10 of the best pubs with beer gardens for outdoor drinks in Edinburgh from 6 July

Will you be heading out for a drink when beer gardens open? (Photo: Shutterstock)

As lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted across Scotland, one of the most highly anticipated events people are looking forward to is enjoying some time in one of Edinburgh’s many magical beer gardens - something that will be permitted from 6 July.

If you’re not sure where to even begin when it comes to grabbing an outdoor drink, look no further - these are 10 of the best pubs with beer gardens in Edinburgh to check out when they open.

While beer gardens are allowed to open from 6 July, the opening dates of individual bars will vary.

This list has been compiled based on reviews that have been published in the Edinburgh Evening News, along with supplementary information from Google reviews and TripAdvisor.

The Three Sisters

139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JS

A list of the best pubs with beer gardens wouldn’t be complete without The Three Sisters, situated on the Cowgate in Edinburgh.

The name of the bar is in the memory of the three MacKinnon sisters (Cath, Kitty and Maggie) who were popular performers in the 1740s.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “Great beer garden. If you’re looking for a place that has its bee garden open after 10pm, then this is the bar you want to be in. There is a great atmosphere and good music is played.”

The Peartree

38 W Nicolson St, Newington, EH8 9DD

The Peartree boasts a long and varied history, all the way back to 1747. In 1982, the Pear Tree came to life when it was converted into a public house.

The Peartree describes itself as “home to Edinburgh’s best beer garden” and hosts a huge food and drink menu to choose from, from pub classics like burgers and nachos to vegan options like the hummus and falafel wrap and vegan chilli.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “The beer garden is fantastic on a sunday day, and there is a stage with live music. Good beer and finger food!”

Cold Town House

4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

The Cold Town House beer garden is situated on the roof of the building, boasting great views of the Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle.

The beer menu includes the likes of different guest beers and various lagers, pale ales and IPA.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “The rooftop garden is fantastic. Wish I lived closer so I could go more often, go, you won’t be disappointed.”

The Cumberland Bar

1-3 Cumberland St, EH3 6RT

Found in New Town, the Cumberland Bar boasts a wonderfully secluded beer garden, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “It’s the beer garden that brought us here, a sunny evening meant a beer in the sun was needed.”

The Blackbird

37-39 Leven St, EH3 9LH

“Welcome to the Blackbird - home to the best beer garden in Edinburgh (....probably),” The Blackbird website states.

Winner of the Scottish Style Award 2013, the Blackbird boasts a cool design and decor, even inviting the famous Mr Doodle, a graffiti artist from England, to decorate the outside walls with his cool artwork.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “Lovely environment and brilliant beer garden too.”

Teuchters Landing

1c Dock Place, Leith, EH6 6LU

Found on the Shore in Leith, Teuchters boasts not only a beer garden but a pontoon as well.

Described as a “traditional style freehouse”, the bar includes a whisky selection which includes around 90 single malts, 20 odd international and blended whiskies as well as an extensive list of Scottish cask, keg and bottled beers.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “The pub has lovely views of The Shore from its beer garden, so perfect for a sunny day.”

Rose Street Garden

16 George Street, EH2 2PF

Found behind The Dome on George Street, it describes itself as an “outdoor street food and gin garden” venue.

Rose Street Garden serves up amazing street food, cocktails and ice cool beer - and if the weather takes a turn for the worse, as it tends to do in Scotland, the entire garden can be governed with a giant parasol and heated with a variety of heaters.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “Went on a sunny Monday afternoon for several drinks and nibbles. Food was tasty, relatively well priced and the cocktails were very good as well as of a high quality.”

The Outhouse

12A Broughton Street Lane, EH1 3LY

Found just off Broughton Street, The Outhouse boasts a dog friendly beer garden and a huge selection of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

If the weather isn’t quite beer garden ready, The Outhouse has heaters ready to keep you comfortable and cosy.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “Great wee spot to be away from the busy city, great drinks, great staff and big beer garden out the back. Definitely worth a visit.”

Beehive Inn

18-20 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

Found in the famous Grassmarket in Edinburgh, the Beehive Inn is a classic pub setting with a wonderful beer garden to allow for outdoor drinks.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “Can’t beat a cold beer on a sunny afternoon sitting in a beer garden. A real gem if you know it’s there and gives the Beehive an edge over some of the other pubs close.”

56 North

2 W Crosscauseway, Newington, EH8 9JP

56 North describes itself as “Scotland's original gin bar, kitchen and working distillery”.

Their menu includes an extensive selection of gins to choose from - it is Scotland's oldest gin bar after all.

However if you aren’t a gin fan, there’s also loads of beers, wines and other spirits to choose from, as well as cocktails.

A reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “During a visit to Edinburgh, I stopped off for a cocktail or 3 and had a most enjoyable time in the secret garden. Staff were very attentive and the beer garden was a sun trap. Will definitely return and would recommend it to anyone.”