Live Music Pubs in Edinburgh

Single room split-level pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town. Bare wood floors and subdued decor, along with large mirrors (not brewery/distillery related), combine to give an old pub ambience, enhanced by a sympathetic renovation early in 2020 which helped to accentuate the period features. As the pub is slightly off the well-worn tourist trails, it is mostly frequented by locals. Note: Patio/garden temporarily closed Feb 2020.

Spiers Bar

10 Bowhill Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5QY

AUG 2021 - Reopened 27th August 2021 with real ale. Bar snacks introduced October 4th DEC 2020 - May reopen soon (after lockdown) with new operators. SEPTEMBER 2020 - Lease for sale. Assumed will not reopen under current ownership.

Scotsman's Lounge

73 Cockburn St., Edinburgh EH1 1BU

Close to Railway Station

FEB 2019 - Reopened following major refurbishment work. Some details may no longer apply …... Single roomed bar with live music every evening. Can be very busy and noisy. Photographs of pipe bands adorn the walls. There is also a framed version of the Declaration of Calton Hill on the east wall. Children are not admitted.

Doctors

32 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QN

Corner hostelry facing the top of Middle Meadow Walk, the old Infirmary and Medical School, hence the pubs name. Banquetted booths facilitate preparatory consultations for prospective medicos. Black painted woodwork lends a certain gravitas to the otherwise lounge bar ambiance. The real ales are sourced mainly from Scottish breweries. Can be busy at weekends. Reasonably-priced meals are served all day. Children are not permitted. NOTE: May stay open later, especially in August & December.

Mash Tun

154 Easter Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5RL

Real Cider Available

A welcome addition to Easter Road pub scene, this one-room pub has an island bar and a modern bright décor. A frieze of pump clips is augmented by beer related pictures and prints. There is a range of comfortable seating throughout, with bar stools at the window where you can people watch the action outside.The real ale selection is complemented by a good range of bottled beers.

Last Word

44 St Stephen St., Edinburgh EH3 5AL

NO REAL ALE………. NOTE: Any information shown may be out of date

Doric Bar & Restaurant

15-16 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

Wooden floored bar with a corniced ceiling and traditional fixed narrow tables. A large Mackay's mirror and many framed pictures, posters and advertisements decorate the bare stone walls. Cask ale is also available in the upstairs restaurant. In the evening meals are only served upstairs. Claims to be Edinburgh's oldest gastro-pub, in operation since the 18th century. Winner of CAMRA SE Scotland 2016 Real Ale Quality Award.

Brass Monkey {Southside}

14 Drummond St., Edinburgh EH8 9TU

Quiz Night

Long tenement bar with raised area to the right at the rear, also a small room for meetings and the music sessions. A further room has Morrocan style matress seating is used as the cinema. Arrive at 3.00pm and choose a film to watch, choice of 150. Tuesday is quiz night. Children are not admitted.

Brunch Club

13a Melville Place, Edinburgh EH3 7PR

JUNE 2019 - Reopened as Brunch Club - NO REAL ALE Any details shown may no longer apply

Tolbooth Tavern

167 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN

Karaoke

Comfortable split level pub (est. 1820) in a 16th century building on the historic Royal Mile. Close to Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, Huntly House & Peoples Story and other museums and with views to the rear of Calton Hill. The food menu is seasonally varying. There are regular quizzes (Sun pm) and karaoke nights (every 2nd Sat) Singers other weeks in the traditional locals’ bar area, which has unusual square wood panels in the ceiling.

Ghillie Dhu

2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD

A busy, atmospheric bar, in a Grade A listed former church, which also has an entrance on Shandwick Place. Live music every night in the bar, with the impressive auditorium also hosting live bands on Fridays and Saturdays. Brick and rafters feature heavily in the decor.

Ensign Ewart

521 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE

Interesting two roomed pub dating from at least 1680. It was renamed after Ensign Charles Ewart born in 1769 who was a member of the Scot’s Greys. He fought at the Battle of Waterloo and single handedly captured the French golden eagle standard. In 1938 he was re-buried in Edinburgh Castle, hence the military theme of the pub, which was renamed as such in that year. Being very close to the castle it is popular with tourists. There is a large painting depicting the Battle of Waterloo and various items of Scottish memorabilia.

