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Edinburgh Brewery Tour

Culture Vultures, First Timers, Food & Drink

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Take the Edinburgh Brewery Tour and discover what the city has to offer in terms of the best brew!

Edinburgh’s brewing heritage dates back to the 12th century and by 1900, it was the most important city in the world for brewing. After decades of decline, today Edinburgh’s beer scene is once again thriving with exciting new breweries, bars and bottle shops.

A short ‘hop’ from the Old Town is the award winning Barney’s Beer brewery.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at their brewery, housed in the stables of the old vet school. Here you can enjoy the freshest beer in town at the on-site bar.

Barney’s Beer Brewery is a microbrewery in Summerhall. You’ll discover the history of this area on Edinburgh’s Southside, known to brewers as the “Golden Circle”. Here you can taste some cask ale and craft beer at the onsite bar. Enjoy a personalised tutored tasting session with expert local guides and discover how this brewery makes it’s magic.

Some of the highlights on this tour include a visit to the onsite bar and enjoy a personalised tutored tasting all delivered by one of our expert local guides.

The Edinburgh Brewery Tour is perfect for beer lovers looking to see what the iconic city of Edinburgh has to offer in terms of independent brewing.

Scotbeer are a 5 star activity on Trip Advisor from 363 reviews and rated number 2 out of 211 for nightlife in Edinburgh

“Great Tour! Very interesting way to discover the city and the small and authentic pubs you probably won’t by yourself. History and anecdotes were dosed in a perfect way. Would recommend this tour!”

• Microbrewery tour at Barney's Beer, Summerhall.
• History of Summerhall and brewing on Edinburgh's Southside.
• Visit the onsite bar and enjoy a personalised tutored tasting and a bottle to take home.
• Brewery Tour Flight of beer (3 x 1/3 pint)
• Edinburgh Beer Map

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Edinburgh Beer Tour

Tickets for Edinburgh Beer Tour  🎫 Adult (18+) Regular Ticket - includes:

• Seated reservations at 3 pubs
• Tutored tastings of local beers
• A local pub guide including special offers

Highlights ⭐ Explore the rich history of Edinburgh through its brewing tradition 🏙️ Wander the city's picturesque streets on a captivating walking tour 🍺 Sample local beers at 3 pubs, with adventurous beer tastings led by your friendly host 🤝 Enjoy socialising on a small group tour with fellow food, drink, and history lovers

General Info 📅 Date and time: various dates at 3 p.m. (select during purchase) ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes 📍 Location: 249 High Street 👤 Age requirement: 18+ with valid ID  ☔ Please note to dress according to the weather ❓ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can't be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs

Description Discover the enchanting history and vibrant beer culture of Edinburgh's Old Town with ScotBeer Tours. Perfect for couples, friends, and anyone seeking a unique experience, this guided tour weaves together captivating stories of the city's past and exceptional local brews. Stroll the cobbled streets as knowledgeable guides reveal fascinating tales and take you to three charming pubs. Delight in a diverse selection of local beers, including adventurous tastings that expand your palate and introduce you to new favourites. Experience the magic of Edinburgh's Old Town through its rich beer heritage. Get your tickets now for  Edinburgh Beer Tour!

How to get there?

Edinburgh Castle

249 High Street, EH1

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Dobbernation Loves

Best Edinburgh Breweries

If you’re a craft beer fan planning a trip to Scotland be sure to make time to sip through the best Edinburgh Breweries.

The most visited city in Scotland offers more than just its cute castle and pretty Princess Street. Beer lovers staying in downtown Edinburgh can enjoy fresh pints poured at a handful of local craft breweries.

Save this story to Pinterest so you can look at it later!

History of Edinburgh Breweries

There is no region more associated with the history of brewing in Scotland than Edinburgh. The brewing industry contributed to Edinburgh’s moniker of “Auld Reekie,” named after the smoke produced by coal and wood burning furnaces and boilers. At the turn of the 18th and 20th centuries, Edinburgh had no less than 35 breweries churning out thick black smoke from its brewhouses.

Two of Scotland’s most historic and largest brewing firms were established in Edinburgh. William Younger began brewing in 1749, going on to launch the Abbey and Holyrood Breweries. William McEwan founded his famous Fountain Brewery in 1856, becoming hugely successful for early Scottish hop heads.

Edinburgh Breweries Shine at Two Annual Beer Festivals

Serious craft beer fans visiting Scotland should plan their trip in May to enjoy the annual Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival . Scotland’s global craft beer gathering features breweries from around the world, alongside fancy street food and live music. Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival is Scotland’s biggest celebration of contemporary craft beer culture, taking place each Spring at The Biscuit Factory in Leith.

