Best places for a quick pint during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

All the frenzied fun of the Festival can sometimes be a little overwhelming and sometimes you'll want to just grab a quick pint or two.

Published 21st Jul 2017
Updated 20 th Sep 2023

With that in mind we've picked out some of the best pubs to pop into for a quick pint should you be feeling a little parched.

Shakespeare's 

(65 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Located close some of the city’s most popular hotels, this lively pub is named for the theatres, and their patrons, that once populated this area.

The bar itself is spacious, usually well stocked and does a good mix of sport coverage with its multiple screens.

It's good value, has a nice mix of patrons and does food, making it the perfect place to pop in and out of for a pint between shows.

We're sure the great man himself would approve.

The Last Drop

(74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR)

Picture: Trip Advisor Traveler

Located in the Grassmarket, the Last Drop is named after the last hanging on the Grassmarket gallows which were once located near to the establishment.

Famed for its spirits (and not just the drinking kind), the Last Drop is the kind of Edinburgh local that everyone from regulars propping up the bar to first time tourists love.

Small and cosy, it's the perfect place to nip into for a quick pint or a half and half.

10 facts you (probably) didn't know about Guinness

The Jinglin' Geordie

(22 Fleshmarket Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1DY)

Picture: The Jinglin' Geordie Facebook

Should you be heading home on any trains from Waverley and fancy a quick nightcap then the Jinglin' Geordie is your bar.

Squirreled away on the Fleshmarket Close, this snug little bar, is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.

And the friendly staff ensure there's a welcoming face happy to take your order whenever you pop by.

Starbar

(1 Northumberland Pl, EH3 6LQ)

11 of the best Glasgow pubs to watch the Six Nations
https://www.foodieexplorers.co.uk/

Picture: Foodie Explorers

Continuing the list of no nonsense pubs in the capital is the Starbar, which as you'd expect with any Edinburgh institution has a story and mythology all of its own.

There's supposedly a clause in the lease which forbids the removal of a human skull, one that's said to be cursed and if ever moved, great misfortune will befall those who took it.

Cursed skulls aside, it's a cracking wee pub with a jukebox, table football (or foosball if you're North American) and a small but busy beer garden.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's new town, it's the perfect place to try and escape the crowds for a pint.

 The Auld Hoose

(23-25 St. Leonard's St, EH8 9QN)

Why are Starbucks making a pork flavoured latte - new limited edition coffee and where to try it

Definitely one for fans of great beer (and great music), The Auldhouse is the perfect place to stop off for a pint of expertly brewed beer and some cracking food for refeuling, including (according to the staff) Edinburgh's Largest Nachos.

With taps dedicated to Brewdog’s Punk IPA, Goose Island IPA, FUBAR from Tiny Rebel, Blue Moon and West’s St Mungo on the bar and a cracking atmosphere, this is the perfect antidote to the madness of the Festival.

Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram