Having grown up in a town where every second building was an old-fashioned, wood-heavy pub, whose idea of a cocktail is a pint of mild and a whisky chaser, the Bow Bar instantly feels like home turf. Yet, unlike the pubs of my misspent youth, this place is revered by serious beer, ale and whisky drinkers from far and wide. A quick scan across the bar reveals why - a wide range of (perfectly kept) house and guest ales vie for your attention with whiskies common and rare. And that's only part of it: talk to one of the friendly (though not overly so) bar staff and you'll soon find yourself browsing through an even more extensive drinks list, including enough curios to ensure the Bow Bar's place on any serious Edinburgh whisky trek. It's certainly cosy, though whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on arriving in time to get a seat. The crowd is also surprisingly mixed, from old guys to students and a smattering of hipsters, all rubbing along quite nicely. In this sense, the obvious "old man pub" moniker is a bit unfair. It's pretty traditional - in that there's no loud music or hen parties - but is also very vibrant in its own way, with lots of chat and laughter between people who might not otherwise have much in common. That, more than the nostalgia value, is why it's still one of my favourite pubs in the city. read more

The Bow Bar is a charming traditional pub on Victoria Street and is one of my favourite Edinburgh drinking dens. The interior is Victorian in style and features the obligatory dark wooden bar, seats and tables. It has a large and varied whisky list and all Scotland's whisky making regions are well represented. There is also a good selection of real ales and, wisely, this is one of the few pubs around here which doesn't allow stag parties to pass over the threshold (an important consideration when drinking near the Grassmarket). If you're having dinner at Howies or The Grain Store (both are just over the road), then this is the perfect place to come for an aperitif while you're waiting for your table. read more

The Bow Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Bow Bar is fine but... I don't know, have I been here on off nights? I've been here twice in the past couple of weeks and both times I've walked in and gone "ooh... right..." have had one, and have moved on. The first thing you notice is the pungeant smell of the toilets. You know that smell of cleaning fluid that doesn't quite cover the smell of a dirty toilet? That one. The second thing you notice is the distinct lack of places to sit, and the third (probably related to the first two) is the distinct lack of women. The bartenders I've experienced have been on the cool (as in unfriendly) side of neutral, to the extent of one actually being rude to my parents as they were trying to find a place to stand and happened to get in his way as he headed back behind the bar. And no, he was not carrying any glasses. They have a good selection of beers, they're famous for their whiskys, and they have some interesting and hard to find spirits but... to me it's not really worth another trip. I've tried hard to like it, coming here a few times and giving it the benefit of the doubt but ... meh, I've definitely experienced better. read more

Some old pubs just look exactly that, tired, old, and a bit rusty round the edges, and in need of a good lick of paint. Bow Bar, thankfully, is not one of these places, as it does its old, traditional pub thing with tons of character, making it one of the legends of the Edinburgh pub scene. This place takes its traditional status seriously, with two hundred malt whiskies available to sample, for all good Scots girls and boys, and other people who aren't Scottish too. You can also get your mitts on some fine ales, and a cheeky pie to line your stomach if copious drinking is on the cards. read more

The Bow bar is always one of the places I list when I start talking about my favourite places to go in Edinburgh, however I don't make it here nearly enough. I have headed there a few times in the last few weeks and every time I've been impressed by the beers on offer, the staff and the general air of awesome that appears to hang over the place. It's an older style of pub which is a welcome change. It's got history but it's also grasped new and awesome beers, local and not so local, which means that it's a fun place to go for a nice drink and a sit down if you can get a seat. If not the standing space is fine too. No music is a bonus although the TV being on sometimes does let it down a bit for me (although I don't think it was on last few times I was there) Also they are good at them twitters - say hi to them. read more

Perfect local bar... Really. Just not a cocktail bar (at all!). Whiskey selection is amazing, beer selection (including American ipa woohoo!) is fantastic, no tv, great crowd, great staff who knows whiskey and gives an f, and lastly good prices. And what... 2 minutes walk from the mile? Yeah no brainier. If u like sports bars with crappy beer and many tvs, don't come. If you like class and people, come. Simple right?? Just be warned its crowded as it should be. And as some other reviewer mentioned if you want your scotch in a Coke (I am assuming that comment was a joke) I would believe that indeed they would not serve you. You would belong in a sports bar. Just sayin. read more

