Kay's might be my favorite pub in Edi! The environment is very cozy -- the back room is lined with books, board games, and vintage trinkets, there's plenty of cushioned seating, and it sits just off the busy tourist areas. There is a wide selection of flavored gins, and prices are reasonable for the area. It's difficult getting a seat when the rugby is on, but is otherwise just busy enough to feel lively without being overwhelming. read more

Kay's Bar - A pint and a raspberry gin and tonic - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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From the moment we walked into The Keys Bar, something felt off. The bartender looked us up and down and muttered something to the effect of, "Should be an interesting night," with a smirk that said more than the words did. It wasn't welcoming--it was coded, dismissive, and frankly, discriminatory. Throughout the night, the vibe didn't improve. Whether it was uncomfortable stares, condescending service, or the way our presence clearly made certain staff or patrons uneasy, it was obvious we weren't genuinely welcome. It's 2025--this kind of subtle exclusion shouldn't still be a thing, especially in hospitality. We didn't come in loud or wild--we just came to enjoy a drink. But instead of a good time, we left feeling judged and unwelcome. If The Keys Bar wants to be taken seriously as a place for everyone, they need to do better. Being inclusive isn't a trend--it's the bare minimum. read more

Kay's Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

First stop in the city after a long plane then bus ride. Tucked away into a mostly residential area, this spot seems frequented by locals. Thursday early afternoon, plenty of people lurking both inside and outside. There are several local beers on tap which was a nice plus. First settled on the Beaverton Neckoil IPA (£7) - a mild hop ale, that's good to have a lot of. Next was the Campervan Leith Juice (£6) - a more fruited IPA that's not too heavy on the citrus. They do have small snacks here but opted to get a bigger meal somewhere else. Bartenders/patrons here are kind and were welcoming to a tourist. Dog friendly as well, with some snacks to the side for them read more

Kay's Bar - At the bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Great wee place for a pint! Very friendly..... just perfect when you are in need :) .........

Great little pub in Edinburgh. Don't miss it. Nice lunch affordable and the pints are delicious.

Great local bar vibe. The bartenders and patrons were very Friendly people. Walkable from the New Town area.

Ah, the mythical Kay's bar. Said to appear only when the moon is full, the temperature is in the 9-11 degree region, and you recite the words to Sunshine On Leith backwards. In Spanish. It's an alcoholic Brigadoon. Or, it's off the beaten track and people can't be bothered walking that far. Not sure. In any case, it's a great little local bar, with a good selection of real ales, and a fine selection of whiskies along the top gantry. It's also small and red. RED. LOTS OF RED. ALL THE RED. That's not a complaint, just an observation of the redness. If I was a local in this area, I fear I would never leave here. There would be no need for me to go anywhere else, as this is a damn fine establishment. One of Edinburgh's better kept secrets. Entirely visible at all times, too - despite what you might hear... read more

A hidden treasure in the heart of Edinburgh! Kay's is exactly what I was looking for being the only non-local in the pub. I had planned on going in for a bite to eat and a pint but ended up staying for a few hours, a "few" pints and fantastic conversation. The owner, Fraser was a gentlemen and amazing story-teller; not to mention quite a cook preparing the best Haggis, neeps and tatties in Edinburgh. If you want to experience real Scotish hospitality, great food, drinks and conversation, Kay's is a must! read more

Great selection of Scottish cask ales and a local, no-frills vibe. My buddy and I stopped in for a pint and enjoyed it at a table while a few older gentlemen playfully argued over the World Cup match. read more

