Various bottles of whiskey on shelves in a bar, some labeled with brand names and ages.

Venues

We carefully selected the Venues with our guests in mind – these gems are places the locals enjoy with their welcoming, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Plus they are handily located in the central city, so your tasting is never too far away.

The Holyrood 9A

A Cosy Old Town Favourite

The front of a bar or restaurant with a purple facade and sign reading 'The Holyrood 9A', with a black chalkboard menu outside, a bicycle leaning against the wall, and dark window frames. The street appears wet, indicating recent rain.

Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Holyrood 9A is a warm, welcoming pub with a bar full of craft beers (24 on tap to be exact!), classic cocktails, a comprehensive range of whiskies and a good bottle of wine when you want one. It’s open for brunch, lunch and dinner, with excellent food whether you’re after a full Scottish breakfast, a gourmet burger or treating yourself to a sirloin steak.

The friendly staff will keep you right, with plenty of space, a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer!

 

Whighams Wine Cellars

Edinburgh’s Home of Seafood, Wine & Jazz

A sign with the name 'WHIGHAMS' hanging outside a building, and an indoor bar or restaurant with people seated at tables, hanging decor, and a menu board.

Step into Whighams and you’ll one of Edinburgh’s best-loved bars, with good food, good music and a few fine whiskies waiting behind the bar.

For over 40 years, Whighams has championed Scottish produce, from Loch Fyne oysters and Cullen Skink to seasonal seafood dishes crafted by Head Chef Dougie Lyall. The wine list is the star of the show: hand picked, ever changing, and full of bottles from small, passionate producers. But this is Scotland, after all, and whisky has it’s place here too.

Whether it’s a long lunch, a glass and a nibble, or a special dinner or a dram after dark, the team will guide you to the right pour. Every Sunday, Whighams also becomes one of the UK’s most respected jazz venues, hosting a buzzing session that draws top musicians from near and far.

Just off Princes Street beside Charlotte Square, with its iconic mural and warm, welcoming character, Whighams is a true Edinburgh institution.

 

Teuchters

A True Edinburgh Original

Exterior of a pub or restaurant with flags and hanging flower baskets, patrons outside waiting, and a sidewalk in front.

Born from the Highland roots of founders Peter Knight and John Tindal, Teuchters Bar & Bunker has grown into one of Edinburgh’s most loved pubs. It celebrates the best of Scotland with great beer, hundreds of malt whiskies, local seafood and hearty classics — all served with its famously warm welcome.

Set in the heart of the historic West End Village on William Street a short five-minute walk from Princes Street it’s surrounded by elegant Georgian buildings, cobbled streets, colourful boutiques and a relaxed, bohemian feel. A perfect spot to arrive early, explore, and enjoy a pint or a dram in one of the city’s quieter corners.

Oh…in case you were wondering….a Teuchter is the playful Scottish term for a Highlander.