Edinburgh Beer Guide: Your Edinburgh guide to beer, beer bars, breweries and brewpubs

Latest reviews from Edinburgh

70 /100 143 COWGATE
“Quite a small place, far smaller than expected, lower level. Visited early on Saturday and it was packed with two stag parties. The selection was not that big either, typical interior and nothing in the way of surprises on tap. Small can selection. Bit of a more boosting BrewDog it seems, would suggesting picking a different one over this one, DogHouse one was my favorite.“
77ships 80 days ago
84 /100 133 LOTHIAN ROAD
“Quite an interesting and unique place for sure with its own vibe but I cannot say that I quite grasped the reputation. Quite a mezzanine feel to the place, interior looks like a pub mixed with a 2000s Middle-Eastern restaurant with some plastic bats and wall painting thrown in for good measure. 4 cask and about 16 keg beers, quite an eclectic mix of beers going from their own to Black Isle, Campervan, Thistly Corss, Siren, Northern Monk, Põhjala, traditional mixed with modern, almost randomly, they even had Jupiler 0.0% in bottles, equally odd largely modern craft beer canned selection. Not sure if they follow their muse or just get everything and anything. Definitely interesting things to get but nothing that really struck me as wow they have this. No pints, 1/2 1/3 for all beers, tad more expensive, my IIIPA came in an almost funny sized small glass. Odd but fun for sure even if I didn't quite get the hype.“
77ships 81 days ago
86 /100 2 SPITTAL ST
“Lovely full traditional corner pub noting two different foundation dates in the decor. Quite an interesting selection of cask including some breweries I didn't see much elsewhere on cask like Brew York, Bellfield, Arbor etc. Loads of whiskey, very busy & popular. Some modern craft even, tile decoration on the floor. Quite crowded, really enjoyed it.“
77ships 81 days ago
90 /100
Bow Bar (Bar)
80 WEST BOW
“Gorgeous old traditional pub with worn down dark wood, red hues, punters glued to chairs, loads of cask in great condition, small, comfy and a good selection of whiskey. The spot in town for cask it seems from what I have visited.“
77ships 81 days ago
86 /100 57 BLACKFRIARS STREET
“Dark navy blue outside, comfy inside with brick, modern wood tables and a restaurant feel. They focus on burgers and wings with vegan options, we didn't eat while here. Okay service. 14 taps which a quite interesting selection, different from other bars. Quite a large number of Newbarns available here, Kernel, Otherworld, Buxton, good condition, tasty nice selection, the place in town to drink Newbarns. Didn't really explore the fridge but can / bottle selection looked smaller than expected.“
77ships 81 days ago
78 /100 5 NEW ST,
“Attached to the BrewDog Hotel (I checked the prices - ouch). Looks like a BrewDog, spacious for sure, wood, neon, brick, metal etc. They have a moving text display boasting about them being carbon neutral which is cringe. Tap selection is about what is standard these days with Arcade Made, Wing man, Black heart, no real surprises but BrewDog is duller and more standard these days. It's a nicely sized BrewDog, space but not silly big. Guests didn't have any surprises either with the likes of Vault City, WHiplash, they did have Still water which I haven't seen in forever. I did dig this BrewDog the most of the ones that I visted on this trip. Good service. We had a portion of Temple of Seitan wings which were tasty for sure. Fun place, fun to stay probably too if you're willing to pay that much.“
77ships 81 days ago
66 /100
Whisky Trail (Beer Store)
223-225 HIGH STREET
“Located on the Royal Mile so touristic for sure. Whiskey is the focus of course and the prices are high naturally as is to be expected. They do advertise, and they do sell craft beer, saw the Ola Dubh series which is definitely interesting, selection seems a bit random and all over the place but there are some canned hazy IPA's even. If urgently in need for something on the Royal Mile, you can pop in here.“
77ships 81 days ago
68 /100 19 WEST REGISTER STREET
“Corner bar with an astonishing interior. Pure opulence with mahogany, lamps, elaborate ceiling, bar, leather and enough paintings to give the feel of a classical arts museum in a good way, lightning. Amazing to see but so is The Guild ford Arms which does have an impressive beer list, meanwhile here it's uninteresting or macro including ridiculous choices like Corona, Heineken 0% etc. Shame, oyster menu, champagne, fish, seafood, big wine list. A taste of extravagance, not too great with the beer, crazily busy when visited but so was everything else as well.“
77ships 81 days ago
86 /100 1 WEST REGISTER STREET
“Around the corner from Cafe Royal, this place is breathtaking, the mahogany, the ceiling, the wallpaper, the carpet,the place looks almost more like an opera or the lobby of an extremely posh hotel than a bar, all Victorian. Untappd verified, 10 cask with beers from Campervan, Stewart, Orkney Swannay in great condition. Even more keg beer with the likes of Harviestoun, Moonwake plus macro beers, the cask selection is definetly more interesting, all Scottish, loads of whiskey too. Can get very crowded tough. Friendly service too.“
