The Cramond Inn
You come here for the location, rather than the food and service. Located a few miles from the city centre, but easy to get to by public transport, this beautiful rustic Scottish boozer – or pub – is just a pebbles throw the shore. Once you’ve imbibed enough, you can burn off the liquid calories by walking to a tiny uninhabited island when the tide goes out, but please make sure get back before the tide rolls back in or your hangover will include a hefty donation to the lifeboat service.
Location: Cramond Village, EH4 6NU
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm
Price range: $
Facebook
The Three Sisters
While The Cramond Inn is where you go to enjoy the peace and quiet, The Three Sisters is where you go to enjoy the noise. Rowdy and raucous, this pub isn’t for the faint of heart and being next to the renowned Grassmarket are of Edinburgh is extremely popular with stag and hen nights. The upside to that is there are plenty of people watching opportunities to keep you amused, however you probably need that diversion to take your mind of the 20 minute wait at the bar.
Location: 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS
Opening Hours: 5pm -1pm Mon to Fri; 7am until late Sat and Sun
Price Range: $
Facebook // Twitter // Website
The Pear Tree
Arguably the best of the bunch, with a cool crowd enjoying craft beer in a beautiful garden outside a characterful 18th century building. Situated right next door to Edinburgh University’s main campus in the Old Town of the city, The Pear Tree has a large cobbled suntrap which often hosts barbecues and live music to keep the students who’ve bunked off fully entertained during those sun filled days.
Location: 38 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh EH8 9DD
Opening Hours: 11am to 12am daily
Price Range: $$
Facebook // Twitter // Website
The Cumberland Bar
Nestled in the residential streets of the New Town, The Cumberland Bar offers real ales and gourmet food which can be enjoyed in a wonderful secluded beer garden. The Independent newspaper described it as one of the most “civilized bars” in Edinburgh with “proper not pretentious grub”. And all can be enjoyed outside in a rare tranquil space during a rare sunny day!
Location: 1-3 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6RT
Opening Hours: 12pm-12am Mon-Wed; 12pm-1am Thurs-Sat; 11am-12am Sun
Price Range: $$
Facebook // Twitter // Website
Indigo Yard
One for the “suits”, and a place for serious people watching as well as serious drinking. Located in a built up area, the outside space doesn’t get much sun, but if it’s warm enough, there is no better outdoor posing palace than Indigo Yard. Champagne in an ice bucket is a must, Prosecco may be acceptable if you peel the label off. Sunglasses are obligatory. If they are not branded by the usual suspects like Ray Ban, Prada etc we suggest you go to one of the other beer gardens where you will feel less conspicuous.
Location: 7 Charlotte Lane Edinburgh EH2 4QZ
Opening Hours: 8am-100am daily
Price Range: $$
Facebook // Twitter // Website
