Cloisters Bar
Despite its ostentatious façade, which is that of the former All Saints Parsonage, Cloisters Bar is mightily low profile. Just along the road are several painfully on-trend craft beer bars, where ordering a flight almost requires a degree in brewing. At Cloisters, however, an inquisitive approach from guests is met with humble expertise on the star-studded house line-up of casks and kegs from Scottish brewers like Alchemy, Black Isle and Pilot. It’s a lovely spot to stop off at following a saunter around The Meadows.
Address: 26 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH
Website: cloistersbar.com
The Dagda Bar
If you’re looking for a quality pint in a more traditional yet friendly boozer, it’s impossible to go wrong with The Dagda Bar. This Southside pub has been a firm favourite amongst students, visitors and local regulars for decades, and for good reason too. It may be small, with its large rectangular counter and wooden barrels taking up a significant portion of the room, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. You’ll find the bar bustling on most evenings but especially on nights when Dagda hosts its famous (and competitive) pub quiz. On tap, there are weekly rotating guest ales and behind the bar, there’s a large selection of whiskies, all of which are very reasonably priced thanks to its student clientele.
Address: The Dagda Bar, 93-95 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh EH8 9NG
Sandy Bell’s
Often overshadowed by neighbouring hipster hotspots, the no-frills Sandy Bell’s is an Edinburgh institution. At home on Forrest Road, where student and tourist life collide, the cobalt blue façade once belonged to a grocery shop. Now, it prides itself on being central to the folk-music revival in Auld Reekie with a regular roster of local bands showcasing their talents – you might even have the opportunity to hear Edinburgh’s unique style of trad music. The dark wood interiors speak of times gone by, and the wood-fired stove in the central heart pumps out heat on cold days to create a cosy space that is tough to leave.