Edinburgh’s New Town and Stockbridge are full of pubs with a strong sense of place. Grand Victorian interiors sit alongside tucked-away neighbourhood bars, with well-kept cask ale, Scottish whisky and unfussy pub food never far away.

Getting There

From Ben Cruachan Guest House and Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios: The eastern edge of the New Town is within walking distance. For the city-centre pubs, take a westbound tram from McDonald Road to Picardy Place or St Andrew Square. Stockbridge lies downhill to the north-west and is best reached on foot through the New Town or by a short taxi ride.

From Caledonian Apartments: Walk to Haymarket and take an eastbound tram to Princes Street or St Andrew Square for the central New Town. Stockbridge can be reached on foot via Queensferry Street, or by a short taxi ride.

Our New Town Pub Picks

The Bailie Bar: A friendly Stockbridge local with more than 150 years of history. Expect Scottish pub food, a changing choice of Scottish cask ales, whisky, wine and cocktails.

The Guildford Arms: One of Edinburgh’s most impressive Victorian pubs, family-owned since 1896. Its ornate rococo ceiling and upper gallery make a memorable setting for a well-kept real ale.

The St Vincent Bar: An unpretentious basement pub with stained glass, a handsome wooden gantry and a reputation for good cask ale.

St Bernard’s Bar: A handsome corner pub with a traditional interior and the easy atmosphere of a well-loved neighbourhood local.

Kay’s Bar: A beautifully preserved Victorian bar known for its dark panelling, old barrels, cast-iron pillars, period signage and carefully kept cask ale.

Image credits: Circus Lane, Edinburgh, Ralf Steinberger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. St Bernard’s Bar, thejackrustles, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Both images have been cropped or resized.