Address
80 West Bow, Old Town, EH1 2HH
West Bow, Old Town, Edinburgh
West Bow, Old Town, Edinburgh
Best For
Whisky drinking, cask ale, no-frills serious atmosphere
Opening Hours
Mon–Sat12:00–24:00
Sun12:30–23:30
Reservations
No, walk-in
Dress Code
Casual
Price Range
$$ · Drams from £4
Our Take
Edinburgh's Most Serious Whisky Pub
The Bow Bar has been on West Bow since the 1980s and is the serious Edinburgh whisky pub. The room is small, wood-panelled, and committed to the function: whisky, cask ale, no music, no frills. The whisky list runs to over 350 single malts and the cask ale rotation includes eight regional British beers.
The bartenders are encyclopedic. Tell them what you like — peated, sherried, light, fruity — and they will recommend three drams to compare. Whisky prices start at £4 and run up.
The crowd is whisky enthusiasts, locals, and visiting travellers serious about Scotland's national spirit. Pair with Devil's Advocate further down the Old Town for a serious Edinburgh whisky evening.
What to Order
Whisky by the Dram
Choose from 350 single malts. Bartender will recommend by style. Prices range £4-£40+.
Cask Ale
Eight rotating British cask ales. Always something new. Reliable.
Whisky Flight
Three related drams to compare. Bartender curates.
Pint of Heavy
Scottish heavy bitter on cask. The traditional pub order to pair with whisky.
