I was there on 30 October 2025 with a few travel friends, and it turned out to be one of the best…read moresurprises of our trip. The minute we found the door off the little lane on Rose Street, there was an air of mystery... exactly what you hope for from a "detective agency" style speakeasy. Once inside, the vibe was perfect for a chilly Edinburgh evening. Like, moody lighting, vintage-style furnishings, and that cozy, clandestine feel that makes you glad you made the effort to find it. The service was absolutely welcoming. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and even at 9p, mid week (when you might expect things to be winding down), the place was comfortably busy but not packed, but full enough to feel alive. Drinks menus came in little "confidential" envelopes, which instantly added to the fun. We ordered several cocktails that evening, and every drink was carefully crafted and flavorful, smooth and topped off with warm hospitality. I honestly did not have one bad cocktail. If I were to highlight a few things from our night - I came away loving the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the general ease at which we were treated which is exactly what I wanted out of a night out in Edinburgh. If you're visiting Newcastle, upon, Tyne, Edinburgh, or just wandering through Rose Street and looking for something a little different... don't walk past this place. Bryant & Mack Private Detectives is a fun little secret with classic cocktails, cozy speakeasy vibes, and service that makes you feel like part of the case, lol. It's a fully immersive experience.

Awesome speakeasy in New Town…read more It really is on the hidden side, it took me a few minutes longer than I thought it would to find the door (look at the posted pictures, it helps). Once inside (you'll have to knock to get in), you'll find a cool little lounge with great cocktails, chill music, and amiable bartenders. We were surprisingly the only ones in there around 9 pm on a Friday night, which we thought was odd (as did the bartenders), but it meant we got to hang out with them and shoot the shit (meeting bartenders from all over the world is one of my favorite hobbies). Besides the fact that both were into motorcycles (and one came to Edinburgh once and immediately backed up his bags and moved over from Italy - props), we found out that they could make a mean cocktail. We, of course, started on menu, but wanted to see if they could do any variations, which they not only did, but nailed: "do you like bitter or sweet" - bitter "Floral or not so much" - surprise me "base?" - gin Dunno what it was called, but it was one of the nicest gin drinks I had in a town that is crazy for gin at the moment. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a good cocktail place, the ambiance is on point and the drinks are superb.

Excellent cocktails - a must try bar for wonderful service and drinks. Super fun and unique menu…read morewith very fresh ingredients. Come here on a date, with some friends or even solo - you'll definitely have great conversation.

If you blink, you might miss The Bramble--but you'd be making a huge mistake. Tucked away down a…read morenondescript staircase off Queen Street, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble into in Edinburgh. My family and I came here on a whim and ended up getting far more than great drinks. One of the bartenders, a local with the friendliness of a lifelong pub regular and the insight of a Michelin concierge offered up genuinely helpful food recommendations. He had a perfect mix of laid back charm, genuine enthusiasm, and a sharp wit. That kind of service is rare, and it stuck with us. Now, the drinks. Phenomenal. Not just "good for Scotland" or "pretty decent for a bar that doesn't scream look at me" these cocktails were creative, expertly made, and well presented. You can tell these folks care about their craft. Each drink was layered and complex without being fussy. If you're into spirits, this is your place. Yes, the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Definitely built for function, not luxury, but they were absolutely spotless. Like, hospital-pristine. Whoever maintains them deserves a raise and maybe a trophy. Bottom line: Bramble nails it. Great atmosphere, unforgettable drinks, and service that actually makes you feel like you're in the right place at the right time. Skip the tourist traps and find your way down those stairs.

Great ambience with historic brick features Bar service was…read moregreat - old fashioned highly recommended Charcuterie is a good choice

After seeing the high reviews on Yelp, I decided to make a reservation for this restaurant. We…read moretrekked up the steps of Advocate's Close to get there. When we arrived at noon (opening time), the restaurant wasn't too busy. There is an impressive bar downstairs with many whiskies. We were led upstairs to the dining area. There is outdoor dining too that would be nice if the weather was warmer. Cool vibe, but it is kind of dark inside the stone walls. The menu is Scottish-focused with seasonal ingredients. We didn't want to overeat, so we decided to share a starter and a main. We got the Scottish venison fritters, which were ok. We enjoyed the pappardelle pasta (roast pumpkin and pecorino sauce, wild mushrooms, spinach, bacon and poppy seed crumb, crispy sage). It was flavorful and didn't feel too heavy. Staff were friendly and it was an enjoyable lunch.

