Edinburgh's hidden gem bars include the most theatrical speakeasy entrance in Britain (Panda & Sons through a barber shop). The 10 below show Scotland's drinking depth.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best hidden gem bars in Edinburgh
01 · Edinburgh
Queen Street
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Speakeasy · Through a barber shop
You enter through a working barber shop.
Order: Whatever's the seasonal signature
02 · Edinburgh
Old Town
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Stone walls · Whisky
In a former pump house off the Royal Mile.
Order: A flight of Highland malts
03 · Edinburgh
Queen Street
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13 bottles · 13 cocktails
Thirteen bottles, thirteen cocktails.
Order: Whichever cocktail features the most unusual spirit
04 · Edinburgh
Queen Street
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Basement · Granite
Below street level. The room that birthed the Bramble cocktail.
Order: A Bramble
05 · Edinburgh
Stockbridge
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Whisky-saloon · Stockbridge
In Stockbridge. Scotch whisky depth.
Order: A Last Word
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06 · Edinburgh
New Town
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Steakhouse bar · Cocktails
The bar at Hawksmoor steakhouse.
Order: Their Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew
07 · Edinburgh
Grassmarket
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Tropical · Late-night
In the Grassmarket. Tropical-leaning cocktail bar.
Order: A tiki-style spec
08 · Edinburgh
New Town
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Wine + cocktails · Bistro
Wine-and-cocktail bistro.
Order: A whisky-led signature
09 · Edinburgh
Old Town
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Real ale · Whisky
Tiny pub off the Royal Mile.
Order: A cask ale + a malt whisky
10 · Edinburgh
Old Town
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Live jazz nightly
Live jazz seven nights a week.
Order: A whisky neat + the late set
More Edinburgh hidden gemsThe full Edinburgh hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Edinburgh hides its best
Panda & Sons and The Devil's Advocate are essential. Most peak between 9 PM and midnight.