When you are talking about the best place in Edinburgh to go for a pint of "real ale" "The Bow Bar" will come up. This bar serves some of the best draft beers in town, you will find a variety of Scottish and English ales (and sometimes further afield) on offer mostly cask ales but they also have a couple keg taps, they also have a large collection of Whiskies and the bar staff will be happy to help you with your selection. This bar isn't for everyone, it IS small and can get very noisy and crowded. Depending on when you visit you could struggle to find a seat or get near the bar. It isn't fancy and doesn't do cocktails, it's an old fashioned "ale and whisky house" with old scruffy wooden tables and chairs. The clientèle is predominantly local male ale drinkers but due to it's locale between the Grassmarket and Royal Mile it also gets it's fare share of tourists passing by as well as though looking for an "authentic" Scottish pub. If you are looking for good real ale or whisky then this is a pub you should visit. read more

Great place to visit for the whiskey lover or novice. The bar staff were lovely talking us through the finer points of whiskey tasting and helping out with suggestions from their giant collection. Some truly yummy craft beers on tap as well. clientele is an odd mix of tourists and middle aged Scottish men but it works! read more

The Bow Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Try the Black Isle Organic beer. Dark, smooth and creamy! Just a dream:-) read more

The Bow Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

See all

I don't know if this is a tourist trap due to its prime location in the old town, but it sure didn't feel like one. They have a large selection of real ales, many of which are on cask. Check. They have an crazy selection of single malts, including rare bottlings (Gordon & MacPhail et al.) It's so big there's a binder for it. Pours of the good stuff were about 5 to 7 pounds. Ales the usual 2 to 3 pound. The barkeeps are great at multitasking and did a good job at turning away drunk blaggards (of which there are many roaming about this part of town) while advising us on what scotches to try given our particular tastes and budget. One of them was even a half-Japanese girl from Oregon studying in Edinburgh -- proving that it is hard to get away from the US even in Scotland. :) All in all this is obviously a place that the locals cherish (we were pointed out to the same old drunkard who comes at least once a week and has 5-6 drams of scotch in a sitting, but is totally harmless) and I definitely cherish it too. I miss it already! read more

I like the Bow Bar. It's got the same feel as the Blue Blazer to me, though a bit smaller and not quite the same rum selection. It's usually packed full of men, usually the larger biker types and shaved head/tshirt types. The bar staff are helpful when you ask about the selection of whiskeys or ales available. There's not much in the way of seating, unfortunately, and given that it's, eh, cosy, on busy nights you'll end up standing and being shunted this way and that. There is a bit of that 'old man pub' smell that can bother some folk. Everyone here is friendly and generally up for a chat, which is nice. I enjoy the Bow Bar when I go, though, as I don't drink beer it's not the ideal place for me. read more

The Bow Bar is very simply a good pub and it is only a stones throw from the Grass Market. They offer well kept draught ale/lager/cider and a good range of whisky alongside a fair range of rum and gin. Now it does get busy (admittedly a mostly male clientele) and it is fairly small, however if you are after a good quality drink in the area this is the place to go. What you won't get here is generic beer or lager, rather they offer quality drinks from smaller brewers, if you aren't sure what to try the bar staff know there stuff and will help you select the right drink. In short, a good pub and probably the best of the group it is part of (the others being The Stockbridge Tap and Cloisters, both rather good pubs too) so next time you fancy a brew, don't be put off by the hustle and bustle of the place give the Bow Bar a chance. read more

Friendly, inviting, Pub stop on the whisky trail Great beer slection read more

Saddens me to write this as I honestly think this can be a great place...! The bar man last nigth showed spades full of a trait no bar man should put on show.......arrogance!!! Having gone in last night with two friends one 28 the other 26 the afore mentioned bar man demanded ID. When I tried to explain that well I am 27 he told me to get out! Now this in itself is absoloutely his right what really irked me was his attitude around the whole I have to ID anyone under 25 policy. I am 27 I am nowhere near looking 17 show some common sense and perhaps gain some customer service skills! Its hardly a surprise that they were empty if this is their approach! Very furstrating as its a bar I have enjoyed many time sin the past! read more