Each November, Edinburgh hosts the Craft Beer Experience , an immersive beer event that takes over three floors of the Assembly Roxy on Roxburgh Place. The Craft Beer Experience is more focussed on pouring local suds from the best Edinburgh breweries. Craft Beer Experience in Edinburhg is more than just an opportunity to taste local Scottish beer. They also offer insightful workshops where brewers hold tastings, Q&As and educational lectures. The popular craft beer festival in Edinburgh runs for five sessions over three days, offering guests sips from over 20 breweries.

Book An Edinburgh Breweries Tour

If you’re looking to join a guided tour of the best Edinburgh breweries book one of these unique tours for beer lovers:

• Edinburgh Brewery Tour : Sipping pints of locally made beer is a must on any Edinburgh trip. But on this tour, you won’t just get to sample—you’ll go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Edinburgh Beer Factory, one of the city’s most esteemed breweries.
• Private Edinburgh Local Beers, Pubs & Breweries Tour with a Local : Explore the city one gulp at a time and try out all of the locals’ favorites beers. Plus, get insights about the local breweries and the city’s beer culture.

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If you’re planning your first trip to Edinburgh and want to sample the city’s best craft beer you’re in luck. There are a handful of Edinburgh breweries located right in the heart of the city’s downtown tourist zone. We spent three days skipping between the best Edinburgh breweries, all of which are easily walkable from centrally located hotels and attractions.

Important to note, many of Edinburgh’s best breweries are located outside of the downtown tourist zone. If you’re a diehard craft beer fan we’d suggest taking the time to explore the city’s outskirts by visiting these popular Edinburgh breweries:

• Stewart Brewing : an award-winning Edinburgh brewery with two locations just outside of the city. Stewart’s Dockside Tap north of downtown Edinburgh and the Stewart Brewery in Bilston.
• Knops Beer Company : located a 45 minute drive east of downtown Edinburgh.
• Alechemy Brewing : located south west of Edinburgh in Livingston.
• DemonBrew : brewing at Gothenburg pub in Prestonpans, a short drive east of Edinburgh.
• Belhaven Brewery : this famous Scottish brewery dates back to 1719 and is located in Dunbar, a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Campervan Brewery Tap Room : Located in Edinburgh’s oceanside Leith neighbourhood.
• Pilot Brewery : another popular craft brewery in Edinburgh’s Leith neighbourhood.

Edinburgh Beer Factory

32 Bankhead Dr , 44-131-442-4562

If you’re planning a road trip of Scotland we suggest celebrating your arrival into Edinburgh Airport by immediately sipping suds at Edinburgh Beer Factory. The brewery is located a short 8 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, making it the perfect first or last stop on a Scottish beer tour.

Edinburgh Beer Factory first opened in November 2015. The craft breweries own Ben Oiller explains, “We wanted to brew a traditional Bavarian lager, using natural ingredients and processes and utilizing a 5-6 cold conditioning or “lagering” process which is unheard of from major lager producers.”

Kane, Edinburgh Beer Factory’s Assistant Head Brewery adds, “We’re interested in taking beer styles that have fallen out of favour or that are not considered ‘craft’ and rework them. Something like the Lager or Brown Ale for example, we like the idea of breathing new life into old styles.”

It’s one of the most eye-popping Edinburgh breweries. Oiller explains the aesthetic, “We were inspired by an Edinburgh born pop-artist and sculpture artist named Eduardo Paolozzi, his works commented on the concept of Art meeting Science, which we think a brewery really is in essence. We worked with a charity set up in his name (The Paolozzi Foundation) and restyled some of his artwork and named our beers after them.”

The Edinburgh Beer Factory features a Taproom, which can accommodate up to 40 people. Pop by for a quick beer tasting or book yourself a brewery tour. The informative 90 minute tours are £15 per person and include two half-pints, samples, snacks and a £5 Brewery Shop voucher.

Must-try beer at Edinburgh Beer Factory

• Unfiltered Paolozzi : Edinburgh Beer Factory’s flagship Paolozzi Helles Lager enjoyed at its fullest, unfiltered form. Full bodied, hazy with a malty-sweetness.
• Moonstrips Smoky Wheat : classic hefeweizen style wheat beer featuring peat-smoked malt.
• Untitled IPA : a combination of new hop strains from Germany and Slovenia with a historic Edinburgh ale yeast. Notes of Blackcurrant and Mandarin balance a delicate bitterness on a full malt base.

Barney’s Beer

1 Summerhall Pl , 44-7512-253660

Barney’s Beer is a craft brewery located at the southeast corner of Edinburgh’s Meadows in Summerhall. Ranked as one of the best Edinburgh breweries, Barney’s Beer is housed in the stables of the city’s old vet school.

