Editorial
Edinburgh's beer scene runs deeper than almost anywhere in Britain outside London. The nine bars below show why, from Old Town cask temples to Leith taprooms that change their lineup by the week.
The Bow Bar holds the line on West Bow with eight cask ales and a back wall of more than 300 whiskies. There is no music and no concessions to lager, just a standing-room crowd that knows its Scottish session beers. Whisky Magazine once named it Scotland's best whisky pub. Go early evening on a weekday, before the room goes three deep.
Edinburgh's original craft beer bar runs three levels opposite the Odeon on Lothian Road, with taps that rotate hard. Leeds brewer Northern Monk took it over in 2025 and King of Feasts now runs the kitchen. Staff pour samples before you commit, so ask. Open daily until 1am, it suits a long Friday session more than a quick pint.
BrewDog runs two Edinburgh bars, on Cowgate and Lothian Road, both stocking the Ellon brewery's Punk IPA and Hazy Jane next to a rotating guest board. The Cowgate room turns loud and student-heavy after 10pm; Lothian Road stays calmer. Order a third-of-a-pint flight to scan the range. Best for groups who want a known quantity in the Old Town.
The Cumberland sits quietly in the New Town with up to six cask ales and one of the city's better beer gardens out back. This Ian White restoration trades in dark wood and frosted glass, drawing an after-work professional crowd over a tourist one. Sunday afternoons in the garden are the move. Skip it if you want loud or late.
The Stockbridge Tap reopened in April 2026 after a refurbishment that kept its proper-pub soul intact. It took CAMRA's Edinburgh Pub of the Year in 2025 on the strength of an ever-changing cask list from Stewart, Swannay and Arbor. The new terrace on Raeburn Place adds outdoor seats. Come for a measured afternoon pint, not a late one.
Akva is the Swedish outlier here, a canal-side room from the Boda group serving aquavit, lager and a short Nordic beer range alongside proper food. The waterside terrace on Fountainbridge is the summer draw, family-friendly by day and busier after work. Order a crispbread plate with your beer. Best for a relaxed session rather than a hardcore tap chase.
The Caley Sample Room keeps up to eight real ales and twelve other taps in a big Dalry room built for hearty Scottish plates and live sport. The back bar runs deep on malts, rums and gins. It is dog-friendly, runs quiz nights, and fills on match days. Go for a long lunch with the football on, not a quiet drink.
Jeremiah's sits near the top of Leith Walk with more than sixteen taps and a chiller of cans and bottles to take away. The room is dark and cozy, hung with old Edinburgh concert posters, and the kitchen piles burgers and hot dogs high. The Sunday quiz starts at 7:30pm. Best for a beer-led evening close to the Playhouse.
The Blue Blazer is a no-nonsense West End local that regulars guard closely, strong on real ales, rums and whisky across two small rooms. Another Ian White restoration, it trades square footage for atmosphere and wins. Open to 1am most nights. Go midweek for a seat and a slow dram; avoid it if you need space or a full menu.
Edinburgh splits its drinking between Old Town cask institutions and a younger craft wave in Leith and the west. The Bow Bar and the Stockbridge Tap anchor the traditional end; the Hanging Bat and Jeremiah's push the fast-rotating side.
Most rooms peak between 7 and 10pm. Cask drinkers should arrive early, before the best lines blow.
What is the best craft beer bar in Edinburgh? The Bow Bar and the Hanging Bat lead. The Bow Bar runs eight cask ales and 300-plus whiskies on West Bow; the Hanging Bat pours fast-rotating taps across three levels on Lothian Road.
Where do locals drink craft beer in Edinburgh? Locals favour the Stockbridge Tap, Jeremiah's Taproom at the top of Leith Walk, and the Caley Sample Room in Dalry, all away from the tourist core.
When do Edinburgh craft beer bars get busy? Most peak between 7 and 10pm, so arrive early evening on a weekday for the best cask lines and a seat.