I love going to the pub. Whether it’s catching up with
friends, watching live sport, or just sitting quietly with a casual pint in the
afternoon. Pubs aren’t just social spaces; they help create the culture and
identity of a place and in Leith, where I have lived for nearly 15 years, we
are lucky to have an abundance of independent bars that help mould the
character of the milieu. Now, more than ever, pubs need our help to turn a
profit yet alone thrive, particularly in Scotland where hospitality rates relief
isn’t passed on as in other parts of the UK. So here are a few of my regular
watering holes that I highly recommend.
Victoria Bar
Part of the
Boda Bars
group,
Victoria is a cozy and very
welcoming boozer with an extensive range of drinks, including a number of local
breweries such as
Pilot, C
ampervan and
Moonwake on tap
. There’s
a ‘Bring Your Own Food’ policy as there’s no kitchen, and they serve a
selection of £6 cocktails Mon-Thurs.
Ideal
for hosting events – I should know, I had my 40
th here – with free
hire of the back area for up to 50 guests. It’s very reasonably priced with a
chilled vibe to it.
Tram stop: Balfour Street
Instagram: @victorialeith
Noble’s
This family-run gastropub is a
proper Leith institution. The stunning wood paneled walls and stained glass
give it an air of grandness in this unpretentious bar where a warm greeting is
always on hand. They serve a credible
range of rotating local beers on tap, a decent wine list, and a number of
well-made cocktails. Worth noting there is an ever-changing £6 cocktail menu available from Sun-Thurs.
Noble’s is famed
for their excellent breakfasts and brilliant burgers. There’s a tram stop literally
outside so it’s handy for popping in for a cheeky half while you wait for your carriage to arrive.
Tram stop: The Shore
Instagram: @noblesleith
The Bowler’s Rest
A proper boozer that even has a pool table – something all
too rare in Edinburgh these days! Drinks-wise there’s a keen focus on Leith
breweries and a well-curated range of spirits. Staff are delightful and the
prices are very reasonable. I highly laud their brisket buns that are served
over the weekend for just £6. There’s also an interesting range of pies I’m
dying to try. Live music is big here with regular open mic nights throughout the week. A real hidden gem of a pub!
Tram stop: The Shore
Instagram: @noblesleith
Malone’s
Who doesn’t love an Irish bar? Malone’s opened their second Edinburgh watering hole last year with a terrific refit of a bar spot that had struggled to find
a long-term tenant over the past few years. It’s great for watching sports with
plenty of TVs dotted around, as well as regular live music. They serve a mean Guinness as you’d expect,
and the food is decent too. There’s always a convivial atmosphere at Malone’s.
Worth noting there’s a cool mezzanine level available for private hire that can accommodate up to 70 guests.
I couldn’t believe this was the only Irish bar in Leith!
Tram stop: The Shore
Instagram: @malones_edinburgh
Teuchter’s Landing
Another independently owned bar with the largest beer garden in the city. Teuchter's has it all! Famed for its Scottish food offering with a keen focus on seafood, it's also a terrific place to watch live sports. They even serve bar mugs of mac 'n' cheese, cullen skink and kedgeree to name but a few; why do more bars not do this!? Teuchter's has one of the most extensive whisky lists in the capital, as well as a carefully selected wine list. Beer-wise, they proudly represent several of my favourite Edinburgh breweries, such as
Moonwake,
Newbarns, and
Pilot. A must-visit when the sun is out.
Tram stop: Port of Leith
Instagram: @teuchterslanding
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