Pubs & bars and "Edinburgh"
- Lebowskis
Lebowskis offers you some of the very best food Scotland has! - Whighams Wine Cellars
Whighams is one of Edinburgh's leading wine bars and restaurants - Nobles Bar
In this re-vamped Victorian bar the kitchen makes expert use of the best local ingredients without taking away the bar atmosphere - The Standard
Fantastic food, an unbeatable atmosphere, staff and big-screen live sport
Hyde Out
2 Fountainbridge Square,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9QB
Hyde Out is somewhat less demure than its name suggests. Located by the canal terminus at Edinburgh Quay, it took over from the old Embark with a splash of publicity and a blizzard of blingin’ style in the autumn of 2010, providing a reinvigorating if…
The Basement Bar and Restaurant
10–12a Broughton Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3RH
Situated below street level, this bar looks like the sort of place American sitcom characters would head for after a hard day’s mirth-making, thanks to the obligatory neon sign, mustard-coloured walls and staff dressed in Hawaiian shirts. It could be…
No. 12 Picardy Place
12 Picardy Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3JT
As Hawke and Hunter, this was one of Edinburgh's A-list after-hours drinking spots. It's now rebranded as No. 12 Picardy Place, and in truth not much else has changed. The presence of Restaurant Mark Greenaway has added oomph to the venue, and the…
Favorit
19–20 Teviot Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2QZ
Favorit is a late night diner for the young and hip and – most importantly – for those with the munchies. Black and white chequered tiles, retro tables and benches and a large, red neon Favorit sign set the scene. All that's missing is Pulp Fiction's…
The Cloisters
26 Brougham Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9JH
Despite the name and former-church setting, the only monks you’ll find in The Cloisters are those behind the bar – in the form of guest beers like the fruity (and potent) Westmalle, brewed by Belgian Trappists. They’d no doubt approve of the no-frills…
The King's Wark
36 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QU
First and foremost the King’s Wark is a good, solid pub. The dark wood tables and floors have been lovingly restored, Scottish ales are served on tap and the bar is well-stocked with a healthy combination of pub classics and well-selected imports. The…
Iglu
2b Jamaica Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6HH
For all that it is tucked at the far end of a side-street, Iglu has established an enviable profile, priding itself on serving seasonal, locally-sourced, organic and wild foods in the cosy upstairs restaurant and downstairs bar area. Proving high…
Bennets Bar
8 Leven Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9LG
Established in 1875, Bennets feels reassuringly as if little has changed in over a century. This is not the place to come looking for lattes, cocktails or wi-fi. It is most definitely somewhere to come and see the original Victorian fittings of the…
Electric Circus
36–39 Market Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1DF
Eclectic dance beats and indie plus private rooms with karaoke for a unique clubbing experience.
The Holyrood 9A
9a Holyrood Road,
Edinburgh,
EH8 8AE
If you can’t remember your last really great burger, head to Holyrood Road to have your faith in the patty renewed. Savouries are split between ‘one’ and ‘two handers’ – the former being edible with a fork while chatting, the latter needing both hands…
The Street
2 Picardy Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3JT
With its Coronation Street-aping sign, its dual-aspect floor to ceiling windows and the big iron ramp which stretches almost the length of the bar and back, the Street is a landmark pub in the Broughton/Picardy Place area. Its main business is a more…
Cruz Bar and Restaurant
14 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QN
A First World War minesweeper boat anchored right at the heart of Leith’s bustling Shore district, Cruz has to be among the most distinctive drinking venues in Edinburgh. A popular watering hole with the area’s young party crowd, Cruz serves up an…
99 Hanover Street
99 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DJ
This opulent venue was taken over at the end of 2011 and, while it has retained its classy interior, the new regime has decided to impose its own personality – with varied levels of success. While the burgers of old will be missed by many, the tables…
Barioja
15-19 Jeffrey Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1DR
Barioja has been dishing out its albondigas for over a decade, so could be considered a pioneer of the still relatively youthful Edinburgh tapas scene. Sitting alongside its big sister restaurant, Iggs, it’s seen competition come and go over the years…
The Espy
62–64 Bath Street, Portobello,
Edinburgh,
EH15 1HF
It might officially be the Esplanade, but ‘The Espy’ – ideally delivered with an Antipodean twang – as it's better known, suits this laid-back beach bar better. With friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere it proves there’s more to Portobello than…
Nobles Bar
44a Constitution Street, Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6RS
Nobles is fast becoming one of the most popular bars in Leith. With its large, colourful stained-glass windows and original Victorian features lovingly restored this is a classic pub of the highest quality. This attention to detail extends to the food…
Stockbridge Tap
2 Raeburn Place,
Edinburgh,
EH4 1HN
Decked out in light oak with a scattering of brewery paraphernalia on the walls, the Stockbridge Tap is one of the area’s more pleasant drinking establishments. The quiet, traditional atmosphere, well-kept ales and dizzying array of whisky on offer…
The Ale House
18–22 Clerk Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9HX
The Ale House Bar is a well known music venue throughout Edinburgh. During the daytime and evening the bar provides excellent meals and a range of cask ales and malt whiskies.