I don't think we saw the best of Bow Bar, which is a shame, as I had been looking forward to visiting for ages. It was a relatively steady night, not busy by a long shot, but bar one table when we entered, all other seats were taken. The barman was busy doing a crossword in the corner. We waited for him to look up. And waited. And waited. At the point of 'bugger it, we'll go home, not worth waiting anymore', he looked up and came over to serve us. We got our drinks, sat down and drank them, then left. The barman went back to his crossword, another guy appeared and then seemed to be the only one working, while the other guy remained focused on his crossword. While I am cool with the low key vibe of a pub, I still like being served, and when it isn't busy, don't expect to be forming a queue of one at a bar. Unlikely I'll be back, not a particularly positive experience this time around. read more

Great bar for so many reasons, Beer range is always great, and they run mini Beer festivals which are very exciting! Awesome selection of Malts, and some not too shabby Rums and Gins also. The staff really know their stuff, which is what I would expect from an Edinburgh institution like this! Downsides, uncomfortable seating, bar counter should be longer to allow perching, no football.... read more

The Bow Bar is not perfect - what is? - so why 5 stars? Because as a fan of decent real ale pubs I cannot honestly suggest ANYTHING they should be doing differently. Pop in for a steak pie on a weekday afternoon, bring a paper and enjoy quiet bliss. Or enjoy a livelier atmosphere on the weekend evenings. Although the changing daily cask ales are the real draw, there's also a fantastic selection of world beers (listed on the right-hand side of the bar). Another great pursuit in here is whisky. Especially for visitors to Edinburgh, the friendly bar staff will advise and talk you through several malts if you're up for trying a few. (As long as they're not too busy!) My one problem with this place is going to meet someone on a busy evening and arriving first - it can be tricky to find a place to rest your glass, bag, coat, whatever, and one feels kind-of awkward. But, honestly, SO WHAT?! It's great! A no stags and hens rule adds to the appeal as well. Don't expect to have your mind blown by the Bow Bar - that's not what it does - expect a thoroughly decent and relaxed pub experience. read more

Very comfy pub atmosphere. Service helpful in my trying new things. Easy to engage in conversation with other customers.

If you like a wee dram, this is your place! If you like a pint of real ale, this us your place! If you like friendly knowledgable staff happy to assist on selecting that 10, 15, 18 or 40 year old single malt, this is absolutely your place!!! Just up from the Grassmarket and dead opposite Oink and the Grain Store on Victoria St, this is a place to come along and enjoy for what it is, a great pub!!! read more

I agree with all the positive comments but I would like to add that even as tourists they made us feel welcome. Not all small, local pubs have made us feel this way. Fantastic whisky selection. Cheers! read more

The Bow Bar - Give this whisky from Islay a try - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

We are visiting Edinburgh and stumbled across this gem of a bar when looking for a drinking hole for the evening. Their COVID precautions are the best I've seen from a bar anywhere. The bar staff are friendly and extremely knowledgable on their vast selection of whiskies, and are willing and able to make excellent recommendations. Loved the whole vibe of the bar, 10/10 would visit again! read more

This is my kind of pub. There is no music blaring which means you can talk to the people around you and they have a great selection of beer and whisky. It is a small place and can get packed up but on a Saturday night it wasn't too bad and we had a great time. read more

The Bow Bar - Pubs Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

So a real ale and whisky bar, which sadly are two things I don't drink, however I really liked this place the staff made lovely suggestions for things I could drink and also it felt like a local rather than a tourist spot. Certain than I will return, (one of my best friends lives opposite), and it was just one of those places that feels like a local with warmth, I suppose it does feel fashionable what with all the signage for various drinks on the walls but this place was doing that before it was ever fashionable (been here several times before over the last 20 years or so). read more

Fun pub with nice drafts and low prices. It gets crowded, but is a nice spot for a drink on a quaint street. Fast service and ample standing room inside. Was full of mostly tourists (just like us!) the day we went, but that didn't take away from the charm of the overall pub. read more

Whisky and beer you'll find them here. Great whiskey selection. Convivial atmosphere with a good mix of tourists and locals.

