Edinburgh's Best Beer: A Guide To The City's Brews

Edinburgh has a vibrant craft beer scene, with a huge selection of bars and breweries to discover. From the shores of Leith to the heart of the city centre, there's a brilliant range of pubs specialising in craft beers. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best spots to enjoy a pint, as well as some of the top local brews to try. So, grab your glass and get ready to explore the wonderful world of Edinburgh's craft beer culture!

Barney's Beer: Edinburgh's longest-established non-continuously operating brewery

Barney's Beer is Edinburgh's longest-established non-continuously operating brewery, founded and operated by veteran brewer Andrew Barnett. It is located in the Summerhall area, which was formerly a vet school and is also the site of the historic Summerhall Brewery (demolished circa 1913). Barney's Beer is a microbrewery rooted in tradition, with a 100% natural process that involves no pasteurisation or filtration. All of their beers are cask-conditioned or bottle-conditioned, including their Good Ordinary Pale Ale, a lager, a red beer, and a dark porter. The Volcano IPA, an American-style beer with a hoppy kick, is a popular choice and a good starting point for those new to Barney's Beer.

Barney's Beer offers a unique and authentic experience for beer enthusiasts and visitors to Edinburgh. The brewery is located within a large building, and while it may be a bit tricky to find, it is well worth the effort. They offer beer tasting sessions and tours of the working brewery, providing an informative and fun experience for both strong beer drinkers and those new to the world of craft beer. The staff are described as cool guys with lots of positive energy and a good attitude, enhancing the overall experience.

The Royal Dick pub, located on-site at Summerhall, serves Barney's Beer, providing an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pint in a relaxed atmosphere. The surrounding neighbourhood of Southside & Holyrood offers a vibrant mix of student hangouts, ethnic eateries, and cultural attractions, making it a lively area to explore while enjoying a locally brewed beer.

Barney's Beer is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in craft beer and brewing traditions. With its rich history, passionate brewers, and delightful offerings, it embodies the spirit of Edinburgh's thriving craft beer scene.

BrewDog: a wide selection of beers and vegan-friendly food

If you're looking for a wide selection of beers and vegan-friendly food in Edinburgh, BrewDog is the place to be. With three locations across the city—Cowgate, Lothian Road, and DogHouse—you can enjoy their famous beers and delicious vegan options.

At BrewDog Cowgate, you'll find 28 taps of incredible craft beer, including their own brews and guest breweries. The stainless steel and exposed brickwork give the bar a funky industrial feel. If you're feeling hungry, their handmade sourdough pizzas are not to be missed. Half of their menu is vegan or vegetarian, so there's something for everyone.

Over at BrewDog Lothian Road, you'll be greeted with the same 28 taps of craft beer goodness. The atmosphere is perfect for a night out, and they even have a dedicated private hire space. Their menu features stacked burgers, including plant-based options, and wings that will satisfy any craving.

DogHouse Edinburgh, conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Train Waverley, offers a similar craft beer experience with 30 taps. Their menu includes burgers, wings, salads, and brunch options. Head upstairs to their terrace bar for a cosy ambiance by the fire pits, complete with more amazing beer and food.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a tasty vegan meal, BrewDog in Edinburgh has something for everyone. With rotating taps, you can always expect to find new and exciting craft beers to try, alongside their famous in-house brews. So, why not grab a pint and indulge in their vegan and vegetarian options that make up half of their mouth-watering menu? It's the perfect spot for a fun night out in Edinburgh!

Innis & Gunn: a taproom with 26 craft beers on tap and a family-friendly atmosphere

Innis & Gunn is a taproom with 26 craft beers on tap and a family-friendly atmosphere. It is located in Edinburgh City Centre and offers a wide range of craft beers, including their own lager beer, delivered straight from their brewery. The taproom also has a food menu with crowd-pleasers such as sharing platters and traditional pub dishes. It is a great place for families, as children are welcome until 8 pm, and they are also dog-friendly.

The story of Innis & Gunn began with a happy accident. Master Brewer Dougal Sharp was approached by a major whisky brand to help them season their oak casks with beer. He delivered a custom recipe and technique that worked spectacularly, resulting in well-seasoned casks and delicious beer. The discarded beer, which was intended to be thrown away after seasoning the casks, was tasted by curious workers and found to be smooth and sweet, with hints of vanilla and oak. This accidental discovery led to the creation of the utterly distinct and multi-award-winning Innis & Gunn original.

Since then, Innis & Gunn has expanded its offerings and now has taprooms in Leith, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee. Their flagship drink, The Original, is Scotland's number one craft lager. It is unique because it is matured in whisky casks, giving it a deep, smooth, and rich flavour. Innis & Gunn has also created several other 'beers with character', including Rum Finish, Toasted Oak IPA, and a craft lager.

The Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom in Edinburgh City Centre is the perfect place to enjoy their wide range of craft beers and a delightful meal. With its family-friendly atmosphere, it is a great spot for beer enthusiasts and those looking for a tasty bite to eat.

Holyrood 9a: a combination of great beer and brilliant burgers

Edinburgh has a vibrant craft beer scene, and one of the best places to enjoy a combination of great beer and brilliant burgers is Holyrood 9a, located in the heart of the city's Old Town. With a warm and cosy atmosphere, this bar offers a wide selection of local beers and famous burgers.

The polished pumps at Holyrood 9a showcase 25 beer and ale varieties from across Scotland and beyond. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Edinburgh, you'll be impressed by their range of Scottish and international options. And if you're a beer lover, you'll definitely want to try their selection of local draughts.

But it's not just about the beer at Holyrood 9a. Their burgers are just as renowned, with many customers raving about the veggie haggis burger. The food here is delicious, and the portions are generous. Whether you're craving a classic burger or something more unique, like the Chicken Texas BBQ or Piri Chicken burger, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

The staff at Holyrood 9a are also worth mentioning. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to guide customers through the extensive beer and food options. Whether you're a novice or a beer connoisseur, they'll ensure you have a great experience.

So, if you're looking for a cosy bar with a fantastic atmosphere, delicious food, and an impressive selection of beers, Holyrood 9a is the perfect spot. It's an ideal place to catch up with friends while sampling fine ales and tucking into their famous burgers.

The Hanging Bat: a huge range of cask and keg beers, hot dogs and smoked food

The Hanging Bat is Edinburgh's original craft beer bar, located on Lothian Road. It offers a wide range of cask and keg beers, as well as cocktails and other spirits. The bar has an onsite brewery, producing unique ales, and the staff are knowledgeable and experienced, providing a tailored experience for each customer.

The Hanging Bat also offers a diverse food menu, including fish and chips, homemade beef stew, nachos (with the option to add haggis as a topping), and award-winning chilli con carne. There are vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. The pub has a cool, dark atmosphere and is family-friendly, with kids enjoying the hot dogs on offer.

The Hanging Bat is a great place to enjoy a variety of craft beers and explore the unique flavours that the bar has to offer. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a vibrant and characterful setting. The bar also hosts regular events such as tap takeovers, special brews, and weekly quiz nights.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to hang out and enjoy a drink, The Hanging Bat is definitely worth a visit when in Edinburgh.

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