Editorial
Edinburgh has the deepest concentration of serious bars in Scotland and arguably in Britain outside London. Bramble birthed the modern Scottish cocktail scene; Panda & Sons turned the speakeasy form into a national export. The 10 below cover Old Town to Stockbridge, whisky-led pubs to tasting-menu cocktail rooms.
The annual Festival fortnight every August transforms Edinburgh into the most concentrated drinking city in Britain. Off-season, the bars are quieter and easier to access. The Old Town addresses (Bow Bar, Devil's Advocate) are essential for the historical drinking architecture; the New Town addresses (Bramble, Lucky Liquor) for the modern cocktail scene. Most bars run until 1 AM; some go later during the Fringe.
European Editor — based in London. Twelve years across Soho, Marais and Mitte. Strong opinions about ice.