The Scotch Malt Whisky Society in The Vaults on Giles Street in Leith, opened 1983, the world reference for single-cask whisky with a members bar and tasting.
Editorially verified May 19, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Food program: Scottish small plates
Tip: Non-members can buy a day pass for £15 and bring a guest; ask at the door. The Queen Street branch is the New Town sibling.
Address: The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ
Never Really Here on Rose Street North Lane in Edinburgh New Town, a tucked-away speakeasy behind a graffiti-covered black door with seven tables.
Signature drink: Bespoke cocktail crafted to the guest's flavour brief, no fixed menu
Food: No food
Tip: Cash-only, walk-ins only by knock on the door; arrive before 9pm for a chance of a table on Fridays.
The Last Word Saloon on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge Edinburgh, opened 2014, a wood-panelled cocktail bar named after the Prohibition-era drink.
Signature drink: The Last Word (gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, lime)
Food: Bar snacks
Tip: Sister bars on the same street include The Bon Vivant's Companion; the basement seats fill from 21:00 on Friday.
Amber whisky bar and restaurant inside The Scotch Whisky Experience on Castlehill in Edinburgh, opened in 1988, a tasting bar pouring 470-plus single malts.
Signature drink: Whisky flight by region
Food: Scottish full menu and afternoon tea
Tip: Book the Region Flight; five drams from five Scottish whisky regions with tutored tasting from a brand ambassador.
Bramble on Queen Street in Edinburgh New Town, opened 2006 by Mike Aikman and Jas Scott, a basement cocktail bar credited with launching the city's modern.
Signature drink: Off-menu bartender's choice built from the day's fresh produce
Food: No food
Tip: Walk-ins only and the room fills fast after 9pm; ask the bartender for a dealer's-choice rather than the menu.
The Dome cocktail bar on George Street in Edinburgh New Town, opened 1996 inside the former Commercial Bank building, a glass-domed grand-room space pouring.
Signature drink: Scottish Highball with Highland Park 12
Food: Bar snacks and full restaurant menu
Tip: The Christmas decoration installation in November to January is famously over-the-top; book a window seat ahead.
Hawksmoor's bar on West Register Street in Edinburgh New Town, opened 2019 inside the former National Bank of Scotland Hall, a 30-seat cocktail bar.
Signature drink: Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew (gin, ginger, lemon, beer)
Food: Bar steaks, charcuterie, snacks
Tip: Express menu before 18:30 runs three courses at £28 from the bar; the cocktails are the same as the restaurant.