Barney (Andrew Barnett) started working in his hometown brewery in Wolverhampton back in 1983 at 16 and has been in the industry ever since. He’s worked in brewing and distilling including Scottish & Newcastle, The Macallan and Brugal Rum. Barney became increasingly aware of the growing craft beer scene in Scotland and in the US when travelling on whisky business there.

Summerhall is a thriving arts venue and in the course of the discussions to open a micro-brewery it was discovered that the site had been a brewery from 1705 until the vets moved in, in 1913. When the new Summerhall brewery first mashed in in July 2012 it laid claim to the title of the “longest established non-continuously operating brewery in Edinburgh.”

Mhairi Shaw-Hawkins, an ambassador for Barney’s Beer explains the experience, “As part of the Summerhall site there’s a pub called The Royal Dick (a name harking back to the old ‘Royal Dick’ veterinary school), which is located in the old animal operating theatre wing of the building. Although not owned by the brewery, it functions as our informal tap room. It pours at least 6 Barney’s Beers, with a further 5 in the fridge. You can get tasting flights of three of our beers in there.”

Barney’s Beer Brewmaster explains his craft beer philosophy, “When the brewery first opened, I made my beers a celebration of traditional British styles. A tradition that could have very easily been lost amidst the craft beer revolution. While keeping up tradition is important – particularly in the core range with beers like our Volcano IPA, Red Rye and Capital Porter – it’s always been just as important to me to be innovative and creative. We’re a very small team of four and we all focus on constantly pushing ourselves and developing new products. This is anything and everything from tea-infused beer, beer made with fava beans, sherbet-infused sours, big juicy IPAs or big sweet stouts – nothing is out of the realms of possibility.”

If you’re popping by for a beer tasting save room for a bite as The Royal Dick’s kitchen’s chefs serve classic British dishes with multicultural influences from Italy and Spain. Highlights include a Reuben Sandwich featuring beef marinated in Barney’s Capital Porter, cheesey arancini balls and vegetarian-friendly Aubergine Parmagiana.

Must-try beer at Barney’s Beer

• Volcano IPA : the craft breweries flagship beer dubbed a “transatlantic IPA.” It brings together the best from both the British and the American takes on the style.
• Marshmallow Milk Stout : a decadent dessert beer with rich notes of sweet chocolate and vanilla with a gentle dry finish to create the flavour of marshmallows roasting on an open fire.
• Sherbet Sour Pale : zingy citrus hop flavours of lemon and lime carried with tongue tingling kettle sourness. Feels and tastes just like eating sherbet.

Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom

81-83 Lothian Rd , 44-131-228-6392

Launching the barrel-ageing movement in Scotland, The Original bourbon barrel-aged beer is the one that started Innis & Gunn when Master Brewer Dougal Gunn Sharp founded the craft brewery in 2003. The popular Edinburgh brewery has grown since to be one of Scotland’s most successful international craft brewers, exporting to over 35 countries.

Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom in Edinburgh recently reopened in March, 2019. It plays home to one of the most extensive craft beer selections in Edinburgh, featuring 26 craft taps offering Innis & Gunn core beers and small batch brews. You’ll also find a rotating selection of beers from other Scottish and international breweries.

Ranked as one of the best beer bars in Edinburgh, Innis & Gunn Taproom offers live music every weekend, live sports on the big screen, and a unique Brew School on Sunday where beer fans can spend a day learning how to brew and leave a 5 litre keg of their own beer to take home.

The popular beer bar also serves hearty Scottish Soul Food such as beastly burgers, Ox Cheek Pie, Squash Tikka Masala, Halloumi fries, and gourmet hot dogs.

Must-try beer at Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom

• Innis & Gunn Lager : Refreshing and full flavoured with zesty aromatic hops, and naked golden oats for a smooth finish. The top selling craft lager in Scotland.
• The Original : Bourbon barrel aged beer with a caramel and rich roasted malt aroma, a smooth taste with a delicious toffee character. The Edinburgh brewery’s flagship beer.
• Mangoes on the Run IPA : A fresh IPA brewed with the fruitiest hops we could find, and a mountain of mangoes adding citrus aroma and tropical fruit flavours with a silky smooth finish.

Cold Town House

4 Grassmarket , 44-131-357-2865

Cold Town House is a newly launched pub that has brought brewing back to Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. Located the former Robertson Memorial Church, Cold Town House revives a brewing tradition a street which dates back to the 16th century.

Cold Town Beer launched in April 2018 with Brewmaster Ed Evans focussing on a capacity driven distribution program. The Cold Town team later opened its 3-storey brewpub in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket in March, 2019.

