1. The Royal Hotel Bar & Restaurant
City/Town: Penicuik
Postal Code: EH26 8HU
Street Address: 34 High St
Country: UK
2. The Golden Pheasant
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G66 5DH
Street Address: 2 Stepps Rd
Country: UK
3. Volunteer Arms
City/Town: Dunbar
Postal Code: EH42 1HP
Street Address: 17 Victoria St
Country: UK
4. Oakwood Bar & Grill
City/Town: Leven
Postal Code: KY8 5JN
Street Address: Sandy Brae
Country: UK
5. Molly Malone’s
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G2 2UG
Street Address: 224 Hope St
Country: UK
6. Abbey Inn
City/Town: Paisley
Postal Code: PA2 7JF
Street Address: Barrhead Rd
Country: UK
7. Gantry
City/Town: Paisley
Postal Code: PA1 1XY
Street Address: 12 New St
Country: UK
8. Black Bull Inn
City/Town: Inverurie
Postal Code: AB51 4RS
Street Address: 50-52 North St
Country: UK
9. The Mosset Tavern Pub & Restaurant
City/Town: Forres
Postal Code: IV36 1DY
Street Address: Gordon St
Country: UK
10. Alpen Lodge
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G2 6AB
Street Address: 25a Hope St
Country: UK
11. Harbour Lights
City/Town: Irvine
Postal Code: KA12 8PY
Street Address: 6 Harbour St
Country: UK
12. Post Office Bar
City/Town: Dundee
Postal Code: DD5 2HG
Street Address: 218 Queen St
Country: UK
13. Seven Kings
City/Town: Dunfermline
Postal Code: KY12 8DA
Street Address: 32 Bridge St
Country: UK
14. Milnes Bar
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH2 2PJ
Street Address: 35 Hanover St
Country: UK
15. Cairns Bar
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G1 1EA
Street Address: 5-15 Miller St
Country: UK
16. Central Bar
City/Town: St. Andrews
Postal Code: KY16 9NU
Street Address: 77 Market St
Country: UK
17. Greenhills
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G75 8TT
Street Address: Greenhills Square
Country: UK
18. Old Post Office Bar
City/Town: Linlithgow
Postal Code: EH49 7AB
Street Address: 29-31 High St
Country: UK
19. Brig O Dee Bar
City/Town: Aberdeen
Postal Code: AB10 7JN
Street Address: 651 Holburn St
Country: UK
20. Grove
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G3 7RX
Street Address: 8 Kelvingrove St
Country: UK
21. The Tipsy Ghillie
City/Town: Kelso
Postal Code: TD5 7AT
Street Address: 11 Woodmarket
Country: UK
22. The Royal Arch Bar
City/Town: Dundee
Postal Code: DD5 2DS
Street Address: 285 Brook St
Country: UK
23. Railway Tavern
City/Town: Bathgate
Postal Code: EH48 1AX
Street Address: 28-30 King St
Country: UK
24. Doctors
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH1 2QN
Street Address: 32 Forrest Rd
Country: UK
25. JOJA Pub Co. Ltd
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G72 9HP
Street Address: West End Bar, 493 Glasgow Rd
Country: UK
26. The Ship Inn
City/Town: Aberdeen
Postal Code: AB11 5SB
Street Address: 14 Victoria St
Country: UK
27. The Queen’s Arms
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G2 5AE
Street Address: 8 Drury St
Country: UK
28. The Almonry
City/Town: Stirling
Postal Code: FK8 2RL
Street Address: 4 Albert Square
Country: UK
29. The Crown Bar
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH2 4NF
Street Address: 68/70 Queen St
Country: UK
30. The White Horse
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH8 8AA
Street Address: 266 Canongate
Country: UK
31. The Victoria Bar
City/Town: Dundee
Postal Code: DD1 2HQ
Street Address: 28 Victoria Rd
Country: UK
32. The Plough Inn
City/Town: Montrose
Postal Code: DD10 8AT
Street Address: 31 Market St
Country: UK
33. The Crown & Anchor
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH8 9AY
Street Address: 29 Chapel St
Country: UK
34. The Bluebell Inn
City/Town: Perth
Postal Code: PH1 5TJ
Street Address: 57 High St
Country: UK
35. The Globe Bar
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G1 1TA
Street Address: 74-76 Montrose St
Country: UK
36. The Little White Bar
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH14 2AP
Street Address: 61 Longstone
Country: UK
37. The Bay Horse
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH2 3BB
Street Address: 22 Castle St
Country: UK
38. The Anchor Bar
City/Town: St. Andrews
Postal Code: KY16 9QF
Street Address: 5-7 Castle Street
Country: UK
39. The Bridge Bar
City/Town: Dunblane
