Awarded ‘Best Bar in Scotland’ at the Scottish Hospitality Awards for two years in a row, Bow Bar is a must-visit when exploring Edinburgh through the beer scene.
Known for its cask ales and malt whisky selection, Bow Bar (80 W Bow) always has a well-considered, hand-picked selection.
Located in the heart of the old town, Bow Bar is a traditional-styled bar with vintage beer and whisky memorabilia on the walls.
Their no-frills approach to the bar puts emphasis on what Bow Bar is about supplying their customers with the best beer and the best whisky.
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Location & Setting
The Bow Bar is on West Bow, at the foot of the curving Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed corners of the city. It is a proper traditional ale house, standing-room-busy at peak times, with no music and a focus squarely on what is in the glass.
Beer & Whisky
Eight cask lines keep a well-chosen rotation of Scottish and independent ales, and behind them sits a whisky wall running to several hundred bottles. It is the classic Edinburgh double act of cask beer and single malt, done seriously and without gimmicks.
Practical Tips
- Old Town location on Victoria Street, very central
- Eight rotating cask lines plus a large whisky wall
- No music, standing-room busy at peak times
- Ideal pairing stop for cask ale and a dram
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bow Bar good for whisky as well as beer?
Yes, it pairs eight rotating cask lines with a whisky wall of several hundred malts. It is one of the best Old Town spots to combine a cask ale with a Scottish single malt.
Does The Bow Bar get busy?
It does, especially evenings and weekends given its Victoria Street location. It is a compact, standing-room ale house, so expect it to fill quickly at peak times.