Edinburgh, like many popular cities in the UK, is full of awesome bars, live music, and great…read morepeople. You could walk around drunk and blindfolded and manage to stumble in a place that checks all these boxes. Panda & Sons is different. Everything about Panda & Sons is intentional. You walk through a hidden door into a low lit room where everyone is cooler than you if you're me. The tables look thrifted, the chairs are mismatched, there's a random broken telephone booth in one corner, and yet it all just flows. And then there's the menu. This is a cocktail bar for a cocktail connoisseur. Despite many of the brands being retail (think Absolute vodka) the actual drinks sing. There's also a number of infographics on their process as well as certified local recommendations, but our bartender told us this was all back-patting and to just order what we liked. The result: Best drink I've had in Europe in a long time. I ordered a coconut Daiquiri served with white chocolate and I'm still thinking about it a month later. If you're in Edinburgh this place is an incredible stop. My only regret is not ordering more.

We were a little disappointed with our experience here. A lot of the drinks are very herbal and not…read morebalanced well. The best drink I had was one I ordered à la carte rather than off the menu, an amaretto sour. Prices were on par with prices in the area at about £14-15 per drink. You definitely need a reservation. They turned some walking in away at the door. I thought this would be a speak ways type of atmosphere based on advertisement but really it's just a loud bar with a fancy bookshelf door. Even thought it's listed top 20 bars in the world, i would skip it next time I'm in town, you could get a good drink elsewhere.

We had to stop by the No. 5 Cocktail bar in the UK featuring handcrafted modern classic cocktails!…read moreKnown for their Negronis and shenanigans, they are also starting off this week's Edinburgh Bar Show with the award winning Satans Whiskers! Make sure to order a Paper Plane! They give you a piece of paper to make your own paper plane to fly at the rows of bottles, and if you are lucky enough to hit one you get a free shot of the bottle hit! Pro tip aim for the top row! They were completely full when we walked in but they quickly found us a table! We had excellent and attentive service! White Strawberry Negroni Paper Plane Penicillin Negroni Flight

Excellent cocktail bar. We were staying at the Hilton Doubletree across the street and didn't even…read morerealize this was here. We searched for cocktail bars and once we realized this was right across the street, we popped over for a nightcap. We lucked out as we didn't have a reservation, but there was a bench right by the entrance and we were offered that if we wanted as no tables were available and the bar was full. We ordered some cocktails, and a little while later a small table opened up and we finished the night there. It was so good we made reservations for the following night so we could try some more cocktails. We ordered the Negroni flight, paper plane, pink pigeon club, and a dealers Choice. Also the truffle cheese! Definitely stop by here if you are a fan of cocktails, and make a rest via their website, especially if visiting on a Friday or Saturday night.

This was a quick meal before heading off to an event, so we didn't get to research much and went on…read morea quick whim... It couldn't have been better. Our server, Caitlin, was beyond PHENOMENAL. She was the only member of waitstaff working the tables and was almost sprinting from table to table, keeping everyone fed and "watered," and doing it all with a huge smile, great attitude, and fantastic banter. It never felt like she was rushed or didn't have time for us (even though she was BUSY). She knew the food menu backward and forward, as well as the drinks menu. The recommendations she gave for both dinner and cocktails were spectacular, and the food and drinks were delicious. We couldn't have been happier. We WILL be back!