A huge selection of cask ales and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly!

Lively,fun, bright atmosphere( as in lights all the way on all night) tons of beer on tap and loooooooots of Scotch. Minus a star it closes at midnight with last call at 11:30. read more

Not so long ago the Bow Bar was a steady 5* all day long. Fuss-free, unpretentious, stag crowd-free, reasonably priced with a tremendous whisky selection and very good beer ranges (which change regularly). And great bar staff. Yes. Bar staff. Well, that was until not so long ago. To put it bluntly, if they don't get shot of that ginger bearded pain in the backside it's going down to a 3* and quite possibly I'll be giving it a body swerve altogether. He's rude; verging on obnoxious, and a miserable so and so. I have recently discovered that a colleague has had a truly awful experience with him, and let The Advisor of Trips (apologies Yelp) know all about it! I don't mind a bit of sport with bar staff (ahh, the days of Alex at the Vicky Bar in the Briggait) keeping you on your toes, but this guy is proving to be a nail in this pub's coffin. I hate negative, moany reviews too, so...all of the above before 'bar staff' still stands. It's the kind of place that doesn't change, or come and go with the weather or re-invent itself. Maybe you'll be lucky and get Ginge's night off, in which case you might agree it's worthy of an extra *. read more

superb. Greatest bar iv ever been in. Proper traditional style. Wonderful beer, whiskys and great service. Small bar tho but well managed. NO STAG OR HEN PARTIES NO FANCY DRESS. which is super cos no one likes having a pint while looking at some fool in a dress. Everyone must check this place out. read more

This place is a tiny and gets very crowded but their immense selection makes it worth it. It also has a good atmosphere to it.

Good beer selection. Lots of whisky. Gas fireplace. Great, old school ambience. Not particularly touristy but close to touristy areas. A good pub. read more

An insane, ridiculous, unfathomable selection of whiskies. A pleasant, interesting, ever-changing, and sometimes surprising selection of cask ales. Close to the action of the city centre, but just enough off the beaten path to be somewhat obscure to the uninitiated. Smallish. Friendly. That's about all you need to know about the Bow Bar. read more

Perfect place for a dram. Knowledgeable bar keeps and a huge whisky selection. Oh, they have beer too.

Excellent selection! Staff was great and made great recommendations based on our likes- good prices! Will definitely be back again!

The selection of beers here is well-considered and quite interesting. I'd tell you what I had, but their taps rotate so often that it's probably been replaced already. I like that there's no food, no tables and no fuss. It's a real delight to find a quiet, clubby sort of place just off the Royal Mile, free of touristy trappings. read more

Ran in here on a cold and rainy day for a pint. Bartender was very friendly and made some great recommendations. I had the Black Isle organic porter, which was delicious. Good selection of real ales as well. This place is a real fireplace away from a 5-star rating (the fireplace is a fraud). read more

Popped in for lunch and a pint, exhausted after climbing the hills of Edinburgh for a few hours. A comfortable, cozy, no frills pub with great beer selection and excellent bartenders, who also recommended a fine whisky. And the pies were tasty, too. We could have sat here for hours, but there were more hills to climb. read more

This pub has a real Edinburgh atmosphere, with its dark panelled interior, typical of old buildings in this street. On asking the bar staff to recommend a whisky, my friend was astounded to see that they stocked over 150 types! I settled for one of the real ales, the prices are pretty average for the city centre, if you are looking for a no nonsense pub, this is the one. read more

This place used to be a good pub for a few pints and friendly bar staff. I think it has started to believe it's own hype and disappeared up it's own ... The bar staff can be as pretentious as the punters that now fill the place on the weekends. It's an OK starting point early afternoon but once it starts to fill up, I move on. It does have a good selection of ales and whisky and the staff are helpful. Just a bit pretentious with it though. read more

Everything to love about this small bar, just wish there was some music on the stereo or live music would be amazing!