New and improved outdoor areas in Edinburgh where you can have drinks while social distancing - and how to book

Beer gardens across Edinburgh were permitted to reopen their doors from Monday 6 July, with indoor hospitality being allowed to reopen from 15 July
Have you already booked a table at your favourite beer garden? (Photo: Shutterstock)Have you already booked a table at your favourite beer garden? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Have you already booked a table at your favourite beer garden? (Photo: Shutterstock)

Edinburgh has a wealth of amazing beer gardens to choose from - but which ones are safest and have space to accommodate you?

These are some of the best outdoor areas in Edinburgh where you can enjoy a drink while remaining socially distant, in line with the current Scottish government advice. Plus, you can book in advance so you’re not left waiting for hours for a well deserved pint.

Bellfield Brewery

46 Stanley Place, EH7 5TB

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Bellfield Brewery has brand new beer garden booths and whisky barrel tables that fit the current social distancing guidelines that you can book.

The beer garden booths fit between four and eight people and the whisky barrel tables are perfect for smaller groups between two and four people.

You can book a table using the Bellfield Brewery website here.

You’ll be able to see the availability for the tables for each day and find a time that suits you. You’ll need to pay a £10 deposit upon booking, but you’ll get that back.

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The booking slots last for two hours. Booth and barrel combinations can be arranged for larger groups or separate households - simply email [email protected] for more information.

Peartree

38 W Nicolson St, Newington, EH8 9DD

Peartree is a popular bar in Edinburgh with a fantastic beer garden that you can book to sit in. There is a maximum of one booking a day per group, and maximum of eight guests.

Temperature checks will be carried out before you’re allowed in and you must use the hand sanitiser as provided.

The tables are reserved for a maximum of two hours and you will be asked to leave your table around five to 10 minutes before the end of your slot to allow for staff to clean it properly before the next group arrives.

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You can book a table on the Peartree website here where you can fill out a form choosing the time and date you’d like to visit the garden, alongside your party size.

Cold Town House

4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

The roof terrace of Cold Town House was made available for bookings from July 6, welcoming customers back to enjoy pizza and beer and an amazing view of the castle.

The terrace is open from 12pm to 8pm and you must book in advance before visiting.

There is a maximum number of six people per booking from a total of two households.

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Your reservation will last for an hour and 45 minutes, and you’ll be asked to submit your details for contact tracing, as well as having your temperature taken upon arrival.

You can book using the Cold Town House website here.

Bar 50

50 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NE

Bar 50 does have some tables available for walk-ins, but there is also a booking system in place to ensure you’re not waiting forever for a table.

You’ll be subject to temperature checks before being permitted entry, and your contact details taken for track and trace purposes.

To book your table, you can get in touch with Bar 50 via [email protected] to arrange a time, date and party size.

Corn Exchange

10-11 New Market Rd, EH14 1RJ

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The Corn Exchange is open for two sessions during the day - from 11am until 4pm and then between 5pm and 10pm. Tickets are only valid for the session that you book for, although you are allowed to book multiple tables over multiple sessions.

Everyone who has pre-booked will be allowed in.

While you can book a session, tables are unreserved and are offered on a first come, first served basis. There is a £4 per table (£1 per person) charge to book a table which is non-refundable.

All guests will be required to register their details on arrival as part of the Scottish government's track and trace policy.

CC Blooms

23-24 Greenside Pl, EH1 3AA

CC Blooms, one of Edinburgh’s most popular gay bars, has transformed its back area into a beer garden that the pub describe as its “little oasis”.

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CC Blooms has set up a booking service that shows you live availability - so if someone cancels their booking, it’ll show up straight away.

You can book a table for up to four people and you’ll be able to see what dates and times are available to book for.

You can book online via the CC Blooms website here.

The Outhouse

12A Broughton Street Lane, EH1 3LY

Situated on Broughton Street, The Outhouse has a hugely popular beer garden close to the centre of town.

A new summer addition to the bar here is a new slushie machine. The pub’s first frozen slushy cocktail is a refreshing blend of Midori, cloudy apple juice, lemon juice and Laphroaig.

You can book your table by sending an email at [email protected], sending a message on the bar’s Facebook page here or giving them a ring on 0131 557 6668.

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