The Top Bars In Edinburgh, Scotland!

The capital of Scotland located in the Central Belt region of the country. With a population of approximately 450,000 (1 million in the city region), it manages to combine both ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Medieval palaces rub shoulders with the best of modern architecture, Gothic churches with amazing museums and galleries. Scotland’s throbbing night-life centre, Edinburgh, “the Athens of the North” is watched over by the imposing castle, the symbol of the city.

There are establishments to suit all tastes scattered throughout every pocket of the city. Many famous traditional pubs are located on the Grassmarket, Old Town. These pubs are tourist traps and tend to be very popular with visiting stag and hen parties, so locals tend to keep clear. There are also modern clubs around Cowgate and Lothian road. George Street in the New Town hosts many of Edinburgh’s trendier bars.

Panda & Sons

A traditional hidden bar fusing the classic prohibition style speakeasy and a nod to the vintage style barbershop situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Opened in November 2013, with a foundation built on creating a place where all ages and all people would feel welcome whether it would be for one of their deliciously creative cocktails, wide range of craft beers or extensive wine list. Cool decor, friendly staff and the presentation of the cocktails are brilliant, very social media friendly. Located at 79 Queen Street and open 7 days a week to late, all we can say is that if you find a Barbershop with some foreign currency you have made it to the Libation Destination!

Whiski Bar

A stunning multi award winning whisky bar and Scottish restaurant on the Royal Mile, full of character and with a brilliant atmosphere. Whiski’s all day dining bar and restaurant serves the best of fresh Scottish food using the best local produce, has over 300 Scotch malt whiskies and a great selection of cocktails, wines and local craft beers, all with live Scottish music every night! Come and join them at Whiski for delicious fresh Scottish seafood, Scottish beef, venison, and their famous award winning haggis all featuring on the menu. They offer an introduction to Whisky tasting and for the more discerning Whisky drinker they also offer a Whisky and Cheese or Whisky and Chocolate tastings. Why not pop in for a dram on your next trip to Edinburgh!

Hoot the Redeemer

The bar where your fortune comes in Alcoholic form, with a wonderful twist from the award winning team that gave you Panda & Sons. It’s the 1950s and you are in New Orleans embracing a vintage funfair. There’s a Tarot reader ahead of you, a claw crane machine on your left, and an ice cream parlour on your right with a happy ice cream pot on the sign. No, this isn’t the beginning of a very strange dream – it’s what it’ll feel like walking into Hoot The Redeemer. Their ethos is that they aren’t a serious bar but take having fun and making sure you have fun very seriously. Located at 7 Hanover Street, Hoot the Redeemer is more than a cocktail bar, it’s the home of Señor Scoop adult ice-cream and the unofficial king of the cocktail slushy. Dive in and make your wish!

The Hanging Bat

A beer lover’s brewpub with craft ales, microbrews and bat-shaped taps, also serving an accompanying selection of food. They have an ever changing selection from the finest breweries worldwide. Saissons, porters, IPAs, the weird, the wonderful and the classics, there’s always something new. From pulled pork to mac ‘n cheese, hot dogs, nachos or curry – comfort food to keep you cosy, all freshly prepared in-house. Picture tapas for a colder climate. They host regular events, from IPA days, blind beer boards to many more like their monthly Meet the Brewer. Some are planned, some are very last minute. Located at 133 Lothian Road and open 12 to 12 Sunday through to Monday, with a later closing time of 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Devil’s Advocate

A bar and restaurant situated in the historical and atmospheric Old Town of Edinburgh, in an old Victorian pump house hidden away in Advocates Close. Their multiple award winning bartenders also serve inventive seasonal cocktails, a considered wine list and selected craft beers. The kitchen team enjoy creating lunch and dinner menus that hold true to the quality, seasonal Scottish produce whilst providing a modern dining experience. The bar holds an eclectic collection of Scottish and world whiskies with over 300 of the best available. The Devil’s Advocate is a project of Stuart McCluskey, so if you enjoy a visit here check out his other venues as the creator of Bon Vivant Thistle Street, The Bon Vivant Companion and El Cartel Mexican.

Bramble

Established in 2006 and located at 16A Queen Street in New Town, open 4PM to 1AM daily with no reservations available. Bramble is an upscale speakeasy cocktail bar in an understated, subterranean venue, serving classic and nouveau concoctions. It’s one of the most difficult bars in the city to find, beneath a dry cleaner, down a flight of stone steps into a dark cavern. Take the steps downstairs and turn left, the Bramble Bar’s entrance is signalled by a little golden plaque which is impossible to spot from upstairs. Inside awaits a buzzing cocktail bar, superb atmosphere and extensive list of drinks and cocktails. Making the top 50 bars in the world list in 2016, why not pop in for a Bramble in Bramble!

The Bow Bar

Award winning whisky and real ale pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town. It’s a small single room pub, traditional not trendy, located at 80 West Bow between grassmarket and the royal mile. They stock approximately 390 Single Malts, 50 International Bottled Beers, 8 Cask Conditioned Ales and 6 Keg Beers. Enjoy their artisanal Pies from Steak & Ale, Pork & Blue Cheese, Pheasant & Pancetta, Moroccan Lamb, Chicken & Leek or Spinach & Goat Cheese Pies. All handmade from the Jarvis Pickle Kitchen and served until 3pm. If your in the mood for ale, whisky and pies, this is the place to stop by on your trip to Edinburgh!

The Dome

An Edinburgh institution since opening its doors in 1996. The Dome sits resplendent with its Graeco-Roman façade and Corinthian Portico in central George Street. In the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, welcoming local residents and those from across the world 362 days of the year. They are incredibly proud to be considered a first choice venue to meet family, friends and colleagues for Coffee, Cocktails, Tea, Lunch and Dinner in the magnificent and memorable surrounds of The Dome. Definitely one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings and Landmarks. No visit to the city centre is complete without a trip to The Dome!

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What’s your favourite bar in Edinburgh?