What are the ten best pubs in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is packed with fascinating pubs and bars, each with its own unique atmosphere. From historic public houses that have been around for centuries to modern gastropubs serving up outstanding contemporary cuisine, there is something to suit all tastes. To help you find the very best pubs in Edinburgh, we’ve pulled together a list of our top ten favourites.

The Gates Bar & Kitchen

The first stop on our tour of the ten best pubs in Edinburgh is the magnificent The Gates Bar & Kitchen. Located on Melville Place, this modern gastro-pub offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere perfectly suited to a quiet evening out with friends. The bar serves an extensive range of craft ales, wines, cocktails and spirits, as well as an impressive menu of delicious home-cooked food. From classic pub favourites to more adventurous dishes, you’re sure to find something to please everybody.

The Royal Oak

A visit to Scotland is incomplete without stopping in at one of the country’s oldest pubs – and The Royal Oak is the perfect place for a traditional pub experience. Located on West Port, The Royal Oak is an atmospheric venue that has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1695. While it may have been extended and modernised over the years, The Royal Oak retains its age-old charm with wooden and stone interiors, vintage furniture and a raised bar in the centre of the room. It boasts an extensive range of real ales as well as a great selection of wines, cider, whiskey and spirits – plus cosy alcoves where you can while away the hours in complete tranquillity.

The Apiary

For something a little different, make a beeline for The Apiary. Located on Rose Street, this chic craft beer bar and restaurant serves up some of the freshest beers and most inventive dishes in the city. With an eye-catching rustic decor, The Apiary is a unique space that is split between a dining area and a drinking den complete with comfy leather armchairs and a real open fire. As well as locally sourced real ales, craft lagers and ciders, they also serve a great range of signature cocktails crafted with skill and precision. And if you want to fill your belly too, their menu of home-made dishes and daily specials will certainly hit the spot.

The Bow Bar

With its traditional Victorian decor and its warm and welcoming atmosphere, The Bow Bar is one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most beloved pubs. Established in 1855 and still owned by the same family, The Bow Bar is renowned for its excellent ale selection – including world-class cask ales from local breweries such as Pilot and Alechemy – plus a range of single malt whiskies and other spirits. Enjoy your tipple of choice with some delicious home-made bar snacks and an ever-changing selection of craft beers on tap – all in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle’s historic walls.

The Blue Blazer

This infamous establishment is one of Scotland’s few surviving Victorian bars – think original walls, marble countertops and a distinctive blue ceiling with stars – a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Located on Spittal Street, The Blue Blazer has been pouring pints since 1832 and serves up some of Scotland’s finest whiskies in addition to a range of craft ales and lagers from top breweries around the world. With its timeless decor it makes the ideal spot to while away a Sunday afternoon.

Hanover Tap

If you’re hunting for something special then you won’t go wrong with Hanover Tap. This atmospheric pub sits just off London Road and distinguishes itself with an impressive selection of craft beers from around the country. The main bar stocks up to 20 guest ales on tap, plus an impressive range of bottles for those who prefer something different. On weekends they also serve up a range of snacks including cheese platters and local haggis from specialist suppliers – all washed down with a glass of whatever takes your fancy.

Cloisters

Tucked away down a lane off George IV Bridge is the beautiful Cloisters bar – perfect for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city centre. A stylish venue with an intimate atmosphere, on taps you’ll find four cask ales from local breweries as well as draught lagers, ciders, wines and spirits – plus a few well-known bottles too. If you’re hungry, you can tuck into a range of bar snacks or get stuck into one of their sensational burgers – made with premium Scottish beef and served with tasty sides!

Sheep Heid Inn

Located in Duddingston just outside of Edinburgh, The Sheep Heid Inn is recognised as Scotland’s oldest pub – having served up pints since 1360! Visit during summer (check opening times) to enjoy their beer garden or head inside to sample some real ales or malt whiskies near their cosy fireplaces. They even have their own skittle alley for anyone feeling competitive! And if you’re feeling peckish then why not try some of their delicious pub grub made from locally sourced ingredients.

The Longstone Inn

The Longstone Inn is one of those pubs that has managed to perfect everything – from its rustic décor to its excellent selection of real ales, local ciders and whiskeys. Located on West Coates in southern Edinburgh, The Longstone Inn offers an inviting atmosphere filled with comfy leather sofas which give you the perfect opportunity to sample one (or two) of their many gins while enjoying one of their delicious home-cooked meals. They also hold regular live music events so keep your eyes peeled if you fancy getting into the swing of things!

Biddy Mulligan’s

Last but by no means least on our list is Biddy Mulligan’s – an unmissable Irish pub that sits on Grassmarket, close to Edinburgh Castle. Established in 1992, Biddy Mulligan’s brings together locals and travellers alike over some great craic (good conversation) – not to mention some mighty fine drinks! With live Irish music every night, whisky tastings and even traditional Irish tea served up all day, Biddy Mulligan’s really is worth a visit tonight and it’s no wonder why it remains one of Edinburgh’s most beloved bars and pubs today!So whether you’re looking for somewhere cosy to watch the football or some expertly created cocktails made with Irish whiskey (or perhaps both), the above ten pubs should be top on your list the next time you are visiting Edinburgh. With so much variety available, you are sure to find something that perfectly suits your taste – so why not take your pick from our list today?