As winter settles in, warm up in one of Edinburgh’s cosiest bars.
We can’t deny it anymore – winter is well on its way in Edinburgh. It isn’t all bad, though. While the days are basking in the sun are truly behind us for a few months at least, this is the perfect time to hide away in one of the city’s many warm, welcoming and cosy pubs.
From firelit snugs to historic hideaways, the capital is packed with places that invite you to linger that bit longer. Here are just a few of our favourites…
Tip 1: Pick a bar in one of Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods and try somewhere new.
Tip 2: Chat to the friendly bar staff for local tips and suggestions.
Tip 3: If you enjoyed your cosy bar experience, leave a positive online review and inspire others to visit.
The Sheep Heid Inn
centuries of history and an old-school skittles alley.
You can’t have a page about cosy pubs in Edinburgh without mentioning the oldest pub in the city.
The Sheep Heid Inn has been serving Edinburgh for around 600 years and over that time has built up a reputation for being a cosy hideaway. Nothing beats sitting in front of the roaring fire with a pint or a dram after a day exploring the nearby Holyrood Park. If you have a bit of energy spare, you can always try a round of skittles in their old style alley!
The Devil’s Advocate
Once a Victorian pump house, now a traditional bar located off Advocate’s Close.
Enjoyed a walk to the castle to enjoy the winter views and want to end your day with a warming nip of whisky?
Tucked away down a classic Edinburgh close off the Royal Mile, The Devil’s Advocate is one of the most beautiful bars in the city. Housed in an old Victorian pump house, the back bar is a sight to behold with an enormous array of rare spirits, including more than 300 whiskies.
The Whiski Bar & Restaurant
an encyclopaedic collection of whiskies.
Situated on the Royal Mile, this warm and welcoming gem is popular with both locals and visitors alike. With a huge range of malts behind the bar (over 300, in fact), enjoying a dram in one of the intimate corners of The Whiski Bar & Restaurant is an absolute must.
Be sure to hang around until the evening, when the place comes to life with live Scottish music from one of the city’s local bands.
The Hanging Bat
Its rotating range of draft and craft beers.
Connoisseurs and fans of craft beers should not miss the opportunity to visit The Hanging Bat. Tucked away on Lothian Road, it serves the tastiest local craft beers as well as beers from their own brewing area.
Looking for a bite to eat? Why not curl up on one of their inviting leather couches with their famous Hanging Bat nachos or award-winning chilli con carne.
The Queens Arms
its range of cask ales and fine whiskies.
Take a break from the cold in the warm and welcoming surroundings of The Queens Arms on the corner of Frederick Street and Rose Street.
Surrounded by soft lighting, their leather chesterfields armchairs are the perfect place for snuggling down with a dram from the bar’s extensive whisky selection, while the snug copper table booths are ideal for a cosy drink or dinner for two.
Starbank Inn
peaceful coastal views and hearty pub fare.
Next to the Leith is the small neighbourhood of Newhaven and it’s here that you’ll find the nautical themed Starbank Inn.
With model ships on the windowsill, historic photographs on the walls and comfy chairs to enjoy the views over the Firth of Forth to Fife, this bar is cosy in all seasons, but especially so in the winter months.
The Jolly Judge
low beamed ceilings and a warm fire.
A stone’s throw from the bustle of the Royal Mile, The Jolly Judge – which takes its name from its proximity to the courts – feels like a secret hideaway.
Dim lights, thick stone walls, not to mention a good selection of real ales and pub grub give it a wonderfully snug feel.
Sandy Bell’s
nightly traditional folk music sessions.
A living piece of musical history, Sandy Bell’s in the Old Town is a legendary spot in the Scottish folk scene, with the likes of Aly Bain, Barbara Dickson and Dougie McLean having performed here.
Offering a warm community spirit that keeps people coming back, not only is this intimate venue a pilgrimage site for folk enthusiasts, but it also offers a wide range of real ales, craft beers, and an extensive collection of malt whiskies.
The Bailie
its local feel, good food, and real ale selection.
Classic pub styling and a friendly welcome define The Bailie in Stockbridge. A cosy fire, cask ales, traditional pub grub, and a popular weekly quiz night, all make this a cosy spot for escaping the winter chill.
Hawes Inn
its rich literary history and striking views of the Forth Bridges.
A traditional country pub with roots dating back to the 17th century, Hawes Inn in South Queensferry combines dramatic scenery with comforting and cosy interiors. It is said that author Robert Louis Stevenson stayed here in 1886 and wrote part of his classic novel Kidnapped in one of the rooms. Indeed, the inn appears in the book.
Today, the inn’s bar area with its classic pub menu and well-stocked bar makes it a popular spot with both locals and visitors. The fireside seats are especially prized.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
