Johnnie Walker Princes Street (145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL) opened in September 2021 in the former House of Fraser building in Edinburgh’s West End. Even committed non-whisky drinkers tend to enjoy it – the 90-minute tour is as much about storytelling and design as it is about the drams.
Journey of Flavour (from £25, about 1.5 hours) is built around your own flavour preferences and includes three personalised drinks, with non-alcoholic options available. The building also has two bars, the 1820 Rooftop Bar and the Explorers’ Bothy Bar.
Location & Getting There
The venue sits at the West End of Princes Street, in the former House of Fraser building, looking over Princes Street Gardens. Haymarket and Waverley stations are each about a 15-minute walk away, and trams and buses run along Princes Street. It is easy to combine with shopping or a walk through the gardens.
Tours & Tastings
The standard Journey of Flavour tour lasts about 90 minutes and uses your flavour preferences to choose three personalised drinks along the way. For more depth, the Johnnie Walker Collection tasting (£45, 1 hour) pours six whiskies, the Whisky & Chocolate pairing (£75, 1 hour) matches four whiskies with four Iain Burnett chocolates, and the Cask Draw (£150, 1.5 hours) includes six. The whole experience is modern, theatrical and aimed at visitors rather than industry insiders. Confirm current prices when booking.
Who It Suits
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is ideal for groups where not everyone is a whisky fan, and for anyone who wants a slick, central experience with a rooftop payoff. Purists chasing a working still will prefer Holyrood or Port of Leith, but for polish, cocktails and views this is the standout.
Practical Tips
- Non-alcoholic options are available if you are not drinking.
- It is about a 15-minute walk from Waverley or Haymarket station.
- Tastings are included, so bring ID; the age limit is 18+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnnie Walker Princes Street worth it for non-whisky drinkers?
Yes – the tour leans on storytelling and design, and non-alcoholic options are available, so mixed groups and casual drinkers tend to enjoy it.
Does Johnnie Walker Princes Street have a bar?
Yes, two: the 1820 Rooftop Bar and the Explorers’ Bothy Bar. Check opening times and booking details on the Johnnie Walker website before you go.
