Address

16A Queen Street, New Town, EH2 1JE
New Town, Edinburgh

Best For

Modern classics, no-reservations charm, mid-thirties crowd

Opening Hours

Daily16:00–01:00

Reservations

No, walk-in only

Dress Code

Smart casual

Price Range

$$$ · Cocktails from £11

Pioneer New Town Basement Mid-thirties Modern Classics

Plan Your Visit

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Walk-in only. Get there before 21:00 weekends or expect a wait.

Our Take

Published November 18, 2025 · Last updated April 30, 2026 · Reviewed by the barsforKings editorial team

The Bar That Made Modern Edinburgh Cocktails

Bramble opened in 2006 in a New Town basement and effectively kickstarted the modern Edinburgh cocktail scene. Before Bramble, Edinburgh cocktail culture was thin. The bar's no-reservation, walk-in-only policy and its disciplined approach to classical drinks shifted the city's expectations.

The cocktails are stirred classics with seasonal twists. The Bramble itself — invented by Dick Bradsell in 1984 at Fred's Club London but championed here — is the signature order. The Negroni programme is excellent. The seasonal menu rotates four times yearly.

The crowd is mid-thirties Edinburgh professionals and visiting cocktail enthusiasts. Best on Tuesday to Thursday for the conversation. Pair with Panda and Sons nearby for a New Town cocktail evening.

What to Order

Bramble

Gin, lemon, sugar, crème de mûre. Created at Fred's Club 1984. The bar's namesake. Benchmark version.

Negroni

Plymouth gin, Campari, Cocchi sweet vermouth. Built classically. Stirred 60 seconds.

Penicillin

Blended Scotch, lemon, ginger honey, smoky single malt float. The modern classic.

Old Fashioned

Bourbon or Scotch from the back bar, demerara, Angostura. Built over a single rock.