77ships 81 days ago
72 /100 3-5 ROSE STREET
“Corner building, brick and dark red. Gorgeous Edwardian pub with ceiling painting, mahogany bar in the middle, red leather stools, beautiful tables. Looks amazing, definitely worth seeing for the interior. 6 cask, Orkney, Stewart, Landlord, good condition, nothing too unique but quality still. Taps are Thornbridge, Campervan, macros, nothing too impressive. The interior does a lot and is really worth a stop, Untappd verified.“
77ships 81 days ago
70 /100 167 ROSE STREET
“Looks a bit bare bones, BrewDog-esque, dark green walls, some artwork on the walls, slightly lived, Untapped screens. Almost half of the keg beers were gluten free. Modern style craft, carbonation was a bit odd, and I was not hugely convinced but things were okay. Hard to escape the feel of all of this being a bit BrewDog inspired, gluten free stuff is definitely bit of a different take. Still not a clear personal vibe, flights available. Centrally located, decent but not awesome.“
77ships 81 days ago
80 /100
Teuchtars (Bar)
26 WILLIAM STREET
“Lovely traditional pub with lots of flags and wood, comfy seating, good atmosphere and very popular and full. 5 cask beers with two of them rotating in lovely condition from the likes of Moonwake and Fyne Ales. Keg is slightly more macro but a few from locals too. Big list of whiskeys too. Vegetarian and vegan food available, tried the vegan haggis, neeps & tatties which was lovely, partner had a vegan hot dog which was big and impressive, friend tried the cheese platter and loved it. Quick service. Definitely recommended for a bite and a drink.“
77ships 81 days ago
84 /100
Wee Vault (Bar)
7A WEST MAITLAND STREET
“Wee indeed, basically only a counter on the side to sit at. Yet still almost 25 taps, large part Vault City beers, bit pricier and smaller pours but understandable so. They even do tabs here. Beers are every kind of candy flavored kettle sour imaginable but fun to try and tasty. Guest taps included surprisingly a number of Jester King beers plus some Verdant. Okay service. Getting a place here is not a given since people do definitely visit. There's a fridge too with a big selection of their own beers of which a large number is on tap too. Jester King, Full Circle, 3 Fonteinen and for some weird reason Struise too. Card only, Untappd verified.“
77ships 81 days ago
82 /100 1 HAYMARKET TERRACE
“I cannot say that I quite get the low score on here but I did find this bar to be quite on a Thursday afternoon which helped a lot probably. Very close to the Haymarket station with departure times shown on a screen inside. 150+ year old with gorgeous spacious long interior, building is clearly much older than the surrounding buildings. Lots of wood, wallpaper, red leather, couches, old clock etc. The kegs are largely macro (about 10 of them) and not too interesting but there are about half a dozen cask beers. The cask included Thornbridge Green Mountain. Also the likes of Thisley Cross, Campervan, could be a touch more adventurous. Solid condition, friendly service, decent prices. Great of feel of history here. Untappd verified interestingly.“
77ships 81 days ago
70 /100 9A HOLYROOD ROAD
“Visited April 2012.“
fonefan 124 days ago
74 /100 62-66 GEORGE STREET
“Pub with really good selection of beers. Tasty food.“
melush 234 days ago
62 /100 55-57 ROSE STREET
“Average British pub with a decent selection of beers.“
melush 242 days ago
62 /100 35 HANOVER STREET AND 21 ROSE STREET
“Average British pub.“
melush 242 days ago
66 /100 3-5 ROSE STREET
“Average British pub with a good selection of beers.“
melush 242 days ago
72 /100
Brewhemia (Bar)
1A MARKET STREET
“Large restaurant/pub with a decent selection of beers.“
melush 242 days ago
72 /100 9A HOLYROOD ROAD
“Bar-Restaurant with a good selection of craft beers. 20 Taps and good food menu.“
melush 245 days ago
82 /100
Cork & Cask (Beer Store)
136 MARCHMONT ROAD
“Review for online store. An extensive and excellent range of beverages of all kinds. It's my go to online store for Scottish beers, there are often new & interesting breweries to go at. Spend £85 for free online delivery. Swift service, well packed boxes. Recommended.“
Cheeseboard 253 days ago
64 /100 1 HAYMARKET TERRACE
“Visited August 2023. Very crowded bar, convenient located near our apartment. Crowded with football fans waiting for their train. Security guards around the place. Beer list was just OK. Cozy traditional pub. Next one please!“
Taboada 265 days ago
62 /100 18 GRASSMARKET
“Trad pub on the very touristy/historic Grassmarket. Nice place for a libation if you can grab an outside seat. The beer range is a wee bit dull though!“
Cheeseboard 273 days ago
76 /100 5 NEW ST,
“Brewdog hotel & bar, situated quite close to Waverley station. The bar is on two levels with a cracking terrace upstairs. Generic Brewdog beer selection plus a few guests. The food was good, friendly service.“
Cheeseboard 273 days ago
70 /100 9A HOLYROOD ROAD
“Decent selection of Scottish beers. Quite a hip after work crowd. Food was good. No other memories“
Cheeseboard 273 days ago
80 /100 1 WEST REGISTER STREET
“Excellent free-house on the eastern end of Princes Street. Cracking heritage interior which is worth a look in itself. Around 20 beers pouring (60/40 cask/keg), all from Scottish breweries. The food was pretty decent too. A whole variety of service experiences over multiple visits one weekend.“
Cheeseboard 273 days ago
62 /100
Brewhemia (Bar)
1A MARKET STREET
“Large beerhall type place on two levels near Waverley Station.As another rater suggests this place is a bit of a tourist trap. Around 20 taps including some 'tankbeer' options. But it's expensive and a bit soulless. OK for stag / hen parties maybe but it's a long way from a tickers paradise.“
Cheeseboard 273 days ago
84 /100
Wee Vault (Bar)
7A WEST MAITLAND STREET
“Visited July 2023. Extremely tiny place with just 10 or 12 chairs around the wall. 24 taps (mainly Vault City but some guests available). Do flights. Very friendly service. The only problem is that it could be overcrowded and you will not find any space...but you can always book a "table" in advance. Next one please!“
Taboada 275 days ago
28 /100
Doctors (Bar)
32 FORREST ROAD
“Visited July 2023. Poor selection from macro breweries (Greene King, Innis & Gunn, Belhaven...) with just a couple of micro (William Brothers and Black Sheep). Will not come back. Next one please!“
Taboada 275 days ago
72 /100 9A HOLYROOD RD
“Bar-Restaurant with a good selection of craft beers. 20 Taps and good food menu.“
melush 286 days ago
70 /100 46 STANLEY PL
“Taproom with a selection of their own beers on tap.“
melush 286 days ago
66 /100 212 COWGATE
“Scottish pub with the typical selection of average beers and ciders.“
melush 286 days ago
70 /100
Stramash! (Bar)
207 COWGATE
“Pub with a small selection of average Scottish beers. Live Scottish music.“
melush 286 days ago
80 /100 167 ROSE STREET
“Fierce’s bar with a good selection of their own beers.“
melush 286 days ago
76 /100 2-4 RAEBURN PLACE
“Bar with a large and good selection of beers on tap.“
melush 286 days ago
70 /100 435 LAWNMARKET
“Average Scottish pub with a really good ambience. Good food menu.“
melush 286 days ago
76 /100 5 NEW ST,
“BrewDog’s bar with a large selection of beers on tap and a good food menu.“
melush 286 days ago
66 /100
Tesco Superstore (Grocery Store)
7 BROUGHTON RD
“Large grocery store with a small but more than decent selection of local craft beers.“
melush 286 days ago
82 /100
Beerhive (Beer Store)
24 RODNEY STREET
“Small beer store with a huge selection of local beers.“
melush 286 days ago
70 /100
The Ox (Restaurant)
49-51 LONDON ST
“Restaurant with a small selection of local beers on tap. Good food menu.“
melush 286 days ago
66 /100
Wash Bar (Bar)
11-13 N BANK ST
“Pub with an average selection of beers on tap.“
melush 286 days ago
70 /100 133 LOTHIAN ROAD
“Sadly not what it was beerwise, used to be one of the best in the country but lately seems to have quite a few empty taps and those that aren't empty don't have the exciting beers they once did. Still a nice place to hang out for an hour, but doesn't have the beers to keep one occupied for an afternoon any more“
evilempire 372 days ago
32 /100 5 QUEENSFERRY STREET LANE
“Some UK craft but nothing exciting. Could not find anything to buy. Appears to be more wine focused.“
Gerbeer 427 days ago
74 /100 81-83 LOTHIAN ROAD
“Very much a Brewdog atmosphere with similar set up and bar. Big and open set of guest taps and several Innis & Gunn BA beers that I have not seen before. Worth dropping in.“
Gerbeer 427 days ago
76 /100
Beerhive (Beer Store)
24 RODNEY STREET
“Small store with a relatively small but broad selection spanning different styles and countries. Some interesting Scottish breweries not seen elsewhere.“
Gerbeer 427 days ago
80 /100 57 BLACKFRIARS STREET
“Small place turned with wood bench’s and tables. 12 taps and access to bottles/cans from next door beer shop. Food is basically burgers and fries. Worth a stop as some rare-ish bottles.“
Gerbeer 427 days ago
72 /100 50 LOTHIAN ROAD
“Pretty typical Brewdog but with some nice booths and outdoor patio. Several good guest offerings along with standard Brewdog fare. So many other fantastic craft places in Edinburgh that this Brewdog maybe be low on the must hit list. But still worth a visit if in the location to grab a burger with beer.“
Gerbeer 428 days ago
86 /100
Brauhaus (Bar)
105-107 LAURIESTON PLACE
“Super small little pub with eclectic beer (and wine) menu. Ask for bottle list… Limited seating but definitely worth a stop.“
Gerbeer 429 days ago
84 /100 50 LOTHIAN ROAD
“Good sized area with the usual great choices of beers, I can always find something new to try. Friendly beer staff who gave me a extra 1/3rd because it was overpoured“
Jerseyislandbeer 441 days ago