With summer just around the corner and the Easter weekend upon us, here are some of the best bars to visit in Edinburgh.
From a rooftop bar overlooking the castle in the Old Town to a hidden speakeasy in the New Town, here's our pick of five Edinburgh spots known for their innovative cocktails and home-brewed beers.
1. The Cold Town House
If you are looking for an “instagrammable” moment, The Cold Town House located in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is the place to be. With flowers cascading down the front of the building and the best views of Edinburgh Castle from their rooftop terrace, this is the perfect opportunity to snap a picture for “the gram”.
Not only are the views and location fantastic, but the food and drink live up to high expectations as well. With their own microbrewery on-site, your pint comes straight from the brewery into the glass.
The bar is also known for its pizza, making it to the finals of the National Pizza Awards in 2021.
2. Panda & Sons
Opened in 2013, Panda & Sons is a speakeasy-inspired bar located on Queen Street in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Don’t be fooled by the barbershop exterior – the dark interior has a vintage vibe with a robust wine list, innovative cocktails, and a fantastic craft beer selection.
Ranked 61st in the top 100 best bars in Europe, Panda & Sons has been described as “quirky and hidden” and “not your ordinary bar!”
3. Dragonfly Cocktail Bar
If you are looking for an elegant cocktail bar, Dragonfly in Edinburgh’s West Port is the place to go.
The plant-filled bar with crystal chandeliers serves quirky cocktails such as the Limon Cheesecake with biscuit infused vodka, limoncello, and mascarpone or the Peach Please, infused with bourbon, peach liqueur, and creme de noyeaux.
Re-established in 2018, people have lauded Dragonfly for its great atmosphere.
4. Paradise Palms
A trip to Paradise Palms guarantees a funky destination, great bar and vegetarian dining experience.
Just a four-minute walk from Greyfriars Kirk, you can enjoy innovative cocktails (Buckfast Daiquiri, anyone?) and award-winning vegetarian and vegan food.
Paradise Palms prides themselves on being a LGBTQ+ friendly venue, inclusive to all.
And as well as the bar, Paradise Palms has a wee record shop on-site if you fancy a browse of local and international artists.
5. Rollo Broughton
Fancy a whistle-stop tour trying different wines and cuisines from around the world? Try Rollo in Broughton.
It offers a carefully handpicked selection of wine from across the globe, which can be enjoyed with Rollo’s tapas-style menu, which compliments the wine perfectly.
The bar has created an intimate and quirky drinking and dining experience, boasting many five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.
One happy customer even described the food, drinks, service, and ambiance as faultless.
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