Kay's is a real local that looks like it hasn't changed in decades, because it hasn't. My dad used to drink here, and he says that the building started out as a Georgian coach house and was redone when John Kay & Sons used it to sell wine and spirits to the resteraunts and hotels. They bought it during the Victorian era, and when it was converted into a bar a few decades ago, they kept a lot of what was already there. Now, it's a quiet place during the workdays with mainly older gentlemen sitting around reading the paper. At night it does get a bit busier, but it never totally changes the atmosphere. I see it as a community place to go after work rather than a place to meet new people and "have a night out". There is a library room in the back with a couple board games, but both rooms are really quite small. If you are a tourist, it wouldn't be uncomfortable visit as it is a warm place, just do be conscious of your surroundings. It may be a bit difficult to find. I was with my father, but I think if I were on my own, I would have used a smartphone or at least a map as it is in a residential area. It isn't far from other shops, less than 5 minutes walking, it's just knowing where to go. The prices seem to be as low as they could be, which may have to do with the location as compares to others in New Town. Kenneth M. (below) said it's one of the least pretentious pubs in the city, and I'd say that's a good way to describe it. It's the type of place that is increasingly rare, and in Edinburgh is one of about 5 pubs in that category defined by authenticity. read more

Kay's Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I was introduced to Kay's bar just a couple of months ago, in December. You remember, when it was absolutely baltic and the streets and pavement were covered in sheets of perilous ice? Remember that? I'd met friends in the afternoon for a couple of pints at various New Town locations. Later into the evening, someone recommended this great place called Kay's. She went on about how awesome it was and how it had an actual library room in the back and how cool is that, so we agreed to go along. We took off into the freezing and slippery evening only to discover that this girl had no idea where she was going. Several phones were brought out, one person googling, another mapping, until we finally found our way (in the complete opposite direction of where we were having dinner, I might add). When we finally arrived at Kay's. we were freezing, hungry, and more than a little bit irritable, but were greeted with a wave of warmth when we entered the bar. It was packed with regulars who were very happy to join in on our beer conversation and provide advice about what to order. We ordered our advised drinks, had a bit more chat with the bartender and regulars, before heading for the (empty ... but for statues of giraffes??) library room. This was a lovely wee pub, despite the trek to get there. I will definitely be back some night now that the streets are clear and I know how to get there easily. read more

Very cute quant bar off the beaten path. If you want to go to a bar that's not touristy, this is it. read more

Kay's Bar - View from the street outside. - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I have known Kay's Bar for years and I have to say that it's a little treasure well hidden on Jamaica street! Traditional pub, lovely staff, lovely selection of ales, warm atmosphere, library room at the back. It's very small so you have to be lucky to get a seat but it's totally worth the walk. Great place to take visitors to too. read more

What should I say, Edinburgh is a city where a friendly conversation is not far away, it doesn't matter where you go. If you have to be in the more expensive part of the city, this is the bar to go to to get a little bit more local vibe. It's a lovely tiny house a good bit away from the touristy parts. Being curious and chatty bunch, we did not only get quite a few whisky tips (and sips) but we chatted away with the guests and staff as if we were home. It was a lot of fun. When it comes to prices, go rob a bank before though. It's average for this part of the city but for a less costly pub experience, you should go to Leith and look around there. It's not like the ales or whiskies will be different. My personal whisky tip would be the Caol Ila. read more

One of my favorite pubs in Edinburgh. Very cosy, always with an offering of good Scottish Beers.

Going to Kay's bar is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For locals and travelers alike, the staff and owners have created a sanctuary amongst many fake pubs and fake ale houses. This is as real as it possibly gets. Come here for grub early in the day, and always enjoy their selection of real Ales. They have a good amount of options for non beer drinkers as well. I know, as a yank, I don't have the right to tell Edinburgh locals where to go. But I doubt anyone who knows what makes a good bar would dislike this joint. Fraiser, one of the barkeeps, is a true gentleman and will see you through your experience here. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough. read more

Kay's Bar - Fraiser pulling pints and working magic. - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Great wee find. Lots of trendy and Wetherspoon's type pubs in Edinburgh but this ranks with the best traditional pubs on offer. We did wonder if our gang of 6 would fit as it is small. There is a real fire in the front, but we sat in the little back section complete with a library and board games and lots of wood panelling. It was lovely and cosy so perfect for our merry gang. All sorts of drinks on offer and some beers/ale's on tap I hadn't heard of so I would come here with friends and parents. We were strictly there for drinks but I'd definitely return for a lazy Sunday afternoon session with a book or a game. read more

