With Christmas fast approaching, we’ve recommended our favourite places to grab a drink during the festive season, perhaps grabbing a well earned pint, cocktail or mulled wine after some hectic Christmas shopping.
With so many great places in Edinburgh to choose from, we’ve chosen our favourite bars, pubs, restaurants and even Christmas markets to grab a drink this year. From traditional pubs away from the city centre to bars in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle there should be somewhere for everyone.
5. Ye Olde Inn
Away from the city centre, Evening News reporter Kevin Quinn chose this traditional Davidson's Mains pub as a great place to grab a pint in the run-up to Christmas. He said: "This Davidson’s Mains pub is a great place to go for a festive meal and pint. I’ve been here a few times in the past with family to get together ahead of Christmas, catching up in relaxing surroundings with traditional festive food and drink always going down a storm." Photo: Google
6. Porty Vault
Lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart loves to grab a Christmas drink at this Portobello bar. He said: "Porty Vault, local brewery Vault City's taproom, is a great place for a Christmas drink. In fact, it's a great place for a drink any day. This place is an amazing addition to the food and drinks scene in Portobello, and I can't recommend it highly enough. There's an ever-changing 36-tap line-up of craft beers - specialising in sours - and they also serve wine, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. The food is amazing, too, and right now they have a pop-up kitchen hosting the fabulous El Perro Negro, who are famed for their award-winning burgers." Photo: Google
7. The Devil's Advocate
Situated on Advocate's Close off the High Street, Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison chose this bar as a great place to go for a festive drink. She said: "Despite being a brilliant pub to visit all year round, there is something so lovely about The Devil's Advocate in winter. The pub itself is really cosy, but my favourite thing is to go out and cosy up in the beer garden under the heaters. Whatever drink you're in the mood for, it has it and the cocktail menu is brilliant - I've never tried a bad one. After a suggestion from a staff member a while back, we always get a portion of parmesan and truffle mayo chips as well - something extra to warm you up." Photo: Toby Williams
8. Salisbury Arms
Trainee reporter Neil Johnstone recommends this pub across the road from the 'Commie' swimming pool for a Christmas drink. He said: "Ever since The Salisbury Arms took over from the former student bar it’s had a grand, cosy feel - and it’s a pub that truly has a Christmassy feel every year. The main bar area is a warm and inviting space and the perfect scene for a Christmas drink with family and friends - and if you’re going with little ones definitely check out their ‘Brunch with Santa’ - it was incredible last year!" Photo: Google