19 Edinburgh bars for watching rugby: where to see Italy vs Scotland and all the Six Nations matches this weekend

At 2:15pm on Saturday 22 February 2020, Scotland will be looking to get their Six Nations tournament back on track in Rome after two close-fought matches against Ireland and England slipped away from them.

After that, at 4:45pm, Wales will play host to France at the Principality Stadium - hoping their home form will help them see off a dangerous-looking Gallic side.

And then Sunday will see Ireland chase the Triple Crown travel to Twickenham to face their toughest test yet - an England squad with something to prove after their shock defeat to France.

Here are some of Edinburgh’s best watering holes where you can watch the Six Nations matches this weekend.

The Peartree

(West Nicolson St, EH8 9DD)

If you’re brave enough to face the cold, this lively pub near George Square has a huge beer garden complete with an extra-large sports screen.

Three Sisters

(139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS)

This Old Town institution will be open for every game of the tournament and is licensed to serve alcohol from 9am.

Peckish fans can also enjoy a hearty breakfast while observing events on the 225 inch screen.

Finnegan’s Wake

(9b Victoria St, EH1 2HE)

This busy Irish bar always fosters a lively atmosphere with customers sharing its long wooden tables to watch the rugby.

Alongside the TV sports, the venue also regularly plays host to live bands, and offers student discounts.

The Earl of Marchmont in Marchmont Crescent.

The Fly Half

(48-52 Constitution St, EH6 6RS)

As the name suggests, this casual Leith bar is the perfect place to watch Scotland play Italy. Guests can enjoy a few drinks or sit in and sample the menu.

Hanover Tap

(112 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 1DR)

This trendy New Town watering hole regularly shows sporting events on its big screen. For the more refined clientele, the Tap also offers a range of cocktails alongside its craft beers.

Belushi’s Bar

(13 Market Street, EH1 1DE)

With umpteen screens and a projector, Belushi’s Bar is better equipped than most to screen sporting events, and the Six Nations is no exception.

The Mitre

(131-133 High Street, EH1 1SG)

The Mitre guarantees a good atmosphere for any Scotland fixture and this year should be no different. The centrally located pub will screen games in glorious HD throughout the tournament.

The Tron

(9 Hunter Square, EH1 1QW)

Rugby fans after a feed and a drink can head to the Tron who will be offering a bap and an alcoholic beverage for just £5.75. In order to avoid disappointment visitors are advised to book a table in advance.

McSorley’s

(14 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN)

This lively multi-level Irish sports bar will have a great atmosphere for the weekend’s sporting events, and has a large menu of snacks and meals if you and your friends decide to camp out there for the full day’s drama.

The Earl of Marchmont

(22 Marchmont Cres, Edinburgh EH9 1HG)

This bustling and dog-friendly little street corner pub is a perfect refuge from the weather this weekend, and serves cocktails alongside a good range of draught beers.

The Argyle Bar

(15 - 17 Argyle Pl, Edinburgh EH9 1JJ)

This Jekyll and Hyde bar offers something for everyone - watch the match and chat away over a few pints in the warm, dog-friendly atmosphere of the Argyle at street level, or else head down to the Cellar for a relaxed cocktail or three in a more intimate setting.

Frankenstein's

(26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN)

Frankenstein’s is a quirky gothic venue with three bars over three floors and an eclectic menu for anyone deciding to make a day of the sporting action.

Angels Share

(7, 11 Hope St, Edinburgh EH2 4EL)

This trendy hotel has a modern restaurant and bar decorated with images of Scottish celebrities. Enjoy the rugby while tucking into a contemporary three course meal.

Teuchters

(26 William St, Edinburgh EH7 3NH)

This rustic wood-panelled pub serves hand-pulled ales, and and array of eclectic food and wines. It’s warm atmosphere is perfect for watching the rugby during another cold and wet weekend.

Teuchters Landing

(1c Dock Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LU)

This cosy pub down by the Leith docks specialises in whiskies and beer, and will be showing all the Six Nations rugby live this weekend.

St Vincent

(11 St Vincent St, Edinburgh EH3 6SW)

Watch the rugby and chow down on burgers, wings and vegan options in this cosy little bar tucked away on St Vincent Street in the capital’s New Town.

Ghillie Dhu

(2, Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AD)

Famed for its Scottish dining, live music and ceilidhs, Ghillie Dhu is a spacious and lively spot for watching Italy v Scotland, and could be perfect for a round of post-match celebratory cocktails (should the need arise).

Cold Town House

(4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU)

A casual bar that covers multiple floors of its Grassmarket home, Cold Town House serves pizza with creative toppings along with its craft beers, and has one of Edinburgh’s best skyline views of the castle from its rooftop terrace. The perfect setting for a large group of friends to get stuck into a weekend of sport.

Doctors

(32 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN)

This bustling real ale local has warm Victorian decor that provides a comfortable backdrop when watching the rugby. With lots of small niches and booths, Doctors is great for small groups or couples looking for somewhere to watch the Six Nations action.