Where to drink
Tonic
You may think ‘Edinburgh’ and expect to hear ‘Whisky’ but like all cosmopolitan cities, this place has so much more to offer. Tonic has carved a name out for itself as a peddler of cocktails extraordinaire. And the people of Edinburgh have responded by slurping down its delicious drinks ad infinitum. So if you’re out for a fun time and long time, Tonic’s open late and can’t be beaten for great drinks.
34A N Castle St, EH2 3BN
bar-tonic.co.uk/
Panda & Sons
No modern metropolis is worth its salt these days unless it possesses at least one hidden speakeasy. Fortunately for Edinburgh, Panda & Sons answered that call and did so with gusto. Disguised as a barber shop, this award winning bar is concealed behind a bookcase for true authenticity. The drinks, we are here to tell you… are something else. A range of classics and modern infusions to set your senses alight. You’ve been warned. Now go forth & enjoy.
79 Queen St, EH2 4NF
pandaandsons.com/
The Sheep Heid Inn
Looking for something a little more ‘Scottish’. There are few places that can lay better claim to that handle than The Sheep Heid Inn. Warm, cosy and endlessly inviting, this pub is steeped in massive amounts of local history and even literature. Supposedly built on a site that’s been serving refreshments to weary travellers since 1308. It’s got fantastic food, beer and of course… Scotch Whisky. You’ll likely never want to leave.
43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA
www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk/
Where to eat
Timberyard
There’s a feeling of warm belonging you get everytime you walk into the Timberyard. Its unpolished but comfortable shabby chic interior rarely surrenders the building’s historic past. And yet always remains so inviting. The locally sourced food is real treat. And although the menu isn’t overly busy, we’re confident there’s something here for everybody. The drinks are all hand selected and feature some real craft choices.
10 Lady Lawson St, EH3 9DS
www.timberyard.co/
The Scran & Scallie
To look at its incredibly relaxed layout, you’d never realise that the Scran & Scallie was the loving creation of two Michelin starred chefs. It’s so comfortable and pleasant and snug in here you’d be happy just to pop in for a coffee. But when you try the food, oh the food! You’ll dig your heels in and claim squatter’s rights. Seafood & Scottish classics are the order of the day here. Don’t forget to wash them down with something from their lovingly created cocktail list.
1 Comely Bank Rd, EH4 1DT
scranandscallie.com/
The Kitchin
Down on the Leith waterfront you’ll find Michelin starred Kitchin. This former ‘UK restaurant of the Year’, has a cool stone interior that evokes a sensory sympathy with its rich coastal surroundings and makes you immediately hanker after some of its ‘Nature to Plate’ dishes – a philosophy of its head chef and proprietor Tom Kitchin. A man who fervently believes in using only the finest local produce in everything he does. Book ahead, it’s always popular.
78 Commercial St, EH6 6LX
thekitchin.com/
What to do
Arthur's Seat
Did you know there’s a volcano in Edinburgh? Not many do, as it’s both extinct and disarmingly named (possibly) after a once great King of England. Dominating the landscape of Holyrood Park, this mountainous rocky protrusion is a must-see/climb to work off all those whisky fumes from the night before. It’s also a great way to work up an appetite for the dinner ahead. Either way, the views are phenomenal and well worth the hike.
Holyrood Park
www.edinburghguide.com/parks/holyroodpark
Edinburgh Castle
Who could come to historic Edinburgh and not make the short walk up to Edinburgh castle? Thought to have been built around 12AD, the castle sees around 1.4m visitors every year. Each of whom explore the vast labyrinthine halls of the castle for a real taste of the city’s true heritage. Get there around lunchtime each day to see the One O’Clock Gun (a cannon) fired. Fulfilling the fantasies of every man’s inner child.
Castlehill, EH1 2NG
www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/
Scotch Whisky Experience
If like us, you are partial to a wee dram of Scotch Whisky then Edinburgh harbours any number of great bars ready to oblige. The bad news for the more adventurous types is that Edinburgh isn’t really an abundant distillery region (Lowlands). The good news is that the Scotch Whisky Experience can offer you all that single malt goodness in one place. Ably leading classes through the history, flavour and general loveliness of Scotch whisky.
354 Castlehill, EH1 2NE
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/
