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On those rare sunny days in Scotland, rounding up your pals for an outdoor bar with ice-cold drinks on tap requires a game plan to beat the crowds! While Edinburgh has no shortage of beer gardens, they’re in high demand—so here’s a look at what each one has to offer.
Some of these Edinburgh beer gardens entertain groups, while others are only set up for couples or small gatherings therefore it is recommended that you book ahead.
You may also like our guide to rooftop bars in Edinburgh.
Beer Gardens in Edinburgh By Area
Old Town, Grassmarket Pubs
1. Cold Town House
Cold Town House (4 Grassmarket) is situated in the famous Grassmarket area of Edinburgh and has a range of traditionally brewed offerings along with their signature dish, the stone-fired Neapolitan pizza.
There is a full roof which is rolled back when the rain stops, revealing ‘that’ Edinburgh Castle shot.
There’s a decent selection of drinks including Cold Town Beer, which is freshly brewed on the premises and served by the glass or in the six-pint tower.
Customers can watch Cold Town Beer being brewed through the brewery’s large windows.
The delicious drink in the right-hand image is a frose.
Tables include wooden seats with fit pits, ski lift seats and umbrellas.
There are also cute ski lifts which act as private booths.
The whole of the rooftop has heaters dotted around so it’s nice a cosy when the sun isn’t out.
This outdoor jewel in the Old Town is a hugely popular spot so remember to book ahead.
Cold Town House is also featured in our restaurant guide.
2. The Last Drop
The Last Drop (74-78 Grassmarket), is a traditional pub on Grassmarket Square, which has a handful of tables and chairs at the front of the pub.
The Last Drop gets its name from its location.
This is where those deemed criminal were executed by public hanging so the title refers to the last execution which took place just out front.
There have been ghostly sightings in the pub cellar according to Pacific Buildings!
If you’ve had a little too much to drink, The Last Drop is a recommended stop for some pub grub.
The music is usually pretty banging too.
3. The White Hart Inn
Another popular Grassmarket pub with alfresco dining out front is The White Hart Inn (32 Grassmarket).
Did you know that The White Hart Inn is haunted?
Maybe best to pull up a pew outside if you can.
These Grassmarket pubs are usually packed, so if you see a spare outdoor seat, grab it.
4. Eve
Eve at the Virgin Hotel (18-20 Cowgate) is a very stylish garden area, clearly curated by a professional landscaper and interior designer.
Lush!
Joined to the outside space is the indoor bar and restaurant where you can dine during breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
5. The Three Sisters
This Cowgate institution in the heart of the Old Town is usually packed at the weekends, especially during big sports games so it is recommended to book ahead, especially if visiting in a large group.
Picnic tables with umbrellas are dotted around the courtyard surrounded by drinks trucks and XL TVs.
It hosts one of the biggest St Paddy’s Day parties in the city.
6. The Devil’s Advocate
The Devil’s Advocate (9 Advocate’s Cl) is hugely popular with tourists for its cocktail menu.
Tucked away in one of the Old Town’s famous closes, The Devil’s Advocate isn’t quite a suntrap but a nice date spot nonetheless.
This was our American friends’ favourite bar in Edinburgh.
7. Nor’ Loft
At the foot of the Old Town is a cocktail terrace that reaches highs with incredible views over Princes Street Gardens.
Nor’ Loft is located at the top of Market Street Hotel and its outdoor terrace is a lovely date spot or drinks with pals option.
Southside Pubs
8. The Garden at Teviot
The Garden at Teviot (13 Bristo Pl) offers a large covered seating area and extra special heated beach huts available to keep away any Scottish chill.
Their menu features lots of beer garden favourites, ice-cold beers, and martini cocktail trees, and the food is locally sourced.
They also have great vegan options.
The garden is open to all, seven days a week with DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, and they’re screening lots of summer sports.
Booking is recommended, especially if you are after a coveted beach hut.
The Garden opens seasonally each summer so is not to be missed during those months.
Check out their Instagram for more info.
9. The Pear Tree
A lively beer garden destination in Edinburgh for many years, this student favourite is located just down the road from Summerhall.
The large garden with benches includes a stage for live bands which play in the cobbled courtyard.
The beautiful garden is set outside an 18th-century building, situated adjacent to the main campus of Edinburgh University.
The craft beer here is excellent and the barbecue offerings keep the cool crowd fully entertained during the few sun-filled days.
The Pear Tree (38 West Nicolson St) is very busy during the Festival Fringe as the bar is a venue.
10. Salt Horse Beer Shop and Bar
Salt Horse (57-61, Blackfriars St) is a big hit with the craft beer community.
This bar boasts of over ten taps featuring craft beer from Scotland and further afield.
There are also over 300 different kinds of brew in bottles.
Salt Horse’s rustic back garden, lit by fairy light and decorated with plants, is open until 10 pm.
Food is also served.
Beer fans! Check out our guide to craft beer in Edinburgh
New Town Pubs
11. Rose Street Gardens
Flower crowns, house goals garden furniture and heaters, there’s really no reason to drink inside again with Rose Street Gardens on the pub scene.
The award-winning cocktail bar stirs up classics like espresso martinis and signature offerings such as the anti-venom.
