6 bars in which to escape the Edinburgh Festival this August

AUGUST is always a busy time of year in the Capital as wide-eyed, open-mouthed visitors descend on the city for the festival.

With the city’s population doubling that’s twice as many people looking for a drink and these days the trend is to drink less, but drink better.

So that you can plan ahead, here are some tips on where to get a top quality drink served by a professional bartender during the festival.

Bramble: Literally the best bar in Britain, venture down the Queen Street venue’s mysterious but welcoming staircase to experience quality liquor like you’ve never experienced before...

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street may seem like a special member’s club, which it is, but anyone can visit the ground floor bar.

Now in its 35th year, the SMWS boasts an exceptional array of the finest single cask whiskies.

Their whisky cocktails aren’t half bad either.

Panda & Sons: Disguised as an old school barbershop on Queens Street, you proceed through a bookcase to enter the venue, where you’ll be greeted by charming staff and some of the most imaginative drinks in the world.

The Permit Room: The Capital’s best kept secret, this fantastic late-night cocktail bar with seriously good drinks is hidden beneath the kitchen of Dishoom on St Andrew Square, and is open until 3am.

The Bon Vivant: Tucked away from the crowds on the hidden gem that is Thistle Street, The Bon Vivant serves expertly made cocktails that will keep you coming back for more.

The Devil’s Advocate: Wander down Advocate’s Close if you want a great drink in a unique venue and visit The Devil’s Advocate where you will receive consistently flawless cocktails.