Postal Code: FK15 0EG
Street Address: 19-21 Stirling St
Country: UK
40. The Old House
City/Town: Inverness
Postal Code: IV1 1JN
Street Address: 10 Academy St
Country: UK
41. The Fisherman’s Arms
City/Town: Aberdour
Postal Code: KY3 0TA
Street Address: 3 North Shore
Country: UK
42. The Iron Horse
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G2 5UB
Street Address: 8-10 St Vincent St
Country: UK
43. The Harbour Bar
City/Town: Stonehaven
Postal Code: AB39 2AA
Street Address: 8 Market St
Country: UK
44. The Bell Inn
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH6 7EP
Street Address: 4 John St
Country: UK
45. The Star Bar
City/Town: Edinburgh
Postal Code: EH3 7HF
Street Address: 74 Melville St
Country: UK
46. The Golden Lion
City/Town: Stirling
Postal Code: FK8 1EJ
Street Address: 60 High St
Country: UK
47. The Haven Bar
City/Town: Aberdeen
Postal Code: AB24 5AP
Street Address: 53 King St
Country: UK
48. The Swan Inn
City/Town: Newtonmore
Postal Code: PH20 1DA
Street Address: 17 Main St
Country: UK
49. The Black Cat
City/Town: Inverness
Postal Code: IV1 1LG
Street Address: 43 High St
Country: UK
50. The Blue Lamp
City/Town: Aberdeen
Postal Code: AB25 1BU
Street Address: 121-123 Gallowgate
Country: UK
Bars and pubs are an essential part of Scotland’s social and cultural fabric, offering a mix of traditional charm, contemporary trends, and warm hospitality. From historic taverns steeped in legend to modern cocktail bars showcasing innovative flavors, Scotland’s drinking establishments cater to all tastes. These spaces not only serve as places to enjoy drinks but also as community hubs, live music venues, and cultural landmarks.
Traditional Pubs
Scotland is renowned for its traditional pubs, many of which date back centuries. These establishments often feature rustic decor, wooden beams, roaring fireplaces, and a cozy ambiance. Traditional pubs are the heart of Scotland’s pub culture, known for serving classic drinks such as ales, whiskies, and ciders.
Historic pubs like The Sheep Heid Inn in Edinburgh, which has been operating since the 14th century, offer a glimpse into Scotland’s past while maintaining their role as lively gathering spots. Such venues typically serve hearty pub fare, including haggis, neeps, and tatties, Scotch pies, and fish and chips.
Whisky Bars
Scotland is synonymous with whisky, and its whisky bars are world-class destinations for enthusiasts and curious drinkers alike. These bars often showcase extensive collections of single malts and blends, sourced from renowned distilleries across Scotland’s whisky regions, including Islay, Speyside, Highlands, and Lowlands.
Bars like The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh and The Pot Still in Glasgow provide an immersive whisky-drinking experience. Staffed by knowledgeable bartenders, they guide patrons through tastings, explaining the unique characteristics of each whisky.
Many whisky bars also offer whisky flights, allowing customers to sample a range of drams and discover their preferences. Pairing whisky with food, such as smoked salmon or dark chocolate, is a popular trend in these establishments.
Modern Cocktail Bars
In Scotland’s cities, contemporary cocktail bars cater to a younger, trend-focused crowd. These bars are known for their creative mixology, combining traditional Scottish ingredients with global influences to craft unique drinks.
Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café are celebrated for their inventive cocktails and stylish interiors. These establishments often have thematic decor and serve as destinations for those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience.
Cocktail bars frequently highlight Scottish products like gin, whisky, and locally sourced fruits, creating bespoke drinks that reflect Scotland’s culinary heritage. Gin-based cocktails, in particular, have surged in popularity thanks to the booming craft gin industry in Scotland.
Live Music Pubs
Live music is a cornerstone of Scottish pub culture, and many pubs double as venues for traditional and contemporary performances. From folk music to modern rock, these establishments provide platforms for local talent while offering patrons an engaging night out.
