The best beer gardens in Edinburgh

With lockdown over and pubs opening up, enjoy some rare Scottish sun in some of the best beer gardens in Edinburgh. Catch up with flatmates or course friends over a cocktail or pin.

The Black Bird

Inspired by the aesthetics of bars in Shoreditch, this pub in Bruntsfield has a beer garden with a unique design, filled with bright colours and fresh patterns on the walls. The seating adheres to social distancing measures so you can enjoy a cocktail from their long list of options safely, such as the Muriel Plays Piano, which has whiskey mixed with flavours of peach and cinnamon. They also serve waffles all day – what could go wrong?

Cold Town House

The iconic rooftop bar in Grassmarket has re-opened and is taking bookings to experience what it claims to be the best view of Edinburgh castle there is. With an extensive beer menu, fitting with their ideal that cool bars are about tasty beer and not hipster labels and pretentiousness, there is a drink for all. Your safety is also paramount, with hand sanitiser available at the entrance, at every table and at the bar. Social distancing rules are also highlighted in the bar’s policy.

The Pear Tree

Beloved by students, this pub in Southside boasts a huge beer garden with a huge screen. With student-friendly prices and right next to George Square Campus, it is often full outside, rain or sun. There is now an app service to make things easier. Along with many pubs, you must book to secure a place – there is a limit of a booking once per day and a max total of 8 people for two hours. You will be greeted with a temperature check and sanitiser.

Beehive Inn

You wouldn’t guess how big the beer garden is behind this quaint pub in Haymarket – it’s almost secretive. With a two floors to it, plenty of seating and shade from the trees above, this garden is ideal is quaint and charming. You can book via an app or online to visit. As a Greene King pub, the company has highlighted its promises to keep their customers safe so that you can drink happily and safely.

The Three Sisters

Another student favourite, The Three Sisters has a huge open bar area fit with a plasma screen and a menu ideal for large groups, with pizzas, nachos and loaded fries. They also have an alcohol take-away service, so a drink for the road as you leave is a must. The Three Sisters are participating in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme as part of helping business after Covid; between Monday Wednesday in August you can bag 50% off your food up to a value of £10.  However, booking is essential to enjoy a beer in front of that huge screen!

The Indigo Yard

In Edinburgh’s West End, this rustic chic bar, decorated with brick walls and plants, offers 26 draught beers, so there really is a beer for everyone. They are promising various events and themes as part of their partaking in the Eat Out to Help Out. Booking is highly encouraged, but they are also accepting walk-ins where possible!

Teuchters Landing

After taking a stroll or a dip on the beaches along with Leith, this is a perfect pub for a drink in the sun. The terrace along the canal offers beautiful views. It also has history, as it used to be the waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen steamboat ferry. As with many other pubs, booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.

CC Blooms

The well renowned gay bar in Edinburgh as re-opened its doors to welcome back the LGBTQ community and beyond. Booking is essential, with the club being fully booked for days after its re-opening, and temperature checks will be carried out before entering.

The Outhouse

The ideal spot for some Summer snacks. This hidden bar in Broughton offers cocktails and vegan options, and the outside area is spacious; perfect for an afternoon out with flatmates. The pub asks that you book – they have also spoken out about people not arriving for bookings, so they have encouraged visitors not to do this.

Bar 50

  Slap bang in the centre of Cowgate, this bar offers tasty food and drink at student-friendly prices, being a part of some of Edinburgh University’s accommodation. Its location is ideal for a pre-club snack and drink. Indoor and outside booking is available and ordering through their app is encouraged.