It’s festival time here in Edinburgh which is a busy time for the Scottish capital. During August the city’s population doubles in size without tourists visiting the world famous festivals.
It’s also a great time for bars, with full houses everywhere and more choices than ever. We’ve listed a few of our favourite places in Edinburgh if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Bramble
Literally the best bar in Britain, Bramble is a fantastic basement cocktail bar.
Rumours that they took the sign down a few years ago after it was getting too popular are unconfirmed, but it’s definitely worth the trip for a drink.
16A Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE
http://www.bramblebar.co.uk/
Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar
We’re members of the SMWS, so the Society’s flagship venue on Queen Street is an easy recommendation. The top floor hosts the member’s rooms, but anyone can visit Kaleidoscope; their public bar on the ground floor.
Beers, cocktails and single cask whisky – what’s not to like?
28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX
https://www.smws.com/about/venues/kaleidoscope-edinburgh
Panda & Sons
Anyone who knows the Edinburgh drink scene will vouch for this local favourite. Disguised as an old school barbershop as an exterior, you then proceed through a bookcase to enter the venue, where you’ll be greeted by charming staff and some of the most imaginative drinks in the world…
79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF
http://pandaandsons.com/
The Blackbird
Situated in the area of Tollcross, Blackbird is a great local bar which serves a brilliant selection of food and drinks.
With a fairy-lit beer garden and ever changing cocktail menu, The Blackbird is a bar not to be missed during the Fringe.
37-39 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH
http://theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk/
Nightcap
There’s not many better things in life than enjoying great drinks and great food in a great venue… especially when the venue is open until 3am.
Nightcap very much abides to the theory that if somewhere serves great drinks, why can’t they serve great food? So head for one of Edinburgh’s best late night bar and indulge yourself in exotic cocktails, amazing chicken wings and top quality burgers.
3 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
http://nightcapbar.co.uk/
The Permit Room
A fantastic late-night cocktail bar with seriously good drinks hidden beneath the kitchen of Dishoom Edinburgh, open until 3am.
3a St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD http://www.dishoom.com/permitroom/
The Bon Vivant
Tucked away from the crowds on the hidden gem that is Thistle Street, The Bon V serves expertly made cocktails that will keep you coming back for more.
51 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DY
http://bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk/
The Devil’s Advocate
Hidden down a close from the Royal Mile, the Devil’s Advocate offers a brilliant selection of whiskies and flawless cocktails.
Visit if you want a great drink in a unique venue.
9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
http://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/
Image credit: The Blackbird
Braw Spirit 