Bars
| 03 August 2009
17 Frederick St, 0131 226 6055,
Near Assembly Rooms
Making a name for itself with a cocktail menu to rival any in the city, Amicus Apple is nonetheless a friendly bar with knowledgeable staff. Its popular with a post-work crew, particularly on sunny days, but festival-goers who like a bit of style with their drink should duck off pub-heavy Rose Street and try something different.
| 03 August 2009
Niddry Street, 0131 556 3254
Near Underbelly/The Caves
This former wine cellar straddles the Cowgate, making it a decent stop off on the way to or from a show. Live music is in residence most nights, while the range of whiskies and ales on display should be ample to quench any drouth.
| 03 August 2009
54 George IV Bridge, 0131 225 6936
Near Gilded Balloon, Udderbelly
Showcasing hundreds of different vodkas (including chilli pepper flavour for the braver palette), this classy gaff is a great shout for those looking for a sociable hangout for the evening. The cocktail pitchers come highly recommended.
| 03 August 2009
81-85 Broughton Street, 0131 557 0546
Near Assembly Rooms
Old school charm abounds in this slightly Bohemian spot. Unpretentious in the extreme, dark wood panelling and a friendly clientele compliment a well-stocked bar and plentiful whisky list.
| 03 August 2009
10A-12A Broughton Street, 0131 557 0097
Near Assembly Rooms
This popular Mexican-style bar continues to bring in the numbers, and with very good reason. Setting its stall quite literally at basement level, the friendly Hawaiian shirt-wearing staff are always on hand with great cocktails, beers and wines.
| 03 August 2009
18-20 Grassmarket, 0131 225 7171
Near Sweet, Traverse Theatre, Lyceum Theatre
Established in the 16th century, the Beehive is a bit of a Grassmarket institution. Even rumours of ghosts do little to keep tipplers at bay, boasting as they do a well stocked bar and popular beer garden.
| 03 August 2009
1A Chambers Street, 0131 226 7177
Near Pleasance
Big glass windows make this pleasant cafe-cum-bar great for people-watching, while resting up from the world of festival shows. Comfy seats and stylish decor afford a relaxed atmosphere, while an ample drinks menu provides plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
| 03 August 2009
57–61 Blackfriars Street, 0131 557 6136
Near Pleasance
Known to its locals simply as Bo’s, this popular hangout nestled on an Old Town side street boasts some nice bottled beers and a laidback ambience. The veggie restaurant next door also enjoys a firm following.
| 03 August 2009
2 Spittal Street, 0131 229 5030
Near Royal Lyceum Theatre, Usher Hall, Traverse
One of West Port’s most popular watering holes, the bustling Blue Blazer offers a fine selection of real ales and whiskies, as well as some great quiz and live music nights.
| 03 August 2009
2 Roxburgh Place
Near Charlotte Square, Assembly Rooms
Long before The Bowery set its stall, hopes were high for a New York style hangout.
Housed in the Old Roxy Art House, it doesn’t disappoint affording a multi-arts programme, kooky charm, and uber-hip clientele.
| 03 August 2009
16A Queen Street, 0131 226 6343
Near Assembly Rooms
This relatively new addition to the scene has quickly garnered a loyal following and with good reason. Cosy snugs, a great drinks menu and a consistently good set of tunes on the stereo ensure most will make a night of it.
| 03 August 2009
14 Drummond Street, 0131 556 1961
Near Pleasance
One of Edinburgh’s quirkiest hangouts, the Brass Monkey affords a bustling bar space and popular back room complete with cinema, rug and scatter cushions. Locals prop up the bar.
| 03 August 2009
19 West Register Street, 0131 556 1884
Near Assembly Rooms
A stalwart on the capital scene and spruced up following its reasonably recent revamp, the Circle Bar is busy morning, noon and night. Relaxed leather booths and a friendly atmosphere make this a pleasant stop off for a drink and a catch-up.
| 03 August 2009
20 Young Street, 0131 226 2120
Near Assembly Rooms
You will have to wander downhill from the main festival venues to find this New Town haunt, but if you’re looking for some R&R after a busy day this is a great shout, with some good beers on draught and a tasty selection of wines.
| 03 August 2009
38 Home Street, 0131 228 4141
Near King’s Theatre
Attached to one of Edinburgh’s finest cinemas, the Cameo Bar’s laidback feel and relaxed decor of comfy chairs and settees attracts a plentiful crowd; a fine beer, wine and cocktail menu completes the package.
| 03 August 2009
Edinburgh Quay, 129 Fountainbridge, 0131 659 7880
Near King’s Theatre, Traverse, Royal Lyceum Theatre
If an afternoon tipple is your wont, Cargo is a good call, situated as it is at the beginning of the picturesque Union Canal. By night, it’s equally popular with the party crowds, making ample use of its vast two-storey space.
| 03 August 2009
113–115 George Street, 0131 225 9179
Near Assembly Rooms, Charlotte Square
Not for nothing is this one of George Street’s more popular watering holes. Boasting leather booths and colourful retro style furnishings, pre-clubbers turn up in their droves of a weekend, with a drinks menu to fit the party bill.
| 03 August 2009
19 Blair Street, 0131 220 0125
Near Underbelly
This American-inspired diner effortlessly manages maximum hip with minimum pretention. A long-term favourite, the bar comes amply stocked, while regular DJ sets ensure the soundtrack to your evening is seldom dull. The bar snacks, too, particularly the nachos, come highly recommended.
| 03 August 2009
1-3 Cumberland Street, 0131 558 3134
Near Assembly Rooms
If Scotland’s shores are kind enough to give us a warm sunny summer, The Cumberland boasts a lovely beer garden, complete with well-worn benches and welcoming bar staff. A local favourite, this is an ideal spot for a relaxing pint with the papers amidst the festival mayhem.
| 03 August 2009
14 George Street, 0131 624 8624
Near Assembly Rooms
Best known for its beautifully ornate decor, complete with sparkling chandeliers, this former bank’s suitably grand façade boasts a delicious cocktail selection for those with money to burn, while grape lovers should find ample delight in the wine menu.
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- The Mitre
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- Oloroso
- The Outhouse
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- Standing Order
- The Street
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