My son and his BIL are going on a guys trip this summer to golf with a bunch of friends, but these two are stopping in Edinburgh first fir a couple of days. While I’m sitting on the couch convalescing from surgery, I thought I’d help fund a couple of great pubs and restaurants fir them to go to. Early 30’s are their ages.
Any that you particularly liked? Or for that matter, anything you did you’d think they would enjoy? First time to Scotland for both. First time to the UK for my son.
It's hard to say what they would enjoy since we don't know anything about them. Can you give some examples as to what they like to do, other than golf?
Also, are you looking to recommend some pubs that are more sports-oriented or have local music or just a place to hang out? A place with good food? It would help to have some more information.
2 pubs we enjoyed on our last visit September 2023.
Deacon Brodie's on the Royal Mile, historic -yes, touristy -yes, packed -yes, we shared a table outside with a lovely couple from Wales for our drinks before dinner at nearby Makars Mash.
Guildford Arms off Princes Street, historic -yes, touristy -no, loud -yes with the afterwork crowd, but our party of 4 still found a table for drinks before dinner at nearby Howie's Waterloo Place. Absolutely beautiful interior.
And both restaurants were very good, very different.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Not a pub but this place was a great find: Paz Tacos (https://www.paztacos.com/) My daughter and I stumbled upon it. Amazing food and great margaritas. It is a small, local place. Very, very good!
There are lots of great pubs in Leith, including Teuchters Landing, which has outside seating, including tables on a bridge. The King's Wark is nearby. The whole area known as The Shore in Leith is very charming and has lots of pubs and activity, particularly in summer. There is also the Port of Leith Distillery, which has a nice bar on top with great views out over the water. There is a tram stop at The Shore and another closer to the distillery.
Hi, Lulu348,
Another great pub is Sandy Bell's, at 25 Forrest Road, at the corner of Forrest Hill. It's just up the hill from Greyfriars Kirkyard. Friendly folks, and always a good chance of hearing some live traditional music.
I hope that they have a great time in "Auld Reekie"!
Best wishes to you for a quick recovery!
Mike (Auchterless)
Sandy Bell's is the place to go. Frequent live trad music and good atmosphere. Facebook describes when/what.
We enjoyed an intimate session with the Shetland Fiddlers' Assoc. on a Saturday evening at the Athletic Arms rear bar. There was a pub quiz in the main bar. By intimate, I mean we were the ONLY audience. Probably not exciting for 30 somethings.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
This is a hard question for me, as there are so many good ones. The Grassmarket is a great area for pubs generally, and I like Whistle Binkie's on South Bridge for music. The Cowgate is also another good location for pubs/nightlife generally. Liquid Rooms on Victoria Street was my favourite place for drinks/music/dancing. If you want advice for things to do, they might enjoy a tour of the Vaults (underground areas where people used to live/work, said to be haunted).
This is a little out of the way, still in Edinburgh though - the Sheep Heid Inn. It's basically on the other side of Holyrood Park from Holyrood Palace. It is supposedly the oldest continuously operating pub in Edinburgh (since the 14th century). I was worried it was going to be touristy for that reason, but we found it intimate and enjoyable. But the really fun part is that they have a "skittles alley," which is basically like bowling. There are two lanes in a back room and you can rent it out so that you have it privately for a nominal fee (I think it was 20 pounds/hour). They'll bring you drinks and food. It was a really fun time (we went with our 9 and 7 year old kids), but I think it would be just as fun for adults. After we played skittles, we had a really nice dinner in the pub.
The Hanging Bat, a great craft beer pub that also brews its own beer. The food is good too, think BBQ brisket, burgers, fried chicken etc, all done well and perfect for soaking up all the beer.
My pal 38 lives in Edimburgh and Drouthy Neebors is her regular pub
