For those wanting a bit of downtime away from the festival madness, nothing beats a lazy summer stroll along the Water of Leith, in the Meadows or a walk up Arthur’s Seat.
With no better walking companion than a man’s best friend, it’s essential to find the perfect pit stop that will accommodate both of you.
So, we’ve put together Edinburgh’s top five dog-friendly venues, just in time for the summer peak.
Picture: Element, supplied
Element sits on the famous cobbled stones of Rose Street.
Surrounded by traditional pubs, Element stands out from the crowd for its contemporary vibe and George Street glamour, offering the drinks delights of Espresso Martinis, Malt Whisky’s and Laurent Perrier Champagne, plus much, much more.
Its Scottish bistro-style menu offers a range of dishes, bites and platters, but it’s the Sunday Roast that caught our eye - the perfect way to see the Sunday evening in.
Element is open from 11am until 1am, 7 days a week and serves Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.
Picture: Queens Arms, supplied
Nestled below the cobbles of Fredrick Street in Edinburgh’s City Centre, is the Queens Arms.
Serving home-cooked gastro dishes, with a cracking range of cask ales and whiskies to accompany, this is a great traditional pub, and for that reason hugely popular with locals and visitors alike.
Decked out with an array of seating options, from the leather Chesterfield armchairs for easing the joints after a long walk, to the intimate candlelit booths for a more private affair, it suits all tastes.
It’s open from 11am – 1am every day, so whether it’s a light lunch, a hearty Sunday Roast, catching the footie or an evening bite, the Queens Arms has it covered for you and your dog.
Picture: The Fountain, supplied
Found just off the Union Canal walkway, The Fountain is a welcomed watering-hole for walkers, offering wines, cocktails, soft drinks and a worldwide selection of beers.
With the challenge of Ratho a demanding 8 miles away, stocking up for brunch or lunch is a must, and with dishes such as the Arbroath Smokie Open Sandwich and Braised Shin of Scotch Beef & Ale Pie, it’s a firm favourite with the local crowd.
The Fountain is open 7 days a week, from 10am until late and is very dog-friendly.
Picture: Pawsecco is served in the Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen, supplied
After a recent refurbishment, the Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen on Roseburn Terrace has gone from being a traditional sports pub to a gorgeous bar and eatery.
With an extensive Gin range, new cocktail menu, Prosecco starting at just £15 a bottle and fantastic, fresh, seasonal food, it's a real breath of fresh air for the West of Edinburgh.
Most importantly however, the bar is now dog friendly and has already become a talking point amongst many of Edinburgh's Dog Groups, having launched a Dog Menu in association with House of Hound, offering a range of treats, chews and even Dog Pawsecco for your canine friends!
The Murrayfield Bar + Kitchen is open from 12pm – 11pm Sunday – Thursday, and 12pm – 1am Friday and Saturday.
Picture: Basement Bar, Supplied
A Mexican cantina in the centre of Edinburgh, that’s Basement Bar.
Famous for their ‘made to order’ guacamole, Basement appreciates the simple things in life; great local produce, top quality drinks and the best company.
For that reason, their food is made to be shared amongst friends, hosting a wide selection of small and large plates on offer.
Tequila anyone? Basement has a menu of over 20 different Tequilas and Mezcals, proving the Mexican national drink is one to rival that of a Scottish Malt.
Don’t believe us? Well try it for yourself with their Tequila Flights – from £13 for 3 varieties – each served with their homemade Tomato Sangrita & Pineapple Verdita.
Basement Bar is open from 12pm – 1am, 7 days a week.
