Best bars for after show drinks at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Edinburgh Festival is the biggest date on the capital's calendar should you be attending here are some of the best place to grab an after show drink.

Published 3rd Jul 2017
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

August sees the annual influx of actors, comedians, artists and visitors to the capital and with all the amazing spectacles and acts on offer it can often be beneficial to grab a drink afterwards to digest and discuss the shows you've just enjoyed - or not as the case may be.

Here are some of the best bars in Edinburgh in which to grab an after show drink.

Best for a true taste of Edinburgh...

Bow Bar

(80 West Bow Edinburgh EH1 2HH)

After Show drinks

Picture: Bow Bar

The term 'hidden gem' gets thrown around a little too much, but in the Bow Bar, which is secreted away on Victoria Street (one of the old town's most fascinating locations) is a great example of the city's little known treasures.

The perfect exemplar of the traditional style Scottish pub, and hidden behind its unassuming frontage of blue paint and plain glass windows, you’ll find a classic gantry filled to the brim with whisky – over 300 – and a traditional bar that offers more than its fair share of real ales.

With friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere, this is a great place to share a post show drink or two with friends in the heart of Edinburgh.

Best for a cocktail or two...

Devil’s Advocate

(9 Advocates Close, EH1 1ND)

Picture: Devil's Advocate Facebook

Located in an old Victorian pump house hidden away in Advocates Close, the Devil's Advocate's rather industrial interior belies an impressive (if somewhat challenging) cocktail range priced at around £8 to £10 and an enviable selection of over 200 whiskies.

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With brilliant names like the Fisherman's Folly, Capercaille and the Lights Out each of their 18 cocktails are slotted into a trio of categories - Kelpies, Hellhounds and Heather - and the menu makes for almost as much in reading as they do in the tasting.

It's spacious interior is the perfect place to shelter from the madness of the festival, and its tasty menu filled with delightful dishes made with the freshest Scottish ingredients, make it the perfect pit stop.

Best for a dram...

Whiski Rooms

(119 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG)

After Show drinks

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Located just off  the Royal Mile, the Whiski Rooms is the perfect place to grab a dram and unwind after a hectic day at the festival.

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Perched on the Mound, the bar offers dramatic views over Princes Street and offers daily tutored tastings, a dedicated whisky shop and it just so happens to also be home to one of only four Ardbeg embassies in Scotland.

It also hosts folk music on a nightly basis during the Fringe, making it a great place to to finish a night off or serve as a pit-stop between shows.

Best for Festival atmosphere...

The Royal Dick and the Summerhall Courtyard

Picture: Kim Traynor\Geograph

Summerhall is a thriving hub during the Festival and home to all sorts of shows, it's also the base of a great bar, a vibrant courtyard, a brewery and a gin distillery.

Charlotte Church is set to play there as part of the Festival, as well as a range of other great acts.

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It's also a great place to grab a drink or two as during August, their on site pub The Royal Dick is hugely popular, and for good reason as it not only has an excellent selection of drinks it also allows access to a courtyard space full of festival-goers and pop-up bars.

The best for value...

Brass Monkey

(14 Drummond St, Edinburgh EH8 9TU) 

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Although the original Leith pub is worth a visit, the Brass Monkey’s central venue is one of the capital’s best-kept secrets and unbeatable during the festival.

Seek respite in its dark, conspiratorial corners or in Edinburgh’s cosiest room among heaps of cushions and fabrics.

Here you can indulge in a daily movie at 3pm, being wary not to entangle yourself in accidental games of Twister as the night goes on.

The Brass Monkey attracts a varied crowd and is a popular spot for performers seeking a post-show beverage, which usually makes for an interesting night, with drink prices sympathetic to a performer’s budget.

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