Joseph Pearce’s
23 Elm Row,
Edinburgh,
EH7 4AA
Pearce's huge popularity is testament to the warm and genuine welcome it extends to a diverse clientele. During the day a raised area to the back is a family-friendly haven, stocked with all the toys, highchairs and feeding paraphernalia that junior…
The Kilderkin
67 Canongate,
Edinburgh,
EH8 8BT
With a name like this (it’s a unit of measuring ale equivalent to two firkins or half a barrel) it’s no surprise to find that Kilderkin is serious about its alcohol. Under the co-ownership of James Nisbet, also of Leith Walk’s Windsor Buffet and…
The Merlin
168-172 Morningside Road, Southside,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4PU
With bold patterned wallpaper, gilt frames and a blazing fireplace adorned with a dramatic stag's head, this expansive dining and drinking space is frequented by a mixed crowd of Morningside locals. Food is served from noon onwards, all day, every day…
Red Squirrel
21 Lothian Road,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2DJ
Having struck upon a winning formula of great beers and gourmet burgers with Holyrood 9A, it’s unsurprising to see owners Fuller Thomson attempt to replicate that success across town. While Red Squirrel lacks some of its sister venue’s subdued charm…
The Doric Tavern
15/16 Market Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1DE
The self-proclaimed oldest gastro pub in Edinburgh is due for a refurbishment in 2011 that will hopefully see the currently rather bland décor raised to the same standard as the really rather good food. The menu mixes pub grub staples with some more…
Earl of Marchmont
22 Marchmont Crescent,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1HG
Much like its Canongate sister the White Horse, the Earl is a grand mixture of classic Edinburgh local and funked-up eclectic touches. The crowd is a hotch-potch of students, cheery thirty-somethings and a clutch of venerable regulars decorating the…
Victoria
265 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 8PD
Like the other Swedish-run bars in Leith, Victoria is both refreshingly familiar and determined to assert its own individuality. Their drinks range is classy and well-chosen, including beers from at least thirty-five different countries and their…
A Room in the West End
26 William Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 7NH
A cheery atmosphere awaits in a Room in the West End in the basement under Teuchters pub in William Street. With its red walls, chunky furniture and three wee booths at the back if you want a bit of privacy, the style is informal. Here you’ll find…
The Bow Bar
80 West Bow, Victoria Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2HH
Despite the name, Bow Bar is a pub. Not a trendy bar, not a concept pub, but a traditional real ale, real whisky, real pie pub. The drinks shelves are the smartest section of what is quite a small, dark, often heavily crowded room – over 230 whiskies…
Cargo
Edinburgh Quay, 129 Fountainbridge,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9QA
Cargo enjoys an attractive easy-to-access location at the beginning of the Union Canal towpath and also is only a five-minute walk from Lothian Road. The two-storey bar/restaurant has sleek dark wood tables, a glass-fronted bar and large picture windows…
Villager
49–50 George IV Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EJ
One of those versatile bars that often seems like a good idea for its perky cocktail list (a modernised one will be introduced very soon, retaining six old favourites and the same proactive attitude to decent ingredients), comfy sofas, and very…
El Barrio
47 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PJ
El Barrio is a thriving Latino Bar & Club serving up delightful cocktails in the evenings with fiestas on the dance floor every night of the week! That's how we Mambo!
