With an abundance of choice when it comes watering holes, Edinburgh Is home to some of the best pubs and bars around. We’ve picked a few we think are worth a visit no matter what the occasion.
Venture down to the Shore in Leith and you will find Roseleaf. This quirky bar is known for its imaginative food and drink offerings; especially their wildly popular cocktails served in teapots. Did someone say Madhatters Tea Party?! The Roseleaf isn’t quite like any other bar or pub in Edinburgh, so if you like places that are filled with character, popular with the locals and service with a smile, the Roseleaf is the one.
When the sun is out, locals and tourist flock to pubs with a beer garden. 10 minutes’ walk from town, you’ll find the Cumberland Bar, in the New Town. Boasting a secluded sun trap beer garden, there’s also an open fire for when it’s not quite warm enough. Regular and guest ales accompanied by an extensive drinks list and a focus on delicious pub grub and a traditional roast served on Sunday, The Cumberland is somewhere to unwind and pass the time.
Dating back to 1863 Café Royal is amongst the most beautiful bars you could visit in Edinburgh. Tucked away at the East End of Princes Street, you’ll find a modest range or ales, whiskeys and the most up market bar snacks in town. Linked to the bar is Café Royal Restaurant; seafood lover’s dream with dishes including Lobster Thermidor and Oysters as well as more traditional fish and chips.
http://www.caferoyaledinburgh.co.uk
Beer, beer and more beer. With multiple different locations throughout the UK, BrewDog is well known for having a large range of different beers, lagers and ales. Their Edinburgh base – in the heart of the historic Edinburgh Old Town has increased in popularity since opening its doors in 2011. Can’t decide which beer to go for? They’ve got you covered with their taster board - 4 half pints of their featured beers to try!
http://www.brewdog.com/bars/edinburgh
Nestled on the corner of Elm Row and Montgomery street, this Scandinavian bar serves a mixture of Swedish food and drinks, alongside the usual beers, wines and spirits. If you like a good smorgasbord, then head to JPs. They are particularly well known for there Bloody Marys, and often have bottomless Bloody Mary brunch at the weekend or on Bank Holidays.
http://www.bodabar.com/joseph-pearces/
Situated in the heart of the city centre, The Dome is an opulent and grand building fit for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a tea or coffee, drinks, food or afternoon tea; the dome adds a bit of theatre to your day. Visiting in the festive season? Then you don’t want to miss The Dome, with twinkly lights and copious amounts of tinsel draped over the stunning columns is a sight to behold during the festive months
http://www.thedomeedinburgh.com/
Looking for a bit of mystery and drama? Then Bryant and Mack Private Detectives is a must. This detective themed speakeasy is cosy yet sophisticated and boasts an excellent variety of cocktails, with knowledgeable and friendly staff this hidden gem that is worth the extra effort needed to find it.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/bryantandmack/
This laid-back bar on Leith Walk is well known for it’s friendly and relaxed atmosphere and is one of Edinburgh most popular independent music venue. There’s a wide range of drinks, bar snacks and food and live music every weekend.
If craft beer is your thing, you’ll be in heaven at The Hanging Bat. Located a mere 5 minutes’ walk from Princes Street, this bar has an inhouse brewing kit which allows them to showcase their creations. An ever-changing array of cask and keg beers, along with craft vodkas, gins, whisky, ciders and wines this is out pick for the craft lovers.
One of Morningsides longest running pubs, the Canny Man’s offer you something a bit different. Once touted as “the best pub in the world” this family run bar filled is with random knick knacks and trinkets it’s popular with the locals and has a host of beers, ales, wines or choose from one of their Whisky menu – and amazing 250 Malts complete with tasting notes.
Because there are so many amazing places you should try we found it hard to narrow it down to just 10 so we’ve thrown two more in for good measure.
Beer, whisky and seafood in the West End and Leith. Teuchters (and landing) are well known for great food – often served in mugs, whisky, cask ales, whisky, rugby and did we mention whisky? Whether you visit them down by the waterside of the shore or pop into the cosy bar in the West End you are sure to find a warm welcome and plenty of drinks to choose from. Especially popular with rugby enthusiasts; Teuchters is a great pub to watch the game especially during the 6 Nations.
Another gem in the Leith area, this laid back pub has a good range of food and drinks for all. They are well known for cocktails and gourmet burgers, with discounted cocktails on Monday to Wednesday - cheeky midweek cocktail I hear you say? Their burgers are sourced from a local butcher. Veggie or Vegan? They are passionate about catering to vegetarians and vegans and are always open to meeting dietary requirements. Another bonus is they are both child and dog friendly, so you have no excuse not to pop along and give it a try.
http://www.thelionessofleith.co.uk/
We hope our guide has helped you narrow down your list of bars to try when visiting Edinburgh. Haven’t seen anything that tickles your fancy? Don’t worry, Edinburgh has something for everyone, so you are sure to find a bar you love.
Edinburgh has something for everyone, so you are sure to find a bar you love
Written by Karen
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