Sandwiched between Princes Street and George Street it is the perfect location if you need a break from shopping.
You may also like: The most aesthetic spots in Edinburgh.
12. Le Monde
George Street fans will be delighted to see Le Monde (16 George St) added to the list of Edinburgh beer gardens.
Now serving drinks at their terrace, an ideal spot for people watching by The Dome and The George Hotel.
It is a little open to the elements so wear one more layer than you planned to and double up on socks.
Reserve a table via the website.
13. Cask Smugglers
Arriving by train and looking for a quick outdoor drink or meeting point?
Consider the Cask Smugglers (3 Princes St) located on top of the Waverley Station.
Cask is great as you can book tables for large groups and if it is raining, there is often room indoors with castle views!
14. The Outhouse
The Outhouse (12A Broughton St) on Broughton Street offers a range of cocktails, drinks and a variety of beers at affordable price tags.
This is one of the cheapest bars for cocktails in Edinburgh that we’ve found, and we take our research very seriously!
A small courtyard with benches can be found at the back.
15. The Cumberland Bar
Located in the New Town locality of Edinburgh, The Cumberland Bar (1-3 Cumberland St) boasts of an excellent and secluded beer garden, while the main bar has the finest collections of ales, spirits and wines.
The vast range of local and foreign beers is complemented by a delicious all-day dining menu and the traditional roasts on Sundays.
This pub features hanging baskets outside and wooden panelled interiors inside.
The quality of the beer is high class with eight cask ale taps from the famous William Brothers and the Caledonian Brewery of Edinburgh.
16. The Raeburn Hotel
The Raeburn (112 Raeburn Pl) is an upmarket beer garden attached to the front of the boutique hotel with the same name.
There are tables with benches on either side of the front door, half of which are under a cover to cater for the delightful Scottish summer weather.
The Raeburn is loved by Stockbridge locals and visitors.
Fountainbridge/Tollcross Pubs
17. The Hanging Bat
Not quite Fountainbridge, The Hanging Bat (133 Lothian Rd), or The Bat which it is affectionately called in the beer community, is less than 15 minutes walk from Princes Street and worth the walk.
It also features in our craft beer guide!
Popular for its keg and cask beers on draft and food served daily, The Bat now has a beer garden with tables lit by candlelight.
18. Moxy Hotel’s Lochrin
Enjoy castle views from the rooftop of the Moxy Fountainbridge at their award-winning rooftop bar.
Lochrin (2 Freer Gait ) serves drinks and small plates to soak up the alcohol.
19. The Blackbird
This attractive drinking den, The Blackbird (37-39 Levin St), has brightly coloured outdoors and is popular with locals and commuters.
The wine menu is lengthy, great for after-work sunny days drinks.
Due to its prime location between the Tollcross and Bruntsfield, the Blackbird draws a cool crowd.
It is close to the King’s Theatre — ideal for those looking to catch some rays and a beer before a show.
West End Pubs
20. Indigo Yard
Always packed with workers after office hours, Indigo Yard (7 Charlotte Ln) has been a popular outdoor beer garden for an age.
Situated in a built-up area, the beer garden doesn’t get a lot of sun but is warm enough to enjoy good food and drink in Edinburgh’s West End district.
The style is rustic and the beer selection is extensive, as is the wine and cocktails menu.
The impressive array of craft beer showcasing some of the best local produce has been the hallmark of Indigo Yard since 1996.
Leith
There is no shortage of Leith pubs worth visiting. We highly recommend doing a pub crawl around this port neighbourhood of Edinburgh.
21. Teuchters Landing
Along with a great selection of drinks and delicacies, Teuchters Landing (1c Dock Pl), a floating waterfront bar, boasts a one-of-a-kind beer garden, accessible via a pontoon bridge when the weather allows.
In the past, the building which houses this well-liked pub served as a restroom for people travelling on the Leith to Aberdeen steamboat ferry.
Don’t let that put you off!
The bar menu is great and the crowd is mixed.
Abbeyhill
22. Bellfield Brewery
A bit of a trek for those who normally only visit the City Centre but worth it for gluten-free beer and dog spotting!
Bellfield Brewery and Taproom ( 46 Stanley Pl) has booths for groups and tables for couples.
Food tucks serve take-out food at weekends. What a win!
Edinburgh Beer Garden Map
We’ve added all of the best Edinburgh beer gardens to a map so you can work out which pub suits your day best.
Access it here. If you are using a mobile/cellphone you may have to open using Incognito mode.
Looking for more than just beer gardens? This map created by the Edinburgh Bartender’s Club details every space with al fresco dining in Edinburgh.
Final Words
Alfresco drinking and Scotland might not be the most common pairing, but Edinburgh offers a fantastic variety of beer gardens perfect for date days, trips with pals, and visiting tourists.
Slàinte and remember to check the weather before you text your pals!
Have we missed your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.
Special thanks to The Garden at Teviot for advertising in our beer gardens guide.
I’m looking for a beer garden advertised in the Times with a mural showing a body sized larger glass.
Hi Tom, thanks for your question. I’ve not come across the mural myself. I did a quick Google search for you but no search results found it. Best of luck finding it! ~ Gemma