Edinburgh’s Best Character Bars

Edinburgh has some unique character pubs and bars, some with a truly fascinating history. We’ve selected some of our favourites.

The Canny Man’s

A character institution since Victorian times, The Canny Man’s is a quirky maze of atmospheric little nooks in which to while away a boozy evening of banter and tall tales. A fascinating collection of curios lines the walls including musical instruments, measuring devices, old bits of ships….

The Canny Man’s, 239 Morningside Rd

Café Royal Circle Bar

Dating back to the 1800’s, Café Royal Circle Bar is the main bar of the famous Café Royal. Full of beautifully preserved Victoriana, lots of gorgeous stained glass and original Doulton tiles. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was reputed to be a regular.

Café Royal Circle Bar, 17 West Register St., EH2

The Last Drop

The Last Drop is one of the landmark pubs in Edinburgh’s quirky Grassmarket area. The ‘Last Drop’ is a macabre reference to the historic practice (till around 1800) of conducting hangings in the area. The condemned were reportedly taken to this and a previous establishment for a final beverage. Some say the cellar and bar are actually haunted by the spirit of a young girl in medieval clothing. The interior’s full of intimate little nooks and crannies and the old bare stone, rustic furniture and cosy lighting create a thoroughly charming atmosphere.

The Last Drop, 74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh.

The Cloisters

Taking its name from the adjacent church, The Cloisters has a traditional but quirky ambience , with old-style barrels at the entrance, dark wood pews, old mirrors, antique signs and old maps. A roaring fire in winter creates a cosy intimacy but the most characterful thing about The Cloisters is the clientele – an eclectic mix of often geeky young and old. No irritating musack – the only sounds you can hear are the crackle of the fire and the sparky conversation. The choice of real ales is one of the best in Edinburgh and you can even bring your four legged friend!

The Cloisters, 26 Brougham St., EH3

The Jolly Judge

The Jolly Judge cellar bar sits at the foot of a historic vennel or close, at the centre of the historic Old Town, just 2 minutes from the Castle. With a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, traditional low- beamed ceilings, rustic furnishings and a crackling log fire in winter, this is the Scottish character pub at its best. Huge range of malt whiskies and real ales.

The Jolly Judge, 7 James Court, Lawnmarket, EH1.

The Sandy Bells

Super-friendly and a really authentic Edinburgh experience, The Sandy Bells is a local landmark for Scottish culture. It has live folk or traditional music virtually every night from about 9pm and all day Saturday and Sunday. The atmosphere is relaxed and visiting musicians are encouraged to join in. ‘ It’s folk music central,” says accordionist Phil Cunningham. ‘Sandy Bell’s was a place to learn and swap tunes – a musical trading post’.

The Sandy Bells, 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh.