Advocate's Close is one of the narrowest and most atmospheric closes in Edinburgh's Old Town, a steep staircase that drops from the Royal Mile toward Cockburn Street. At the bottom of it, inside a converted Victorian pump house dating from 1889, The Devil's Advocate makes a compelling argument that Edinburgh's cocktail scene can compete with any city in the UK.
The interior makes use of the original building's structural drama: exposed brickwork, cast-iron columns, high ceilings with arched windows, and a mezzanine level that looks down on a bar stocked with around 200 whiskies. The cocktail list is inventive without becoming self-indulgent, drawing regularly on Scottish ingredients: heather, elderflower, sloe, and foraged botanicals that reflect the country's seasonal character in a way that feels earned rather than marketed.
The food menu is a genuine strength too, serving elevated comfort dishes that hold up well as cocktail accompaniments. Our editors treat the Devil's Advocate as the natural pairing with The Bow Bar for a complete Edinburgh drinking evening: start traditional on West Bow, end contemporary on Advocate's Close. Between those two stops, Edinburgh's bar scene makes a strong case for itself. For a broader view, our Edinburgh cocktail bar guide covers the full landscape.
The mezzanine books up quickly on weekends, so reservation for a table is worth the effort. Walk-in bar seating is usually available until around 8pm. Wednesday and Thursday evenings hit the sweet spot between a good crowd and available space. Lunchtime is an underrated option during the working week.
Cocktail enthusiasts who want creative drinks in a historically significant building. Good for dates, small group celebrations, and visitors who want to eat and drink well in one sitting. The whisky selection also satisfies serious collectors without it being the primary focus of the menu.