With the Fringe Festival in full swing we’ve rounded up the best bars in Edinburgh to enjoy a cocktail or two in between the shows.
Whether the Festival is on or not, Edinburgh is one of our favourite cities here at StyleNest and undeniably one of the most aesthetically impressive in the UK.
So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing local ale off the Royal Mile or a classic cocktail in the Old Town, be sure to check out our bar guide of the best watering holes Scotland’s capital has to offer.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs throughout August, visit www.edfringe.com to see what’s on.
The Voodoo Rooms
A stone’s throw away from Edinburgh’s Princes Street; The Voodoo Rooms offer a wealth of entertainment throughout the Fringe, not to mention some great pub grub and moreish cocktails. Sip one of their many speciality rums beneath the venue’s ornate ceiling and then head to one of its many rooms to see some first class comedy and theatre throughout the festival. With three shows starting every hour, many of which are free, we’d quite happily set up camp at the Voodoo Rooms throughout August.
19A West Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
0131 556 7060 thevoodoorooms.com
Ondine
Satisfy your oyster and champagne cravings at one of Scotland’s best seafood restaurants. Perfect if you’re looking for a romantic tipple for two, Ondine’s champagne and oyster bar is a great place to kick off an evening of theatre, food and drink this festival season.
2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD
0131 226 1888 ondinerestaurant.co.uk
Villager
The shabby chic interior at Villager offers the perfect laid back location for a quick drink and lunch refuel. Everything from classic cocktails to Edinburgh’s local Innis & Gunn beer make up the drinks list, and the lovely staff make sure you’re always hydrated with jugs of watermelon infused water. Top Tip: order the burger and a Gin Genie on the side – delicious.
49-50 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 226 2781 villagerbar.com
The Famous Spielgel Tent
Don’t even think about leaving The Festival until you’ve spent a night dancing your socks off to weird and wonderful cabaret at the infamous Spielgel Tent. Originally built in the 1920s and now a Fringe institution, this decadent pop-up is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and drink classic cocktails into the wee hours.
54 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LR
Box Office 0844 693 3008 spiegeltent.net
Hotel Missoni
Travel enthusiasts and fashion fanatics come together at the ubersleek and stylish Hotel Missoni. Just off the famous Royal Mile, enjoy impressive cocktails for two or prosecco on tap amongst the fashion house’s notorious stripes and vibrant colour palette. Even the doormen are decked out in Missoni kilts.
1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD
0131 220 6666 hotelmissoni.com
99 Hanover Street
Pull up a pew at 99 Hanover Street’s decadent oak bar or nestle into one of its many dark corners for a cosy drink or two. Cocktails are what they do best and with anything from a Hemingway Daiquiri to a French 75 to choose from; you’ll probably agree that two cocktails are always better than one.
99 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DJ
0131 225 8200 www.99hanoverst.com
Bon Vivant
Bon Vivant: A person with refined taste, especially one who enjoys superb food and drink. The name sold it to us and the bar didn’t fail to disappoint. Regularly voted one of Scotland’s best cocktail bars and with Thistle Street’s renowned restaurants as neighbours; it’s a must-visit during Festival season.
55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DY
0131 225 3275 bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk
