Bars in Edinburgh

There is no shortage of good bars in Edinburgh so it is more a question of deciding which ones to go to. I set out below some of my favourites:

Panda and Sons 

No shortage of them in East London but harder to find in Edinburgh, Panda and Sons is a modern day speakeasy. On Queen Street, it looks like a barbershop from the outside with props to match. Down you go on the carpeted stairs, you enter Panda and Sons through a bookcase.

Venue is actually quite spacious – we had booked in advance as it was a Saturday evening but they do allow walk ins. Cocktails were reasonably priced at around £9 with some free popcorn for good measure. Suprisingly no service charge even though we were given table serbice. Mixture of sofas and old school reclining barber chairs.

Tiger Lily 

This boutique 4 star hotel has a beautiful bar that the public can visit. Lovely surroundings and an extensive cocktail menu, Tiger Lily is one of the more high market bars in Edinburgh. Saying that, the cocktails are still reasonably priced at around £10-11 a pop.

Ghillie Dhu

Traditional Scottish bar and restaurant with a more gastropub feel, live bands and the occasional cellidhi. Always busy, Ghillie Dhu is a great way to start the night off and get in the mood.

Superico

Another great cocktail bar situated at 99 Hanover Street. Nice interior with a chilled atmosphere which gets more lively as the night goes on.

Bon Vivant 

Lovely restaurant on Thistle Street with a bar offering a wide range of wines and cocktails. Again a more chilled atmosphere for a slightly older crowd.

Dragonfly 

If you are around the Grassmarket area, pop into Dragonfly, a cosy cocktail bar with a chilled atmosphere in the week and DJs playing at the weekend.

Fingers

Fingers Piano Bar on Fredrick Street is known for the bar everyone goes to at 1/2am if they still want to stay out, be with other drunk people, listen to live music and dance and sing along. Be prepared to be crowded and sweaty but it is pretty good fun.

Cabaret Voltaire

With live music, gigs and club nights, Cabaret Voltaire, is situated near Cowgate. Attracts a slightly younger crowd but decent underground club with excellent sound system.

East London Girl: Bars in Edinburgh

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