Pepper
12 Picardy Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3JT
A late-night lounge and cocktail bar situated beneath high-octane new restaurant Steak, with Restaurant Mark Greenaway next door and outdoor enclave the Secret Garden out back.
Bramble
16a Queen Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1JE
Passers-by can be forgiven for not noticing Bramble – this place does everything short of donning a glasses-nose-moustache combo in its effort to remain disguised. Indeed, not content merely to be buried in a Queen Street basement, it doesn’t even boast…
The Granary
32–34 The Shore, Leith,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QN
This split-level restaurant and bar is well positioned on the Shore with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and views of the Water of Leith. With its seductive brown leather sofas, dark wood floors, rugs and realistic-looking gas-powered fires, you’ll…
Malone's Irish Bar
14 Forrest Road,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2QN
Malone's Irish Bar certainly can’t be accused of misrepresenting itself. Owned and run by natives of the Emerald Isle, the cavernous property oozes Irishness from its street-level entrance area, the large central room with tables for dining and large…
The Pear Tree House
34 West Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DD
The grande dame of the Southside drinking scene has been standing proud on the spot since 1749, and 2012 sees the thirtieth anniversary of its current incarnation. The Pear Tree’s justifiably famed selling point is the large walled beer garden…
Betty's Bar
14-16 Grosvenor Street,
Edinburgh,
EH12 5EG
A petit lounge bar situated in the West End of Edinburgh. Take a step back in time and allow our pin-up paintings to charm you …
Captains Bar
4 South College Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9AA
A small historic pub with live Scottish folk music in the evenings and weekend afternoons.
Dalriada
77 Promenade, Portobello,
Edinburgh,
EH15 2EL
Situated in an imposing building at the Joppa end of the Portobello Promenade, Dalriada is a fantastic bar-cum-café that's just perfect for an afternoon coffee and cake while you watch the waves roll in, or an evening drink as the sun sets over the…
Le Monde
16 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PF
If you’re an Edinburgh WAG looking for a bite to eat before a night on the town with your footballer boyfriend, Le Monde will be one of your first choices. The world is your oyster in this boutique hotel with international themed bedrooms, dining areas…
Teuchters Landing
1c Dock Place,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6LU
The pub sister of the A Room In… chain of restaurants, both Teuchters are directly connected to the Leith and West End branches of the restaurant. As if offering a frankly stunning range of alcohol (over 90 single malts in Teuchters; a wealth of…
The Abbotsford
3 Rose Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PR
The Grand Old Man of Rose Street’s bustling pub scene, with its island bar, wood-panelled walls and intricate ceiling, the Abbotsford remains agreeably unsullied by the latest fads and trends – as do most of its patrons. Attracting the sort of crowd who…
All Bar One
Exchange Plaza, 50 Lothian Road,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9BY
Once upon a time, All Bar One was the fresh-faced, exclusive bar-about-town frequented by apple flirtini-sipping suits. While never quite diverting the gastro-pub experts, it did embed the wine bar-diner concept in the nation's consciousness. But the…
The Cambridge Bar
20 Young Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JB
The Cambridge Bar has long been known for its fine ales, and continues to offer more than 30 from around the world, together with guest beers from Scottish micro breweries. Tucked away in a cobbled thoroughfare running parallel to George Street and…
Hamiltons Bar and Kitchen
16–18 Hamilton Place,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5AU
This dusky Stockbridge stronghold never looks the most inviting, yet is always busy – packed with pram-pushing mothers during the hours of daylight, and stuffed with drink-quaffing suits of an evening. And, with separate menus on offer for breakfast…
The Orchard
1/2 Howard Place, Canonmills,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5JZ
