The 12 best beer gardens in Edinburgh

A stylish main street bar serving craft beer and contemporary food, with a sizeable leafy snug out the back.

Edinburgh’s best multi-arts venue comes into its own as a bustling hub during the Festival month of August, but the courtyard space in the centre of this former vet school is a year-round destination for drinkers and diners at its Royal Dick bar.

Fancy a beer garden with a view of Edinburgh Castle? Look no further than the Grassmarket, where you’ll find the laid-back rooftop terrace bar of Cold Town House. They serve their own Cold Town Beer, born and brewed in the city, plus pizzas, loaded fries, burgers and plenty more. 

No one should be left out when it comes to being able to enjoy an ice cold pint on a warm day, and that’s exactly the kind of thinking that Bellfield operate under. All of their beers are not only delicious but also gluten-free, certified by Coeliac UK and registered with the Vegan Society. The Taproom and Beer Garden are both located next to their brewery in Abbeyhill with tours, tastings, food pop-ups, quiz nights and more on offer throughout the year.

If you’re willing to walk around 15 minutes north of Princes Street into the heart of the New Town, the Cumberland is a great find. From the hanging baskets and beer garden outside to the warren of rooms inside with their simple, traditional decor, you can tell this is a highly civilised pub. Where some bars have a time of day – or year – that suits them best the Cumberland is more multifaceted. You would be as happy here with a seat in the beer garden on a summer’s night as you might hiding away from a Scottish winter some dark January afternoon.

It may be overshadowed by the tall Cowgate buildings around it, but there’s no question this is one of Edinburgh’s most bustling beer gardens, particularly at night thanks to its huge screen showing sports.

On St. Leonard’s Lane, right by Holyrood Park, you’ll find a 180-year-old building that has been beautifully renovated into a distillery, which you can tour and experience at your leisure. The folks at Holyrood Distillery make high-quality spirits but their Courtyard Bar is an excellent place to hang out in the sunshine too. You’ll be able to try out their finest drinks, plus local beer options and food from nearby Luxford Burger, who will deliver direct from their kitchen to your table.

Tucked away where only locals and true aficionados can find it, Outhouse is a lot better than its toilet humour name might suggest. The drinks menu in this friendly hangout is eclectic, with plenty of space in the backyard beer garden for a sunny afternoon out with friends.

Another of the city’s most illustrious and iconic beer gardens, the student favourite Pear Tree – although merely a decent wee pub – has a large amount of bustling, cobbled courtyard space with picnic tables and live bands during the festival.

This boutique hotel housed in a former Georgian family home occupies a cosy nook in the well-heeled Stockbridge neighbourhood. The restaurant serves afternoon tea and delicious Sunday roasts, but for a refreshing drink outdoors, take a seat in the beer garden, which is kitted out with stylish benches as well as heaters in case the temperature suddenly drops. Order one of their many craft beers or ciders, or go for a classic cocktail or a wine from their extensive list.

Set right on Portobello promenade and yards from the beach, the Espy’s idyllic outdoor area is open all year round, serving good food, breakfasts and typically friendly local pub fare inside.

Part of Edinburgh’s A Room in... mini-chain, Teuchter’s Landing serves great craft beers and affordable, mug-based bar snacks on the small fixed pontoon moored where the Shore’s dock meets the Water of Leith.