It’s one of the best Edinburgh breweries to grab a sip and snack. The friendly craft beer bar and restaurant can accommodate 320 guests, spread out across a three-story brewhouse, pizza and prosseco bar and rooftop terrace.

Cold Town Beer’s menu is inspired by Italian street food, Scottish pub classics and hanging grills. The menu’s sharing theme pairs equally well with a glass of bubbly prosecco or cold and crips lager.

Pizza lovers take note: the kitchen serves authentic Neapolitan pizza prepared with Bespoke organic flour, San Mazarno tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella. The kitchen’s pizza dough recipe also includes over a pint and a half of Cold Town Lager.

Craft beer lovers can enjoy beer tastings and flights directly from Cold Town House’s tanks, which are pumped up straight from the brewery. Cold Town Brewery’s Brewmaster explains, “We’re all about making super tasty beer accessible. We’ve gone past the point of “Peak Craft” – we aren’t trying to make the world’s strongest, or most bitter – we strive to produce tasty, session-able beer without the snobbery or judgment previously attached to the craft beer movement.”

Must-try beer at Cold Town House

• NEIPA : sessionable and fruity take on the IPA style. The taste is driven by fruit forward hop flavours and a fruity yeast character with a low bitterness and full mouthfeel to give on overarching juicy experience.
• Raspberry Berlinnerweisse : a raspberry infused sour beer. Pink in colour with citrus notes and the unmistakable flavour of raspberry.
• Saison : traditional Beligian style farmhouse ale. It’s crisp dry and refreshing with light spicy notes, perfect for a summers evening on this Edinburgh breweries rooftop terrace!

The Hanging Bat

133 Lothian Rd , 44-131-229-7059

The Hanging Bat is a beer lover’s pub serving craft ales and microbrews via bat-shaped taps. The popular watering hole is located on Lothian Road, a stones throw from BrewDog and Innis & Gunn.

Step inside The Hanging Bat and you’ll find a spacious three level space featuring vintage red leather couches and bar top seating. The walls of this popular Edinburgh craft beer bar are painted vibrant cartoon frescoes reminiscent of Futurama.

The Hanging Bat’s petite craft beer operation is located at the back of the bar. During our visit a group of local college students were tinkering with the pilot breweries latest recipe.

On any given day The Hanging Bat offers fresh beer from 21 casks and kegs as well as over one hundred bottles. We suggest sampling through The Hanging Bat’s latest craft beer creation while nibbling through the kitchen’s hot dogs and meatloaf burgers – which are served until the wee hours of the night.

Apothecary Bar

No 8 Lister Square , 44-131-229-4634

Located in the heart of the University of Edinburgh’s campus, Apothecary Bar is one of the newest editions to the the Edinburgh brewery scene. Tucked into Lister Square, step inside Apothecary Bar and you’ll find a chic dining room and bar on the main floor featuring floor to ceiling windows.

Skip up the stairs to the second floor and you’ll enjoy gorgeous views overlooking the square below (perfect for people watching) as well as Apothecary Bar’s on-site brewery and distillery.

Apothecary Bar is one of our favourite Edinburgh breweries as it’s the only one that produces high quality craft spirits. Apothecary’s sublime craft gins are prepared in a 30L copper pot still Kalitza. A choir of micro-brew tanks can be found in the same fermentation room, offering the brands brewmaster a place to get creative with quality yeast, hops and barely.

Since Apothecary Bar is located in the heart of the city’s university campus, expect to find the space frequented by nerdy intellectuals with a penchant for fine beer and craft cocktails. If you’re keen to indulge in entertainment visit on Tuesday for Pub Quiz night, Thursday for Live Music and Friday for Gin o’Clock.

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BrewDog Lothian Road

50 Lothian Road , 44-131-228-2305

BrewDog is one of Scotland’s top selling craft beer brands. In 2007, founders James and Martin started BrewDog with a mission to make other people as passionate about great craft beer as they were.

BrewDog’s HQ can be found in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. The state of the art Scottish eco-brewery is also home to Overworks Brewery, BrewDog’s testing lab for sour beer.

BrewDog truly is a Scottish success story. They’ve recently ranked as one of the fastest growing Food & Drink companies in the UK and now operate several breweries in Scotland, the US and Australia.

If you’re keen to sample BrewDog’s latest craft beer creations in Edinburgh head over to their newly opened beer bar on Lothian Road. The double decker space is housed in what used to be Clydesdale Bank. The trendy space mixes industrial design elements with posh cushioned banquettes and chic bars stools.

BrewDog Lothian Road offers 20 taps of craft beer as well as sublime cider, best enjoyed alongside the kitchen’s top notch menu. Highlights from BrewDog’s menu include finger-licking-good wings, corn on the cob, mac & cheese and a parade of gourmet burgers.

