Scotland’s capital has no shortage of places where you can wet your whistle, but as with many other areas of life, the city centre has seen major changes over the past few years – and not all of them for the better.
Much has been written about the death of the traditional boozer, and in the city centre pubs have to compete with a wide array of wine and cocktail bars, specialist gin and rum outlets and craft beer bars.
And that’s not to mention the number of ‘proper’ boozers which have been converted into gastropubs.
All is not lost, though, as there’s still some places where you can enjoy a good pint of lager and a packet of crisps – perhaps with a football match on the telly or a game of pool or darts.
Have a look through our photo gallery to see 12 traditional pubs in Edinburgh we’d recommend for a pint.
And that’s not to mention the number of ‘proper’ boozers which have been converted into gastropubs.
. The Waverley Bar
Where: 3-5 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TA. Admittedly, it lost a bit of its magic when the original owner, Ian Walker, passed away several years back. But it still retains enough of its old charm, such as the shabby-chic Whithnail & I-like decor, and Edinburgh Fringe posters from festivals long gone by. It's a bar with so much history. Legendary folk musicians like Bert Jansch and Dick Gaughan cut their musical teeth playing at the weekly open-mic night, and so many famous names have passed through its doors. A dying breed, the St Mary’s Street boozer is a throwback to a bygone age." Photo: Third Party
. The Oxford Bar
Where: 8 Young Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JB. Fans of local crime writer Ian Rankin will already ken this place well, an Edinburgh institution since its inception at the end of the 19th century (1893, in fact). Literary ties aside, the bar is a true throwback to the city boozers of yesteryear. Photo: Third Party
. The Barony Bar
Where: 81-85 Broughton St, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ. Broughton Street may have plenty of options when it comes to stylish bars, but for those looking for something more traditional, The Barony is certainly worth a visit. It has some of the friendliest staff in Edinburgh and a real fireplace, and even played a cameo role in the animated film The Illusionist. Photo: Third Party
9. The Jolly Judge
Where: 7 James Ct, Edinburgh EH1 2PB. Situated on the Royal Mile, a mere 2 minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Castle, this is an independently-owned bar with low beamed ceilings, log fire and a tranquil atmosphere. Its a great pub and their Monday night quiz packs in the punters. Photo: Third Party
10. Doctors
Where: 32 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN Edinburgh. Doctors is a vibrant pub that's much loved by students but attracts a very mixed crowd. The food is great and there is plenty of choice for beers on tap. Photo: Third Party
11. The Bailie Bar
Where: 2-4 St Stephen St, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL. Just a short walk from the city centre, The Bailie prides itself on a warm atmosphere and bar staff who are more than willing to offer you beverage suggestions if you need them. The interior is traditional and snug, but that doesn’t mean that the atmosphere is stuffy. Photo: Third Party
12. Blue Blazer
Where: 2 Spittal St, Edinburgh, EH3 9DX. Blue Blazer’s two-room interior feels like it’s hardly changed in a century (because it hasn’t), unlike the more quasi-authentic bars further down towards the Grassmarket. Friday nights are always spirited and worth popping in if you want to a pub with a jovial atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff. Photo: Third Party