A bar with a sense of refinement in keeping with the area around it, the Orchard is a wood-panelled old man’s boozer recast as an elegant bar and restaurant in light pastel tones. It’s been around for a few years now but it doesn’t feel tired, and the…
Rick’s
55a Frederick Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1LH
A stalwart of Edinburgh’s style bar scene for over a decade, Rick’s is gently re-inventing itself with accessible, casual dining at its heart. The space works well, divided by banquettes and wood panels into lots of cosy nooks and crannies, all…
The Ship on the Shore
24–26 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QN
A popular fixture on the Leith scene for nearly a quarter of a century, the Ship on the Shore can genuinely be said to offer something for everyone – as long as you’re not averse to fresh, beautifully prepared fish and seafood. Opening its doors with…
The Standard
24 Howe Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6TG
With four large TV screens this is a popular location for watching live sports, especially rugby internationals when free pies are served during half time. The decor has a 1930s American feel with fixed red leather seats, deco-style lights and framed…
Valvona & Crolla Vincaffè
11 Multrees Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3DQ
Valvona & Crolla’s Vincaffe is only a short distance but several years away from the densely packed cornucopia of the family-run business’s original branch on Elm Row. With a bright, contemporary décor, evenly spaced, white dressed tables and a bank…
The Auld Hoose
23–25 St Leonards Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9QN
Standing proud on the Pleasance for nearly a century and a half, the Auld Hoose is viewed with affection by its locals and habitués as an unfussy establishment with an emphasis on good beer and hearty pub grub. The bar is well-stocked with an…
Biblos
1 Chambers Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1HU
With a name that means ‘book’ it is hardly surprising Biblos has gone for the decadent library theme. Leather Chesterfield sofas, wingback chairs and dark wood abound, and, in case the point still hasn’t hit home, they even have small pictures of famous…
Indigo Yard
7 Charlotte Lane,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4QZ
While not as conspicuously trendy as some of its West End neighbours, Indigo Yard’s exposed walls and unusual shape create a cosy, cave-like feel – although at weekends it can be cramped. It’s a popular spot for a tipple, with 15 beers on tap, another…
Ivory Lounge
126–128 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JN
For an after-work drink and bite to eat the Ivory Lounge is a comfortable option. A flamboyant entrance with patterned mirrors and upholstered seating gives way to a large bar and dining area. Part of a chain of similar bars, the interior is a…
The Regent Bar
2 Montrose Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5DL
Edinburgh's gay real ale pub. Relaxed and comfortable, The Regent is not the archetypal gay bar. It has been voted Edinburgh Pub Of The Year in both 2008 & 2010 by the Campaign for Real Ale.
Food is available all day until 10pm and dogs are welcome…
The Shore Bar & Restaurant
3 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QW
Down by the water in Leith this dark wood-paneled bar is strong on seafood, served by attentive staff in a pub that has retained is character and friendly informal atmosphere. Loch Fyne oysters taste as fresh as the crest of a wave, sweet and plump and…
Tigerlily
125 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JN
Tigerlily is the flagship venue for the Montpelier Group, a set of well-liked, bold restaurants and bars in the city, centred around this boutique hotel, restaurant and bar on George Street. The restaurant layout is charmingly haphazard, with mismatched…
The Ventoux
2 Brougham Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9JH
Not yet as lived-in and quite as beset by knick-knacks and bric-a-brac as its sister bar, Leith’s Tourmalet, the Ventoux is settling nicely into the space once occupied by the Illicit Still at Tollcross. Already it’s mirroring much of what makes its…
Agenda
92/98 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh,
EH12 8AT
Glass-fronted and set back from St John's Road on the main Corstorphine drag, Agenda is a bar, restaurant and hotel. In the comfy bar area, which contains scattered leather sofas, you'll find a younger crowd drinking and listening to the latest tunes.