A family owned Gin Bar in Edinburgh's West End! We loved their creative menu, extensive gin…read moreselection and gorgeous atmosphere! So many different spots to enjoy your dinner and drinks at from cute private nooks, high top tables, or comfy booths. Excellent service with good recommendations. So happy to find this spot just around the corner from our hotel! Jolly Negroni Pink Wink

I've been to Dragonfly several times over the years and I've always really enjoyed it. It's got a…read morereally hip, yet laid back, vibe to it (I actually don't know if I'm cool enough to drink here, but I think the current aquatic colored hair helps my cause) -- I've enjoyed sitting upstairs on (what feels like) an indoor balcony. It's removed, but you can still look over the railing at what's happening below you. The staff has always been incredibly friendly (and excessively helpful - like being at a bar in the States: my water's always filled, I'm always being checked on, etc). The menu does change (they call it "carefully considered drinks", though they always seem to have some variation on The Ripple Effect - which is primarily berry and candy flavors), but if speciality cocktails aren't your scene, they're more than willing to fix you up a classic. I've always gone with one of their (visually and culinarily) unique concoctions, but next time I wanna try something like an extra filthy vodka martini. Just because... though I'll probably get their sixteenth generation The Ripple Effect. Always a must when I'm in the city!

Our second time here while visiting Edinburgh and the drinks are always great. The waitress…read moreremembered us from our visit months before. The vibes are great.

Outgoing, friendly, knowledgeable staff Outstanding beer…read moreselection (& spirits are robust too) Quiet, but vivacious crowd What a find. Such a pity to have so few reviews EXCEPT it seems the good people know it, and that's enough. Good music wafts through the space like a hint, convivial conversation permeates but doesn't distract, and the space is warm and comfortable upstairs and down. The wall of spirits here is robust, gorgeous, and functional for your favorite cocktails - but by God if it doesn't feel like a front. Craft beer is paramount here, spoken so capably, enthusiastically, and voluminously. If you're an Untappd person, find Monty's - then listen, don't talk. For all friends, bring your friend here. Sample good things, and enjoy the company. #MeetAtMontys - this is the place. Highest recommendation.

Good little pub. A group of us gathered here before heading off in search of a meal. Service was…read morequick, even though I didn't see any open seats in the place. Very good selection of brews. The commercial stuff, of course, as well as tasty, malty goodness. Would definitely go back to this one.

WOW!!! Great service. The bartender from Bulgaria was one of the best we have had in the world…read more Unreal. He loved his job and did an amazing job on educating us on Gin and Scotland. A caddy in St. Andrews told me about this place and it did not disappoint. Had a Gin old fashioned made up by bartender and it was unreal. Wife had a gin flight and it was awesome. Creative and could. The vibe was awesome. Wish my old friend Cabo was there with us. He would down 3 old fashioned and had 2 flights of gin all while going over the electrical system of his Gulstream...I digress. It was simply amazing. What was the best part was the enthusiasm and the love of their job that made this place so cool. Loved the Gunpowder Gin too. If we did not have a Military tattoo to attend later, we might have closed this place down. Do your self and go here (hard to fin=d the door). Lots of cool rooms and caves etc. to chill out in. Thanks so much for the greatest bar experience on our 10 day trip!!

Heads & Tales is a great bar in Edinburgh. The drinks, service, and atmosphere are great. I got a…read moreHugo Spritz and it was delicious. Next time I'm in Edinburgh, I'll definitely be back!

Great new bar in the basement of Steak at Picardy place, a huge refurb has resulted in an…read moreamazeballs bar to enjoy a few drinks! I'd even be tempted to come and watch the sport here. They do beer cocktails yay. We tried a tequila based sangria style one and a beery take on a Moscow mule. Both were really tasty. They have a huge range of draft and craft beers and do bottles with chaser shots a personal fav was the Aussie bundy rum with my beer! Bar snacks are on to keep you going but not full meals yet, though you could always head up to Steak if you're peckish.

Interesting sports bar under Steak on Picardy Place. I was a bit unsure as a previous reviewer said…read moreit was a bit of a lads' place. Anyhow the OH persuaded me to give it a shot for a quick drink to shelter from the rain whilst we deliberated on a venue for dinner. I'm glad he did. In addition to a decent selection of craft beers, there's a hefty cocktail menu. I tried the Ginger Tom Collins & it hit the spot. Just the right amount of ginger to pack a punch but not enough to be overpowering. The OH had a pint of draft beer & seemed happy enough. The low ceiling means it gets noisy even if it's not packed. There was a stag do, 2 birthday parties and hen group as well as some other folks. It was only just possible to hold a convo at normal volume & be heard. There's a decent sized courtyard out the back too but it was too wet & cold to try it out. I'd definitely visit again but maybe on a week night when it might be a little less noisy.