On the rare occasion that the sun graces us with its presence, everyone and their mother flocks to beer gardens, balconies and terraces. We need to take advantage of the better weather while it is lasts, so here is our definitive guide to pubs and bars with fantastic outdoor drinking space, in and around the city centre.
Cold Town House – Grassmarket
Cold Town House is located in Edinburgh’s infamous Grassmarket offering its own traditionally brewed craft beer along with stone-fired artisan Neopolitan pizzas, Prosecco a-plenty and best of all stunning views of the Castle and across the city from their rooftop bar. Open in most weather conditions; you can snuggle up with a blanket or catch the rays and watch the sunset. It’s a popular spot and doesn’t take reservations so make sure you get there early to enjoy this outdoor jewel in the Old Town crown.
The Peartree – Southside
The Peartree can not only boast that it is one of the oldest buildings in the area (it was built in 1747), but it is also home to one of the best beer gardens in the city! Testament to this is the flocks of students who populate the wooden benches on sunny days during the week, but expect a more varied crowd at the weekend. With regular live music acts, outdoor big-screen showings of live sport, and a newly introduced food menu, this gorgeous leafy courtyard is the perfect place for a sunny Sunday afternoon!
The Cumberland Bar – New Town
If somewhere a little more relaxed is more your thing, The Cumberland Bar in Edinburgh’s New Town, is a great shout. Reminiscent of the traditional pubs you find south of the border, The Cumberland despite being popular, takes life at a slightly slower pace. With a beautiful and secluded beer garden, nestled amongst the towering Georgian townhouses, this pub is great for catching up with friends after work or a quick refreshment after browsing the Stockbridge Sunday market. Fans of good beer would do well to visit The Cumberland too – they have an impressive selection of regular craft ales, as well as an ever-changing rotation of guest appearances.
Devil’s Advocate – Old Town
Venture down Advocate’s Close from the Royal Mile and not only will you uncover a fantastic view point with many a photographic opportunity, you will also come across The Devil’s Advocate, a sophisticated bar and restaurant, housed in an old Victorian pump house. This industrial-chic bar offers a gigantic selection of world whiskies and some cracking cocktails (some of their bartenders are award-winning!), all in a super cool setting than will impress your friends from out of town. The outside decking area is small and hidden away amongst the historic Old Town buildings, but you would be hard pushed to find a more fitting outdoor space to sit and sip on a dram of whisky in the heart of the Scottish capital.
www.devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk
The Blackbird – Tollcross
This casual bar nestled away just off Broughton Street, has a beer garden that stays open well into the evening, making it perfect for those long summer nights when you don’t want to have to move! This bar has regular events happening from great live music gigs, to themed parties and BBQs (when the weather allows it!). Enjoy local and world beers, cocktails and seasonal drinks in their dog-friendly beer garden, without feeling like you have to dress up! They also have the added bonus of outdoor heaters because as Edinburgh-natives, they know summer doesn’t usually extend long into the night in this city!
Teuchters Landing – The Shore
It may be cosy inside but this dockside pub down on the Shore in Leith also boasts a great beer garden and pontoon which is open from 10.30am – 10pm (on nice days only – so make the most of it!!). The bar is renowned for its vast selection of whiskies and an extensive list of predominantly Scottish cask, keg and bottle beers. The vibe is traditional pub-style and food is served from 10.30am to 10pm.
The Raeburn – Stockbridge
This stylish boutique hotel located in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge is a must for anyone wanting to enjoy a social drink or dine alfresco in style. Popular with both hotel residents and locals the different outdoor spaces are contemporary in design and suit a whole host of occasions; from drinks with groups of friends on the bigger ground floor terrace to a more intimate meal on the balcony terrace. Open early doors for breakfast through to light bar snacks and satisfying meals.
Rose Street Garden – New Town
This is one of the latest additions to the outdoor scene and if you can secure a seat then you’re in for a treat. Located, as the name suggests, on Rose Street the location is convenient for a city-centre pit stop. Street food and gin are the order of the day and event if the rain makes an appearance they giant umbrellas and heaters will provide the cosy cover you need. Open daily from 12pm.
