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 Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Food program: Scottish small plates
Guided tour · 1 hour
Indulge in pure gin pleasure on the Pickering's Gin Jolly Tour in Edinburgh. Learn about the distillation process, sample four gins, enjoy a freshly made cocktail and ...
Guided tour · 1 day
Explore the historic 12th-century port of Leith on a food walking tour. Enjoy over 5 stops a delicious lunch: a visit to a farmer’s market and afternoon tea of homemad...
Guided tour · 1.5 hours
Discover the history of brewing in Edinburgh and Leith on a guided tour of a brewery. Enjoy a tasting of a range of beers in the onsite taproom.
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.
DrinkBespoke cocktail crafted to the guest's flavour brief, no fixed menu
FoodNo food
TipCash-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.
DrinkThe Last Word (gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, lime)
FoodBar snacks
TipSister 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.
DrinkWhisky flight by region
FoodScottish full menu and afternoon tea
TipBook 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.
DrinkOff-menu bartender's choice built from the day's fresh produce
FoodNo food
TipWalk-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.
DrinkScottish Highball with Highland Park 12
FoodBar snacks and full restaurant menu
TipThe 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.
DrinkShaky Pete's Ginger Brew (gin, ginger, lemon, beer)
FoodBar steaks, charcuterie, snacks
TipExpress menu before 18:30 runs three courses at £28 from the bar; the cocktails are the same as the restaurant.
