Edinburgh Suggestions

[Walty]

I have a couple of days (and two evenings) in Edinburgh tomorrow (5th Nov 25) and the day after.

Not been quaffing in Edinburgh for a decade and so wondered what I should be looking to take in. Have focussed on the Edinburgh Central district as over two days that should give me a big enough pool of venues to visit. Not cross referenced the GBG25, but looking at all the venues on here I came up with the following:

Guildford Arms
Halfway House
Bow Bar
Oxford Bar
Cafe Royal Bar (opulence rather than beer)

As top 5 then in no particular order:

Abbotsford
Barony
Blue Blazer
Cask & Barrel
Cold Town House (based on a craft beer fan)
Deacon Brodies Tavern
Jolly Judge
Kay’s Bar
Kenilworth
Ryrie’s Bar
Thomson’s Bar
White Hart Inn

Then feel obliged to do the JDW venues I am aware of:

Alexander Graham Bell
Booking Office
Caleys Picture House
Standing Order

What am I missing (just Edinburgh Central on here - mushrooming to districts gives me too long a list for 2 days)?

[sheffield hatter]

I have a couple of days (and two evenings) in Edinburgh tomorrow (5th Nov 25) and the day after.

Not been quaffing in Edinburgh for a decade and so wondered what I should be looking to take in. Have focussed on the Edinburgh Central district as over two days that should give me a big enough pool of venues to visit. Not cross referenced the GBG25, but looking at all the venues on here I came up with the following:

Guildford Arms
Halfway House
Bow Bar
Oxford Bar
Cafe Royal Bar (opulence rather than beer)

I'm not a big fan of the Halfway House, and see my review of the Cafe Royal - if that doesn't put you off, you must be a big fan of opulence!

...then in no particular order:

Abbotsford
Barony
Blue Blazer
Cask & Barrel
Cold Town House (based on a craft beer fan)
Deacon Brodies Tavern
Jolly Judge
Kay’s Bar
Kenilworth
Ryrie’s Bar
Thomson’s Bar
White Hart Inn


What am I missing (just Edinburgh Central on here - mushrooming to districts gives me too long a list for 2 days)?

I don't know the Grassmarket pubs, but it can be very touristy there (Deacon Brodies Tavern, White Hart Inn). I don't know Blue Blazer, not sure about Jolly Judge, I find Barony too loud and Cask & Barrel is better because it's quieter!

I'm not a fan of Kay's, and the Kenilworth is not a patch on the Abbotsford (which is easily the best on Rose Street, in my opinion), but I like Thomson's and especially Ryrie's.

If you're over that way, it's definitely worth looking at Diggers (the Athletic Arms), which is only a 12 minute walk from Haymarket station, or there are several buses will get you nearer. I gave it a well-earned 10 on my first visit and it was just as good when I went back last month.

Talking of buses, there are quite a few will get you from the centre to the Artisan Bar in Abbeyhill, about a mile from Waverley station.

A couple of wild cards: Mathers Bar in the West End and the Cumberland Bar in New Town.

Enjoy!

[Walty]

Thanks so much that is a very much appreciated response. I recognise quite a few of the alternatives and will make a few tweaks as a result. I think (from memory) Ray and Mr Fastard’s review of the Cafe Royal prompted me to try that one given proximity to the Guildford Arms. Equally Will’s most recent review redressed the balance of the two previous reviews!The Blue Blazer was picked as the meet up venue for my group pre curry a 5 min walk away! The Athletic Arms / Diggers would definitely have been on my radar if I had expanded search beyond Edinburgh Central - sounds great from respected reviewers on here so will add that one to my list.

Realised whilst looking at the reviews on here what a top job Hondo has done in reviewing the otherwise unreviewed part of Edinburgh’s bars beyond the mainstream - should he be crowned the Strongers of Edinburgh?

For me prep for Edinburgh was visiting my previously unvisited venues in N17 tonight whilst they were defo open ahead of the Spurs game!