All Bar One
29–31 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PA
Once upon a time, All Bar One was the fresh-faced, exclusive bar-about-town frequented by apple flirtini-sipping suits. While never quite diverting the gastro-pub experts, it did embed the wine bar-diner concept in the nation's consciousness. But the…
Avoca Bar & Grill
4-6 Dean Street,
Edinburgh,
EH4 1LW
Set into a relatively snug pair of rooms on a side street off Stockbridge’s main drag, this modern but lived-in bar feels like a bit of a nook, a welcome discovery when you find it. It’s a proper local for the diverse clientele of Stockbridge and…
BrewDog Edinburgh
143–145 Cowgate,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1JS
Considering you are essentially entering a life-size advert when you step through the door of a Brewdog bar, the experience is surprisingly enjoyable. The carefully styled surroundings are rough-hewn concrete cool, with ‘bar rules’ graffiti (‘No…
The Canon's Gait
232 Canongate,
Edinburgh,
EH8 8DQ
The Canon’s Gait is a pub with plans. It has become something of a hub for Edinburgh’s Gaelic community, and hosts Scottish folk music three nights a week: as a large space in the traditional heart of the city it takes to these roles well. It backs up…
City Café
19 Blair Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1QR
Pull up your pop socks and pick a song for the juke box: the City Café is your Grease-shaped American diner. Its red banquettes are just right for a short lie down after eating more than your fill of the great BBQ sharing platter, with sticky pork ribs…
Dragonfly
52 West Port,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2LD
A step away from the Grassmarket rugby pubs is a bar with a different attitude to the serious business of drinking. The conscientious eclecticism of the décor – think palatial chandeliers and kung fu stencilled walls – extends to the DJ deck and the…
El Bar
6–8 Howden Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9LH
Little L-shaped El Bar is the tapas bar and restaurant of Scotland’s only dedicated Flamenco school and studio, Alba Flamenca. It’s an unusual set-up, but one that’s won plenty of fans since its inception in 2008. Diners hoping for intimacy here might…
The Fiddler's Arms
11–13 Grassmarket,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2HY
A vibrant bar on one floor with groovy music and live folk bands every night, plus a traditional Scottish menu. We attract tourists, locals and groups from our hostel, Art Roch, across the road.
A small bar with just two members of staff serving drinks…
Filmhouse Café Bar
88 Lothian Road,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9BZ
Any self-respecting cinema-goer knows that no trip to the Filmhouse would be complete without a pre-movie bowl of nachos from their bustling café-bar. A haven for lovers of independent and arthouse film, the Filmhouse is awash with cinéastes nursing one…
The Old Bell
233 Causewayside,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1PH
The Causewayside stalwart is a popular spot with Southside drinkers who know their stuff. This is a place with character in abundance, with walls sporting original wood-carved panels and a carillon of bells hanging from the ceiling. Low-lit lamps and…
Tempus
25 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PB
Large mirrors and bold works of art line the walls of the George Hotel's plush dining room, the ceiling is elaborately decorated and lit by huge chandeliers. Understated it isn’t but, despite the opulent surroundings the atmosphere is one of casual…
The White Horse
266 Canongate,
Edinburgh,
EH8 8AA
With sofas that absorb you, gently lit stone walls and soft-voiced classics on the stereo, this pub has one of the most chilled-out back rooms possible. It’s not surprising, then, that it’s used by an eclectic mix of communities, from tarot reading to…
Au Bar
101 Shandwick Place,
Edinburgh,
Midlothian,
EH2 4SD
Traditional style pub, warm friendly atmosphere. Home cooked food with with variety of specials changing weekly.
The Blue Goose Country Pub
27 Lanark Road,
Edinburgh,
EH14 1TG
Now split into a restaurant and bar, which serves a handful of lighter meals and tapas throughout the day, the Blue Goose is a vast improvement from its previous incarnation as the Dell Inn. However, the style (country pub meets colonial) doesn’t quite…
The Brass Monkey
14 Drummond Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9TU
Drummond Street’s long-established original branch of the Brass Monkey is a bar with a mainly studenty crowd and a bunk-seated cinema in the back room showing classic films at 3pm every day. It now has a sister venue on Leith Walk with its own big…
The Brass Monkey Leith
362 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 5BR
The latest addition in the effort to turn Leith Walk into Edinburgh’s premier street for welcoming and quirky local boozers, the Brass Monkey is the sister venue of Drummond Street’s long-established original branch, a bar with a mainly studenty crowd…