Must-try beer at BrewDog Lothian Road:

• Punk IPA : BrewDog’s signature beer offers bursts of caramel and tropical fruit.
• Quench Quake : grapefruit and tangerine sour offers a juicy tartness.
• Zombie Cake : praline chocolate porter offer hints of toffee and mellow coffee.

Bellfield Brewery

46 Stanley Place , 0131-656-9390

Bellfield Brewery is the UK’s first craft brewery dedicated to producing quality gluten-free beer. The gluten-free craft brewery in Edinburgh is located a short walk from Holyrood Palace with plans to fully launch its tap room in summer 2019.

Located in the historic area of Edinburgh alongside the mainline train track, with a birds’ eye view of the London train, visitors to Bellfield Brewery are able to enjoy beer in the sunny yard or indoor taproom.

Bellfield began as a conversation in an Edinburgh bar after two craft-beer loving friends who had both been diagnosed with coeliac disease, discussed the fact that they couldn’t find a gluten-free beer they liked. They decided to turn a negative into a positive and set up a dedicated, gluten-free microbrewery.

Bellfield brews only gluten-free beer, nothing else, which differentiates the company from many big breweries which are producing gluten-free variants of their standard beers. Bellfield tests every single batch in a UKAS accredited laboratory, and all its beers are accredited by Coeliac UK and registered with the Vegan Society.

Bellfield’s brewmaster explains, “At Bellfield we set out to make great-tasting beers that everyone can enjoy.  Our beers are modern interpretations of classic styles, using the best, natural ingredients and natural processes and they are all certified gluten-free. We brew in small batches and also take time over our brews, which is part of the reason they taste so good. Because we want everyone to be able to enjoy one of our beers, we also make our entire range vegan – we deem putting isinglass (fish bladders) in our beer completely unnecessary.”

Must-try beer at Bellfield Brewery:

• Lawless Village IPA : copper coloured, aromatic beer brewed as a traditional American IPA made with pale and crystal malts and Cascade and Centennial American hops for a modern, citrusy finish. UK Winner, Speciality Beer – World Beer Awards
• Session Ale : c itrus tones from the Citra hops, deliver flavour and aroma. Hop bitterness is balanced by fine malt character, making this beer very moreish.
• Craft Lager : bittered with a combination of Ekuanot and Mandarina Bavaria, the same hops are then used for aroma. This modern interpretation of a classic lager is biscuity and quaffable. It has as a deeper colour from the Munich malt.
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Comments, Thoughts and Feedback ...

Reading all about different beers took me back to my Trip to Germany where I drank only beer not water. Interesting read, thanks for such a detailed post

Sure thing! We’ve created craft beer guides to several destinations feel free to browse!

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Edinburgh’s Beer Tasting Tour

The best-rated edinburgh beer tour, secure your seat now.

• Multiple start times
• 253 High Street (Royal Mile)

Try the best Scottish Craft Beers in Edinburgh

If you are keen to know more about Scottish cuisine and culture, you should not miss the opportunity to delve into the interesting world of beer in Edinburgh as it is one of the more traditional drinks in Scotland .

"Graeme was excellent, very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended this tour of Edinburgh"

TripAdvisor (Nov. 20)

"Fraser the guide was really cool and knowledgeable and took us through the hidden stories of the amazing Edinburgh"

TripAdvisor (Oct. 20)

Tour Description

Enjoy a pleasant time visiting several pubs where you will taste some of the best beers made in the traditional Scottish style .

You will also have the opportunity to learn all the secrets about the elaboration process , as well as the most important aspects of the history of beer in Scotland .

The tour starts on the Royal Mile and throughout the journey you will explore the areas with a greater beer tradition , located in the Old Town and the Southside of Edinburgh .

You will visit three interesting beer establishments outside the tourist attractions, and will have the opportunity of tasting some of the best craft beers made in Edinburgh .

The tour will include an Edinburgh Beer Map , that way you can remember the experience and continue discovering on your own what the city has to offer when it comes to this traditional drink.

Why do the Edinburgh Beer Tasting Tour with us?

• You will taste a selection of 8 traditional style Scottish beers.
• You will visit 3 of the most genuine beer establishments in Edinburgh.
• You will have a fun time visiting several pubs with a real Scottish beer guide.
• You will know all the essential aspects, curiosities and stories related to the beer in Scotland.
• You will enjoy the best rated Beer Tour in Edinburgh by users of TripAdvisor.
• All participants must be over 18 years of age.
• Bring the confirmation email on your mobile or tablet.

Book your Beer Tasting Tour now!

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ScotBeer Tours

Pilot Beer Brewery

Brewery tour and beer tasting at Pilot Beer in Leith, Edinburgh

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Pilot Beer in Leith and enjoy sampling the full range of beers in the onsite tasting room Tours include:

Brewery Tour and tutored beer tasting

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby

Accessibility

• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Partial wheelchair access
• Level Access
• Level access to bar
• Level access from entrance to reception
• Accessible toilets
• Level access to all public areas
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Dietary Options

• Gluten Free
• Vegan Meals Available
• Licensed Bar

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Credit Card
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Food and Drink

Craft beer in edinburgh: pubs, tours & shops.

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Fancy a pint? 

Whether you are a tourist exploring Edinburgh for the first time, a local wanting to find a new spot or a fan of craft beer, Edinburgh beer bars and pubs are perfect places to explore. Did you know that brewing beer is one of Edinburgh’s oldest industries?

There are records of monks brewing beer as far back as the 12th century, using clear spring water to brew ale at Holyrood Abbey. Beer is intrinsically woven into Scottish history and culture.

So here is a guide to exploring Edinburgh in the best way possible through the beer bars, pubs and breweries.

You may also like our guide, what to Eat and Drink and Gin Tours in Edinburgh ,

Top 10 Beers Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh

The bars on this list have been ordered as a beer trail route through the city, covering the West End, City Centre and Leith so that you can see a large part of the city by exploring while exploring them.

Set in a historic former church house with religious imagery and traditional pub décor, Cloisters (26 Brougham St) is perfect for the history enthusiast.

Cloisters has nine cask ales and ten keg beers on draft, making it the ideal spot to try both. 

At Brauhaus (105 Lauriston Pl), it’s about quality over quantity, a small but cosy bar filled with a bottle selection from around the globe.

Serving quality craft beer, natural wine and whisky, Brauhaus is a spot to try something new and rare.

The Hanging Bat

The Hanging Bat (133 Lothian Rd) is a must-visit when exploring Edinburgh’s beer scene.

It is known for its great selection of keg and cask beers on draft and its handpicked bottle list.

They also serve fantastic comfort food throughout the day, such as pulled pork and mac ’n’ cheese.

A bustling spot due to regular tap takeovers and events, there is always something new to try at The Bat.

With a newly refurbished beer garden out back during the day and candlelight tables in the bar at night, Bat is the perfect spot to hang out any time of the day.

BrewDog Lothian Road

A large space with comfy booths and tables to gather around, BrewDog (50 Lothian Rd) is perfect for groups.

They have their core range on draft, if you see any OverWorks beers, definitely give them a try, they’re delicious!

OverWorks is BrewDog’s brewery dedicated solely to producing sour beers. Alongside their core range is their guest list of beers from breweries around the globe.

You can also book tastings online, hosted at the bar, where a staff member will teach you about beer styles.

If you want to experience BrewDog, Lothian Road is your bar.

Owned by Scottish Brewery Fierce Beer (167 Rose St), this little bar is packed with character.

Not only do they brew fantastic beer, but they also distil rum and gin, so there is something for everyone.

The Fierce Bar also does great food and makes their own hot sauce!

The Fierce’s core range is worth exploring as they are packed with flavour.

If you want something refreshing, their Gluten Free Pilsner was voted ‘Best Pilsner Lager’ at The Scottish Beer Awards in 2019.

Fierce offers some of their core beers in pitchers.

So take a pitcher, which will last longer, and sit in the sun using their outdoor seating on Rose Street.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fierce Bar Edinburgh (@fiercebaredn) on Mar 20, 2020 at 5:36am PDT

Jolly Judge

Nestled away in the city’s old town, Jolly Judge (7 James Court, 493 Law Market) carries the spirit of a traditional Scottish pub, cosy and comforting with a real fireplace, low ceilings painted with murals and lounge chairs that reminisce of a classic study.

Known for real ale, their malt whisky selection and classic pub food.

Awarded ‘Best Bar in Scotland’ at the Scottish Hospitality Awards for two years in a row, Bow Bar is a must-visit when exploring Edinburgh through the beer scene.

Known for its cask ales and malt whisky selection, Bow Bar (80 W Bow) always has a well-considered, hand-picked selection.

Located in the heart of the old town, Bow Bar is a traditional-styled bar with vintage beer and whisky memorabilia on the walls.

Their no-frills approach to the bar puts emphasis on what Bow Bar is about supplying their customers with the best beer and the best whisky.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bow Bar (@the_bow_bar_edinburgh) on May 22, 2019 at 5:06am PDT

A firm favourite amongst the beer community, Salt Horse (57-61, Blackfriars St) is a haven for anyone who enjoys beer.

With 12 taps showcasing beers from home and abroad and 350 bottles in their bottle shop, there is plenty to choose from.