Venues like The Royal Oak in Edinburgh and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow are iconic for their contributions to Scotland’s music scene. In smaller towns and villages, traditional music sessions often feature bagpipes, fiddles, and accordions, offering an authentic cultural experience.
These pubs are also a great place to enjoy ceilidh nights, where traditional Scottish dances bring locals and visitors together for lively entertainment.
Sports Bars
For sports enthusiasts, Scotland’s sports bars offer an electric atmosphere, especially during major football and rugby matches. These venues are equipped with large screens and are popular gathering spots for fans to cheer on their favorite teams.
Pubs like The Golf Tavern in Edinburgh cater to Scotland’s love for golf, often showcasing tournaments alongside casual dining and drinks. Similarly, rugby pubs like The Murrayfield Bar are hotspots during Six Nations matches.
Sports bars typically serve a wide range of beers, including local craft brews and international brands, as well as classic pub snacks like nachos and chicken wings.
Craft Beer Bars
The craft beer movement has taken Scotland by storm, leading to the emergence of bars dedicated to showcasing local and international brews. These bars often feature rotating taps and focus on small-batch production, offering an ever-changing selection.
BrewDog, founded in Aberdeenshire, has become a global name in craft beer, with bars across Scotland, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. These venues highlight bold, innovative flavors and often include educational events like beer tastings and brewing workshops.
Smaller establishments, like Six Degrees North in Aberdeen, also cater to beer aficionados, providing a curated selection of craft ales, IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
Coastal and Countryside Pubs
Scotland’s rural pubs are a charming aspect of the country’s drinking culture. Located in picturesque coastal towns or nestled within the countryside, these establishments often boast stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Pubs in places like Oban, Skye, or Crail frequently serve fresh seafood alongside their drinks, making them popular with tourists exploring Scotland’s natural beauty. Many countryside pubs also function as inns, offering accommodations for travelers.
These establishments are ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking, sightseeing, or enjoying Scotland’s rugged outdoors, with local ales and comfort food adding to the experience.
Community and Independent Pubs
Scotland has a strong tradition of community-owned and independent pubs, which play vital roles in local neighborhoods. These establishments prioritize fostering connections, supporting local events, and showcasing regional talent.
In recent years, initiatives to save and revive struggling pubs have gained traction. Community ownership models ensure that these beloved institutions continue to thrive as social hubs.
Gin Bars
With Scotland’s gin industry flourishing, dedicated gin bars have become popular. These bars offer extensive gin menus featuring brands like Hendrick’s, Caorunn, and Isle of Harris Gin, often paired with premium tonics and garnishes.
Gin bars like 56 North in Edinburgh and Gin71 in Glasgow provide curated experiences, including gin tastings and masterclasses. They highlight the versatility of gin, incorporating it into cocktails and long drinks tailored to individual preferences.
Sustainability in Pubs and Bars
Sustainability is an emerging trend in Scotland’s bar and pub scene. Many establishments are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, sourcing local and organic ingredients, and minimizing waste. Some even brew their own beers or spirits on-site, reducing their carbon footprint.
Bars like The Gate in Glasgow emphasize sustainability, creating seasonal cocktails with foraged ingredients and promoting reusable alternatives to plastic straws and cups.
Festivals and Pub Crawls
Scotland’s love for bars and pubs is celebrated in events like the Edinburgh Pub Crawl and Glasgow Cocktail Week. These festivals highlight the diversity of drinking establishments, encouraging locals and tourists to explore multiple venues while enjoying special menus, live entertainment, and unique themes.
Whisky festivals, such as the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, often feature pop-up bars and pub partnerships, attracting connoisseurs from around the world.
Challenges and Opportunities
The pub and bar industry in Scotland faces challenges, including rising costs, competition from supermarkets, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, opportunities abound for venues that embrace innovation, such as introducing craft cocktails, hosting events, or offering unique experiences like whisky tastings or historical tours.
Expanding outdoor seating, adapting to digital trends like app-based ordering, and partnering with local producers can also help pubs and bars stay competitive.
Conclusion
Bars and pubs in Scotland are more than places to enjoy a drink—they are vital cultural institutions that reflect the country’s heritage and evolving tastes. From historic taverns to cutting-edge cocktail bars, these establishments offer something for everyone, whether it’s a quiet pint, a lively ceilidh, or an immersive whisky experience. Rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, Scotland’s bars and pubs continue to thrive as welcoming spaces for locals and visitors alike.