Heriot's Rugby Club

Bangholm Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5QN

Close to Railway Station

Home of the only senior Scottish Rugby Union club never to be relegated. The bar is open to all and comprises a comfortable lounge upstairs (only open on match days) and a public bar on ground level. See website for updates. Also available for hire. NOTE: Opens 2 hours before and after senior home games. May also open during 6 Nations matches which are shown on TV. The public bar is used every Friday by Edinburgh Jazz https://www.edinburghjazz.com/whats-on/ (entry fee).

Scran & Scallie

1 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh EH4 1DT

Owned by two Michelin-starred chefs, this bar and restaurant offers upmarket dining in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Rustic, exposed walls reveal the original features of the building and are adorned with old Scottish recipes and menus, together with a board showing the provenance of much of the food and drink.

Belushi's

32-38 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

Craft Beer bar with food and music. NO REAL ALE - Any information shown may be out of date Note- Has moved across road from original location within the St Cristopher's Inn

32 Below

32b West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DD

Sadly NO LONGER SELLING REAL ALE following it's change form being Andrew Usher & Co. Any information shown maybe out of date

Village Urban Resort [Urban Bar & Grill; Public House]

140 Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2NT

NO REAL ALE - Any details shown may be out of date

Jolly Botanist

256-260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8DT

DECEMBER 2019 - NO LONGER SELLING REAL ALE Any details shown may no longer apply. Gin-oriented bar which opened in 2015.

Golden Rule

30 Yeaman Place, Edinburgh EH11 1BT

A split-level Victorian tenement bar close to the Union Canal and the Fountainbridge entertainment complex. The pub is a real ale showcase, with a great selection from smaller breweries UK-wide. The upstairs bar is pleasantly furnished with bench seating, tables and stools. The downstairs bar comes into its own at weekends, but real ale has to be carried down the steps. There is live music most Saturday evenings and a quiz on Tuesday evenings. Pies and toasties are available all day until 9pm. Children are not admitted.

Banshee Labyrinth

29-35 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG

Karaoke

INITIAL INFORMATION - DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED: A night club with many gigs, open mic sessions and the like. May open as early as 1230pm during the Fringe dependent on events.

BrewDog Edinburgh

143 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS

Newish bar in the dark depths of the Cowgate. Cask beer (was Live Beer) is the only one that is real ale and is available some of the time. 5am Saint and Dead Pony are available in this format. WARNING: Cask beer not always available

Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom

81-83 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AW

Accommodation

Function Room

APRIL 2019 - Has relaunched as the Innis and Gunn Brewery Taproom. Innis and Gunn's first bar, opened in 2015. It is upmarket, lively, friendly and unfussy with exposed stonework, smart panelling and floorboarding on three levels. An extensive menu is available and other features include an Innis and Gunn shop and growler fill. There are displays behind the bar giving information about the beers on sale. The cask ale hanpumps are on a plinth at the far end of the bar. Beer range may reduce in quiet winter periods. Good keg, bottle and canned beer selection. Open until 3am Thu - Sat during Fringe.

Olde Golf Tavern

31 Wrights Houses, Edinburgh EH10 4HR

One of Edinburgh's oldest taverns, established in 1456, it overlooks the historic Bruntsfield Links, which is home to the world’s oldest short hole (36) golf course. No trace of the original pub except for the outside. The interior contains large booths and an imposing central table. No need to ask for water as there are large containers of iced water on the bar. It also contains Scotland's largest collection of golf memorabilia and if you wish to play the golf course you can rent your clubs from here.

Foundry 39

39a Queensferry Street, Edinburgh EH2 4RA

INITIAL INFORMATION - FULL DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED This bar opened in July 2016. It has modern décor and features several different areas with some booths, banquette seating and also some high tables and chairs. Whilst primarily a food led venue with a drinks emphasis on cocktails, the bar sports 6 handpumps with often 2-3 cask beers available including some from smaller Scottish breweries NOTE: Alcohol is not served until 11am (12.30 Sun)

Stramash!

207 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ

Function Room

Atmospheric live music venue (900 capacity) with three bars on the site of the former Sin night club. Also carries a good selection of bottled beers. Claims to have the biggest HD screen in Scotland. Notable ceilidh Weds all year (daily during the Fringe). NOTE: During the Fringe opens at 3pm Mon-Fri (food from 4pm) and is open until 5am daily.

Greenmantle

44 West Crosscauseway, Edinburgh EH8 9JP

A well run, friendly pub frequented by locals, tourists and students. The single room has mock Tudor beams, a wooden floor and banquette seating along with wooden tables and stools. The straightforward menu features excellent buffalo burgers. NOTE: Alcohol not served before 12.30 on Sundays.