Salt Horse always has various styles on draft and tap take-over events showcasing new beers.

Salt Horse’s kitchen serves up excellent hearty food such as burgers and ribs.

There is a beautiful beer garden out the back, decorated with plants and fairy lights.

What better place to set up a shop to try a bit of everything?

Salt Horse is also featured in our guide to dog-friendly activities in Edinburgh .

For those who have never experienced a brewery, Campervan is definitely a destination for you.

A short bus ride from the town centre will take you close to Leith, a hip area of Edinburgh. Read more about Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods here .

You can drink in Campervan Brewery itself, the closest to beer production, during a casual drink you can get!

Their tap room has a relaxed, quirky feel with upcycled wooden pallets.

When visiting the tap room try Leith Juice a juicy session IPA, Campervan Brewery’s signature beer. 

Unit 4, Bonnington Business Centre, 112 Jane Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5HG

Must Try Beers When Visiting Edinburgh’s Craft Beer Bars

Mochacinno stout by pilot.

Winner of the Bow Bar 2014 Dark Beer challenge, Mochaccino Stout is a full-flavoured milk stout made with real coffee.

A pint of absolute luxury.

Pilot is hands down one of the best Scottish breweries, sadly they don’t have a tap room open to the public at this time but if you see anything by them definitely give it a go!

Also, their social media is hilarious, so give them a follow on Twitter.

Cranachan Killer By Fierce

Based on the traditional Scottish dessert, which is made from raspberries, oats and honey.

The cranachan killer is an oat pale ale made with real raspberries and honey, bursting with flavour.

It’s one of my all-time personal favourites.

For those who love wheat beer, wanderlust is one for you.

Made with Scottish pilsner malt, German hops, and the brewery’s signature house Belgian yeast, this is a fusion of Scottish ingredients meets classic wheat beer style.

Delicious and refreshing. A Scottish take on a Belgian classic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fierce Beer (@fiercebeer) on Mar 5, 2020 at 6:16am PST

Iron Brew Sour By Vault City

Bubble-gum? Girders? Citrus?

It’s hard to put your finger on the flavour of Scotland’s second national drink, Irn Bru, but Vault City has done it.

Filled with tangy flavours and the notorious orange colour. Iron Brew Sour is not one to miss, if you see it snap it up!

Punk IPA By Brewdog

If you’ve not tried Punk, then you should.

A world-renowned IPA that put BrewDog on the map.

Hoppy, crisp and clean, all you need on a ‘braw’ day.

This is Gemma’s (Everything Edinburgh) husband’s go-to craft beer.

How Much is Craft Beer in Edinburgh

If you are unfamiliar with craft beer, you may have heard that a pint will cost a tenner!

This part of the article aims to debunk the misconception that craft beer is outlandishly expensive by answering questions about craft beer pricing and how to break down ordering craft beer.  

Why does craft beer cost more than Tennent’s or Guinness?

Price is a reflection of the ingredients that are used and the overall scale of production.

Most craft breweries are working on a smaller scale than the beers you usually see in your local, hence why the price is slightly higher. 

What is the average price for a craft beer?

You are looking at roughly spending, on average, £4.50 on a beer across craft beer bars in Edinburgh; some bars will be a little more, and some will be a little less.

What are the recommended service s ?

In craft beer bars there will be recommended servings next to the price, this recommendation will be decided due to ABV%, price of keg and beer style in order to make sure you have the best experience. Before you order, ask the bartender about the beers; they will be happy to help you decide what to order. Beer lists can be intimidating even to beer geeks if you are unfamiliar with the beers. This is where much of the confusion lies, as people order a pint naturally in a bar. A pint of something that is 14% will cost a lot more than something that is 4%, hence why the bar will recommend a serve. 

What’s a schooner? (Pronounced –Sk-oo-ner)

A schooner is 2/3 of a pint and is generally the standard measure. You can ask for a smaller or larger measure if you wish, however price will change due to the size of the beer you order. If you want to try a few different beers, I recommend ordering a 1/3 of a pint. This will allow you to try a lot more; better for your wallet and better for the hangover. 

What is a taster?

TASTERS! One of the best parts of going to a craft beer bar is the thoughtful act of letting someone try a little taste of the beer before ordering, plus it’s free! Tasters make sure that you purchase a beer that is right for you so that the money you are spending is worthwhile. 

Edinburgh Beer Tours and Experiences

Scot beer tours.

A tour company that tells the history of Edinburgh through beer culture and its beer industry.

They specialise in walking tours of the city, brewery tours and beer tastings.

Scot Beer Tours also offers dog-friendly tours on request, so you can bring your furry friend with you and explore Edinburgh together.

