Edinburgh cocktail bars with something for everyone

Shaken, stirred or straight up; these Edinburgh bars are serving up great craft cocktails...

Epicurean

First impressions speak volumes and Epicurean, the uber-stylish bar on the ground floor of Edinburgh’s Radisson Collection Royal Mile (formerly The G&V), is pitch perfect. The bar is expertly tailored to your mood with intimate private tables (ideal for dining), spacious booths (perfect for catch-ups between friends), and plenty of space at the bar for a prime view of what the mixologists are shakin’ up. The drinks menu is extensive and enticing in equal parts and it’s worth noting that the honey (and comb) is made by the colony of bees resident on the hotel rooftop, no less. Epicurean is stylish, laid back and spot-on for a selection of cocktails.

1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1AD, Tel: 0131 220 6666, quorvuscollection.com.

The Permit Room

Dishoom has gained a reputation for excellent food, service and surroundings since landing in Edinburgh last year but not many know about its underground bar The Permit Room (with 3am licence), named so as a nod to the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949 which required all drinkers to have a permit to consume alcohol. Be sure to get in to the Bombay spirit (literally) with the Horniman’s Old-Fashioned, £9, and East India Gimlet, £7.50. The syrup in the old-fashioned is made on site, and a smoked barrel houses the rum, pineapple syrup and bitters. It’s as impressive as it sounds. Gin fans will devour the East India Gimlet; a short blend of Portobello Road Gin with Rose’s lime and a touch of celery bitter, it doesn’t take long to finish. 

3A St Andrew Square (beneath Dishoom), EH2 2BD, Tel: 0131 202 6406, dishoom.com.

Kin

Don't miss the unassuming door on the corner of Barony Street that leads downstairs to an intimate basement bar with speakeasy vibes and a smart cocktail menu. Expect to find tasty new concoctions or, if you already know what you like, bartenders who are happy to oblige (ingredients allowing) – they’ll happily style up your favourite cocktail and prove that a twist on a classic never goes out of fashion. The experience speaks to the level of skill and hospitality that owners Sam Baxendale and Jody Buchan are keen to provide, insisting patrons ‘arrive as friends, leave as family’. With a restaurant upstairs (not linked), Kin is the ideal drinking spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or the place to go when you want to carry on the party.

1 Barony St, EH3 6PD

Tigerlily

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The new After Dark menu at Tigerlily really knows how to celebrate the weekend in style. From 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, you get a seat, full table service and sharing cocktails, bottle serves or late night cocktails of your choice. Who doesn’t love an XXL Pornstar Martini, £50, served in the biggest shiniest disco ball ever seen? Or how about a bottle of Chandon Brut served with fruit purees, aka the Sparkling seductress, £40? All served in glasses rolled in edible glitter. Instagram filters at the ready... 

125 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, Tel: 0131 225 5005, tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk.