busy. Notable patrons over the years include the Scottish poet Robert Burns who stayed there in 1791, English poet William Wordsworth, and English statesman Oliver Cromwell. In 1828 two of Edinburgh's most notorious body snatchers William Burke and William Hare enticed patrons patrons back to their lodgings to murder them and sell their corpses to Dr. Knox at the Edinburgh Medical School. It is said to be one of Edinburgh's most haunted pubs. It is a Belhaven Brewery (Scotland's oldest working brewery, 1719) pub and I enjoyed a Belhaven Best, a Scottish session ale, smooth and creamy featuring toffee and caramel notes. A great start to my Edinburgh visit.