Greyfriars Bobby

34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE

Dating from 1893 and located just outside the Greyfriars church graveyard, the pub is named after Edinburgh’s famous dog whose statue sits outside. Popular with tourists, there are two split level areas, both serving food from the Nicholson’s and 'Pie House' menus. There is live music after food service at weekends. Pictures of Edinburgh’s Old Town and people adorn the walls, some of which are wood panelled. Refurbished in early 2019, the main toilets are upstairs but the disabled one is on the restaurant level of the pub, entrance being via a fire door. Very much dominated by the restaurant area so it can be difficult to find a seat just for a drink. A small area has pavement tables for those who wish to take in the antics around the statue.

Guildford Arms

1 West Register St., Edinburgh EH2 2AA

Real Cider Available

A large establishment built in the golden age of Victorian pub design. The high ceiling, cornices, friezes, window arches and screens are spectacular. There is a large standing area around the canopied bar plus extensive seating areas. The diverse range of real ales includes many from Scottish micros. Simple bar snacks are available all day. Children over five are only allowed in the noteworthy upstairs gallery restaurant.

Dreadnought

72 North Fort Street, Edinburgh EH6 4HL

A welcoming pub that opened in October 2016 on the old Halfway House site. Just one room with big picture windows, a high ceiling with plaster cornicing, sports TV screens and an attractive old-fashioned bar gantry. A large photograph of HMS Dreadnought, with her 12" guns facing you, hangs on the wall, along with other nautical items. The Brass Castle beers are all vegan. No food is prepared on site but pizza and burgers can be ordered from multiple local outlets - menus are at the bar. A wheelchair ramp is available but no accessible toilet. Children are not admitted. CAMRA Edinburgh Pub of the Year 2020. Runner up, CAMRA Edinburgh Real Ale Quality Award 2019.

Hampton

14 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6HN

Accommodation

Comfortable lounge bar and restaurant in a large villa close to Murrayfield rugby stadium, traditionally furnished with ornate cornices, chandeliers and large bay windows. The bar is contrastingly decorated with sporting memorabilia and has TVs for sport, usually quiet. The guest beer is usually from the Belhaven/Greene King list. A garden up steps to the rear provides welcome seclusion from the main road. The comprehensive menu includes burgers, steaks, sandwiches (with GF options), salads, jacket potatoes, pies, and fish.

Willow

35 Smokey Brae, Edinburgh EH8 7AA

AUG 2021 - Reopened 13th Aug 2021 as the Willow, with two real ales. JAN 2021 - Will not reopen under current ownership. May not reopen as a pub as there is Planning pre-App for student flats on the site. May have been sold to developers. Not a certainty as yet. JAN 2017 - A welcome transformation of the former Jocks Lodge pub, with plenty of exposed brickwork, corrugated iron and old-style lighting. Busy and friendly. INITIAL INFORMATION - FULL DETAILS TO BE CONFIRMED

Meeting Point

8 Lister Square, Edinburgh EH3 9GL

APRIL 2021 - Has announced it will be a venue for day events, meetings and pop-ups rather than a pub. Not clear if this will be permanent or just while COVID restrictions apply. Was a bar, brewery and distillery. As of March 2019 the 6 barrel brew plant is not yet operating but some contract brewed EiDYN' beers are on sale. NO REAL ALE - as far as we are aware.

Nauticus

142 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HU

Jan 2018 - Reopened as Nauticus

Westgate Farm

55 South Gyle Broadway, Edinburgh EH12 9LR

Very smart, modern and comfortable Greene King roadside new-build opened in September 2017. Largely food-oriented, including a carvery to the right of the main entrance, but catering for the drinker as well to the left along with booths and other eating areas. There is an indoor play area for children and large outside seating areas round two sides of the building. Remarkable range of desserts and ice creams lovingly displayed. NOTE: Alcohol served from 10am.

Cold Town House

4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU

NO REAL ALE Opened in early 2019 this new pub and microbrewery specialises in Craft Beer, Pizza and Prosecco. Some beers are brewed on site, while the Lager and Pale Ale comes from the Dunedin St. brewery. NOTE: Probably doesn't serve alcohol before 11am - to be confirmed.

