Best Bars and Pubs in Edinburgh
This is the second in our series of the best things to see and do in Kaplan’s top destinations. This week we are thinking about pubs and bars. Read on to find out where to enjoy a fine bevvy in Scotland’s capital city.
The Hanging Bat Beer Cafe
133 Lothian Rd, EH3 9AB
The Hanging Bat on Lothian Road is a pub for the beer connoisseur, with a selection of 20 draft lines, and more than 120 bottled beers. If the huge collection seems daunting, they have a team of expert staff who are happy to guide you to find a beer that suits your taste. If you’re not a beer lover, they also offer 40+ specialty gins, and a range of local ciders. You can soak up the alcohol by sampling from their hearty American-inspired food menu, with delicious offerings such as mac ‘n’ cheese and meatloaf burgers.
Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA
The Sheep Heid is regarded as the oldest surviving public house in Edinburgh, having supposedly been there since 1360. Mary Queen of Scots was a regular visitor and her son, James VI, gave the landlord a ram’s head snuff box, which gave the pub its name. The Inn has a beer garden, a conservatory area, and a 19th-century skittle alley. Soak up the charm and character of this traditional pub over a plate of seasonal food, and a glass of what you fancy.
Bramble
16A Queen St, EH2 1JE
Consistently hailed as one of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars, this candlelit basement is a cosy place to enjoy a high-class drink. The knowledgeable staff will help you to select a drink according to your favorite flavors. They use fresh ingredients and good quality alcohol to create a menu that touches on old classics, but also incorporates new innovations.
Panda & Sons
79 Queen St, EH2 4NF
Opened by award-winning bartender Iain Mcpherson in November 2013, this 1920s prohibition speakeasy is in the basement of a mysterious barbershop on Queen Street. The owners like to offer the best, which is clear in their menu of classic cocktails with innovative ingredients, presented as miniature works of art. Slightly off the beaten track but well worth a visit if you’re looking for a memorable experience!
Jekyll and Hyde
112 Hanover St, EH2 1DR
A spooky offering from the Eerie Pub Company, Jekyll and Hyde is in the very center of 'Auld Reekie'. Their website says that in a visit here ‘you will encounter sights and sounds beyond those yet experienced by human kind’. With leather upholstery, pointed Gothic furniture, and even the odd bubbling beaker full of weird and wonderful potions; the quirky decor and fun staff make this a popular choice with locals and visitors alike.
Teviot Row House
13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ
Home to six distinctive bars, Teviot is the oldest purpose built Student Union in the world. It opened its doors in 1889 and it remains one of the most popular Student Union venues in the country. One of the bars is tucked away at the top of one of Teviot’s turrets, and boasts its own roof terrace. During summer months Teviot opens its doors to non-students, so go check it out while you have the chance!