You can book a tour online via their website .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ScotBeer Tours (@scotbeertours) on Dec 22, 2017 at 8:47am PST

Beer Flights at Fierce Bar

Not sure what to try? Order a beer flight at Fierce Bar.

You will receive four 1/3 measures of core range beers from Fierce Brewery and information from the staff about each beer style and its tasting notes.

Brew School at Innis and Gunn Taproom

What better way to get to know beer than through how it is made, Innis and Gunn taproom offer a lesson in brewing through their ‘ Hop to It- Brew School ’.

Using a ‘Grain Father’ brew kit, staff will walk you through the basics of brewing so that you have the knowledge to brew your own beer.

At the end of the Brew School, you will get to take away your own mini keg of 5 Litres of your very own brew!

Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival

The Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival showcases the UK’s best and brightest breweries and beers.

A haven for anyone who appreciates a good brew.

They also showcase wine, cider, gin and low/non-alcoholic beverages, so there is something for everyone. With live music acts, there is a bustling atmosphere.

Previous festivals have seen acts such as Scottish Legends Belle and Sebastian, celebrated turntablist DJ Yoda and bass-playing master Olugbenga.

There are also numerous food stalls offering exciting street food and specialities from across the globe.

Your ticket covers all your beer, access to all areas and free tastings! Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival is an event not to be missed.

You can purchase tickets from the website here . 

Best Bottle Shops

Located close to Haymarket Station, Beer Cave (43 Dalry Rd) is the perfect spot to pick up some beer for your train journey.

A rotating selection of some of the best beers in the country. Beer Cave’s staff are knowledgeable and happy to help select the right beer for you. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Beer Cave (@thebeercavescotland) on Mar 12, 2020 at 1:56am PDT

Located in the city centre, Beer Hive ( 24 Rodney St) is known for its excellent customer care and prides itself on stocking a large variety of 500 wines and 700 beers from around the globe.

They also stock an abundant variety of local and independent breweries. The perfect stop if you want to pick up some local beer to try at home.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Beerhive (@thebeer_hive) on Jan 25, 2020 at 9:36am PST

Salt Horse Bottle Shop

With 350 beers by bottle or can, Salt Horse (57- 61, Blackfriars St) has a selection that never disappoints.

Staff are friendly and happy to help you pick.

The bottle shop is right next door to their wonderful bar.

So if you fancy resting your feet, you can sit in too.

Bottle Barn

Bottle Barn (60 Clerk St) hand-picks its list of beers, rotating frequently so that the list is always fresh with new releases while still stocking classics.

If you are looking for something special, you’ll find it at Bottle Baron.

The Great Grog Bottle Shop

Specialising in sourcing bottles that aren’t big brands, you are guaranteed to find something different at the Great Grog Bottle Shop (2 Dalkeith Rd).

They supply products to Michelin-star restaurants, so they know their stuff!

They have a warehouse which is open to browse and buy from.

Read next: who is delivering in Edinburgh?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Great Grog Bottle Shop (@greatgrogshop) on Dec 10, 2018 at 6:40am PST

How to Support Craft Breweries, Bars and Bottle Shops

The best way to help support craft beer businesses is by buying directly from the breweries, from independent bottle shops and bars, many of which deliver!

• Fierce Beer
• Six Degrees North

Bottle Shops

• Great Grog Bottle Shop
• Bottle Baron

Vouchers for bars and breweries that can be bought online:

• Bow Bar and Cloisters
• Campervan Brewery

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• All of Our Food and Drink Guides

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Katherine Allan, and I am Gemma from Everything Edinburgh’s cousin. Gemma asked me to share my knowledge of the Edinburgh beer scene with you all, and I feel very lucky to do so.

Born in Edinburgh, I’ve spent most of my life in the capital. I’ve had a passion for craft beer for many years.

Exploring Edinburgh through the bars and pubs, gathering knowledge about beer styles, brewing and culture through my own volition.

I currently reside in Dundee, where I officially hopped onto the other side of the bar back in 2018, working as a bartender at Dynamo (a small pub owned by the Six° North Brewery).

I am the curator of ‘Not on Draft’ which is a pop up gallery that resides in craft beer spaces.

‘Not on Draft’ showcases local artists alongside craft beer breweries, bringing beer and art into the same venue. 

I am also currently a resident artist at DJCAD in Dundee. I am working as a multi-medium artist, creating installations composed of sculptural and performance pieces supported by audio and visual works.

I work primarily with plants, bringing greenery and life into art spaces.

I recently exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh as part of their New Contemporaries exhibition this year.

If you’d like to keep up to date with the ‘Not on Draft’ Gallery or would like to propose an exhibition, follow us on Instagram.

If you’d like to see what I get up to as an artist, here is my website and my Instagram account.

Website / Instagram

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