Froth & Flame

192 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8AG

Opened on the second May 2019 by Consolidated Breweries Ltd. Modern establishment with the bar on the right hand side and seating on the left. Further seating is up a few steps to a gallery area. Downstairs there is further seating with the area also used for live music. The downstairs also houses a large pizza oven to satisfy any food cravings.

Bellfield Brewery Tap Room

46 Stanley Place, Edinburgh EH7 5TB

Opened August 2019. The taproom is located at the brewery, within which tours and tastings are available. One cask ale is always available, often from the standard range but with some test batch/pilot batch swapping in and out as the range expands. All Bellfield ales are certified gluten-free and it was the UK’s first craft brewery dedicated to Gluten-free beer. Food is available while open and is provided on a pop-up basis with the choice changing every few days. See website for schedule. Very dog-friendly with an excellent beer garden adjacent to the East Coast mainline railway, 15 minutes walk from Waverley station.

Leith Depot

138-140 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5DT

Lively cafe/bar with upstairs live music venue. Saved from demolition in 2019. NO REAL ALE - Information listed may be out of date.

Lost In Leith Bar & Fermentaria

82 Commercial St, Edinburgh EH6 6LX

Opened in March 2020 this new bar is run by Campervan Brewery and showcase's their beers alongside many weird and wonderful beers from all over the world. Regrettably NO REAL ALE. Includes an on-site beer barrel-ageing process, with the installation of 3 x 10hl oak Foeders manufactured by Allary Tonnellerie near Cognac in France.

Strathmore

17 Iona Street, Edinburgh EH6 8SG

Friendly corner locals' bar with red lino floor, some exposed brickwork and attractive coving. Bar frontage has been stripped back

Artful Dodger

485 Calder Road, Edinburgh EH11 4AW

NO REAL ALE - Information listed may be out of date.

Clermiston Inn

9 Rannoch Rd, Edinburgh EH4 7EG

NO REAL ALE - Information listed may be out of date.

Jeanie Deans Edinburgh

67 St. Leonards Hill, Edinburgh EH8 9SB

Jukebox

Karaoke

MAY 2018 - No real ale Any information shown may be out of date

Piper's Rest

3 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW

NO REAL ALE - Information listed may be out of date

Cask & Barrel (Southside)

24-26 West Preston St., Edinburgh EH8 9PZ

A modern recreation of a Scottish city tenement bar. The single room, with windows front and back, is divided by a horseshoe bar with a dark-wood gantry adorned with decorative wooden casks. The walls support a fine range of old photos, advertisements and historic brewery and distillery mirrors. Sport is screened on multiple TVs with the sound normally low. This is a good place to try real ales from interesting breweries UK-wide. Children are not admitted. Winner of the CAMRA Edinburgh and SE Scotland Real Ale Quality Award in 2019.

Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom Leith

58 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RD

SEPTEMBER 2020 - NO REAL ALE AUGUST 2020 - Reopening as Innis & Gunn Taproom. 16 rotating taps of craft beers including the full Innis & Gunn range and favourites from local Scottish breweries. Details shown may well have changed.

John Leslie

45-47 Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1SU

Quiz Night

Recognised by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic interior, this ground floor tenement pub is divided in to two by a fine mahogany counter, gantry with clock and a mirrored snob screen. Small `ticket window` hatches allow customers in the lounge to order drinks without being seen from the public bar. The bar has a banqueted alcove while the lounge has three areas, a small snug by the door, an area around the fire and a quieter corner with banquette seating. The late 19th century decorative plaster work which includes a Lincrusta frieze and the snob screen suggest the bar once catered for a genteel Victorian clientele. A plaque near the fire place gives further details of the history of this superb pub. There is also a fine Knox of Alloa Brewery mirror.

Bailie

2 St. Stephen Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AL

Beer Festivals

New Town basement pub with large island bar and interesting Victorian print above the fireplace. Good food and a warm atmosphere provided by the real fire. Quiz night on Tuesdays and live music on Fridays from 9pm. NOTE: Return Trays (AKA Autovacs /Beer Economisers) in use.

Malt Shovel

11-15 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP

Busy, city centre pub divided into 3 areas of differing character. The bar, with attractive wooden gantry, is Robert Adam baroque with mirrored sides and carries a good selection of malt whisky. There are also a number of old photos of Edinburgh, old beer mirrors and general pub memorabilia displayed. Conveniently located for a visit to Princes Street gardens. Meals are served all day.

Green Room

19-25 William Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NG