This is a great wee gem of pub! Katy's bar is tucked away a bit, and a touch of the away from the usual student dives. But it may just be worth diverting a little to visit. The decor inside gives the place a cosy feel. There was hardly anyone there when we went in, despite its reputation for getting busier on the weekends, from what the others there told us. Given its size it may be better to visit during these quieter times. The clientele seemed mostly local and regulars, but were perfectly amiable. It's true what the others say, they have a great selection of beers in particular. I tried a couple of beers, each time being given advice. The first was a bit bitter for my liking the rest sweeter and really quite enjoyable and rather fitting with what the staff had suggested. There seemed to be a good selection of ales, though I have yet to experiment with these. read more

Quaint local bar. Absolutely perfect if you are looking for somewhere the tourists don't typically go. They don't serve food here, only drinks. Also, the bartender told us she hates to close the place down alone because she gets harassed by the resident ghost when she's there by herself she felt it touch her neck and it whispered "hello" in her ear. Creepy! read more

Fabulous little pub with friendly staff and locals! Very reasonably priced pints and cozy atmosphere. Recommended to us by friends who visited a couple months ago and it's been a highlight of our trip. Great spot! read more

If you can manage to find this quaint little bar, hidden away deep in the backstreet maze of the Edinburgh new town, then you're on to a winner. From the moment you step through the front door you feel like you've been transported back in time. Surrounded by old beer kegs, good ales and friendly locals this little bar has a strangely continental feel to it. But it's not just a haven of beer, Kay's bar has a great lunch menu where you can pick up some bargain, tasty bites on your lunch hour. Only one word of warning, Rugby is flavour of the month with the local. If you're not a sports fan then you may want to check the fixture list before digging out the old compass to find this quaint bar! Happy hunting! read more

Hidden gem! The most authentic locals pub in Edinburgh. A fine selection of ales and whiskys. The real fireplace, oak casks along the wall and red velvet seating gives a warm, cozy feel. It's a small pub so be careful at peak times but perfect for a quiet evening with friends. read more

One of the city's best and least pretentious old pubs. Always a good range of ales on, discreetly placed TVs for the rugby & football, board games and reference guides in the small back room so all in all a haven from the cares of everyday life. read more

This is a fantastic bar with knowledgeable servers who know their whiskey. If felt like a neighborhood bar for locals, but they were warm and welcoming to this American traveller. I left with a couple good recommendations on Scottish whiskey that I had not yet tried. read more

Probably the only pub I have ever been in with a library in the back! Great wee place, really cosy, serving real ales in front of a real fire. Bliss. It is actually a rugby pub, and I wouldn't fancy being in the middle of a scrum in there when the action gets started! It's way too small to host more than a couple of handfuls of folk, although I have heard it gets really busy at the weekends. A great wee local pub, warm and inviting, and you can grab a book to read with your pint! read more

we considered ourselves very lucky for stumbling onto this local gem. they have a great whisky and beer selection. i had one of their roses - it was bitter and unpleasant. the whisky was very strong - you will feel it within minutes; too much and your head will hurt the following day. decor is simple and cute. it was very lively and the patrons are from the neighborhood or have friends from there. we were the only tourists, the staff was nice and helpful and the locals were friendly and chatty. read more

There are few places in the world as comforting as Kay's on a cold Edinburgh evening. If their whisky selection won't bring you in, then you should go just to admire the barman's superbly waxed moustache. read more

If you are looking for a decent pub that serves a good selection of real ale then this is it. Its real, no mock timbers or trying to be something it isn't. Real ale, real people who you can chat to, a real open fire which is nice in the winter (or any other season depending on how cold Edinburgh is! Dogs allowed in, a great excuse to walk the dog in the evening read more

Cosy little bar a bit of the beaten track but sells a good selection of real ales. On my occasional visits I always found it to be a bit of a locals bar and new comers stand out a bit. read more

there isn't a sign anywhere i could see that defined the dress code but its all a bit too country life for me. lots of mustard cord and loud guffaws but maybe i just chose the wrong night. the bar itself is really quaint, the barman had an apron on, the drinks were served quickly but not rushed and the overall atmosphere was a pleasant one. pay attention when you travel to this place though, its along the mews which can look quite, quite different after dark (or a few gins) read more