Edinburgh's bar scene is exciting and varied and there is a "watering hole" to cater for all tastes and fashions. Here are a selection of some of the most unique & interesting bars ranging from possibly the best cocktail bar in the world, to a mysterious Jazz club and a bar which serves 200 different Scottish scotch malts. Enjoy your tipple!
Underthestairs If you ask Edinburgh dwellers what their favorite bar is, many of them will answer “Under the Stairs”. Located, as its name suggests, under the stairs of a lovely Old Town building near the Grassmarket, this bar has a warm, sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere. Decorated to look like a living room, every piece of furniture is an antique, and they expose local artists’ work, as well as a beautiful fish tank. The vast selection of drinks includes local draughts to imported wines, and delicious cocktails like the traditional G&T or more risqué drinks with colorful liqueurs and exotic fruit. It is also possible to enjoy food, little nibbles and full sharing platters to accompany a few pints, but also starters and mains for those who want to stay on for dinner. A great place to start or finish the evening, it is easy to see why Under the Stairs is such a favorite.
Bramble bar Named after its house specialty, Brambles is the best cocktail bar in all of Edinburgh, and maybe one of the better in the world. The quality of the drinks here is unmatched: each sip is a delight, and completely justifies the price. The bartenders are masters at what they do: if you are not inspired by the drinks on the menu (which is hardly imaginable), they will mix a drink so right for you will never want to drink anything else. The ambiance of Brambles pairs with its elegant drinks: this small downstairs bar is full of romantic alcoves, but also has a more open space for larger groups of friends. The speak-easy inspired deco fits well in fancy New Town, and the clientele reflects this in their dress. Great cocktails, combined with dim lights and electro-jazz music make any evening here unforgettable.
99 Hanover Street Just a block away from Brambles, on a street adjacent to posh George Street, this rather vast bar decorated with a certain funky grandeur is usually packed with a very lively crowd. Gold and velvet are a recurring theme, but don’t be fooled because 99 Hanover Street is actually quite laid back. Good beer, good wine, good house pours, it is a place to dress up for without having to spend a fortune. Music at night and an opulent bar makes it easy to mingle and maybe meet some new people to carry out the night. With a friendly bar staff that will be more than happy to get you to taste local Edinburgh brews, talented DJs and beautiful people, 99 Hanover Street will fill you up with excitement and make you want to hit the nearby George Street clubs after its closing.
The Albanach When you think Scotland, you think Loch Ness Monster, Tartan, old castles… but also whisky. Scotch is maybe the most appreciated whisky in the world, by connoisseurs and novices alike (the Irish might disagree), and Edinburgh has its far share of places to try this national drink, but the Albanach Bar stands out amongst all others. Located on the famously touristy Royal Mile, this pub also serves local beers and a selection of wine, and looks like any nice pub should, but the key is really whisky. With more than 200 different types of single malts and blends from all the regions of Scotland, and a few from Ireland, Canada and even Japan, it is pretty much whisky paradise. Don’t worry if you know nothing about whisky, or even if you think you don’t appreciate it, just ask the bar tender and he will pour you one to your match your taste (they are nearly always right, its scary). And if you think you have tried everything and know exactly what you want, they will have it, but they will probably recommend a better one that you never imagined existed.
Jazz Bar Lovers of saxophone, base and drums will have to try out this great venue. Shows are on every night (requiring a small entrance fee), and the bar stays open till late. Another underground bar, not so noticeable because of its rather nondescript door, the Jazz Bar is quite roomy, has a very full bar and bathes in a red hue which makes everyone look mysterious and sexy. If it is located in the student area of Old Town, the Jazz Bar attracts a very diverse crowd who come either for their love of live gigs or just for an evening out of the ordinary. This very cool place is definitely worth a stop.
Written by Edinburgh's local watering hole expert, Camille Soulier.