The Best Pubs and Bars in Leith, Edinburgh

Explore the old streets of Edinburgh with Culture Trip this December
Explore the old streets of Edinburgh with Culture Trip this December | Dive. In Life / Unsplash
Tori Chalmers

Leith, with its charming appeal and vibrant history, is a glorious cultural hub in its own right. From the whispering docks to the trusty Walk, you don’t have to search far and wide to find a top-notch drinking den. Here are the best Leith pubs and bars you just can’t live without.


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The Lioness of Leith

Lioness Of Leith

The Lioness of Leith, with its ridiculously cool décor and roaring vibes, is as hip as they come. The coffee, teas and cocktails epitomise all things divine, whereas the contemporary British and European eats — all conjured up from fresher than fresh seasonal produce — are simply delicious. Arty feels and effortlessly chic surroundings put this wildcat in front of the competition.

Unashamedly traditional and wonderfully relaxed, King’s Wark is your quintessential Scottish pub. Famed for its sinfully delicious weekend fry-ups and innovative Scots cuisine, there’s always room at this inn. Overflowing with real ales and free from unnecessary frills, this building dates back to the 1400s. Whether coffee, cocktail, cask ale or wine, this charming place never fails to abscond with a piece of your heart. The cheese board is a day-maker.

Teuchters Landing

Unwavering in appeal and with plenty of banter, Teuchters Landing is the kind of place you instantly want to make your local. Situated at the docks of Leith, this pub is renowned for hosting a sensational array of whiskies and beer. Drenched in history, you can almost hear the old walls gossiping about the days when the pub was once a waiting room for the steamboat ferry from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. The magical beer garden and pontoon add that extra wow factor. Booze wise, they have everything under the sun, along with a lengthy menu to satisfy all types of foodies.

Roseleaf

Roseleaf, with its unrestrained array of pre-loved furnishings and laissez-faire attitude, is a magnet for folk with a penchant for great times. Catering to one and all, Roseleaf serves up the full works and then some. The loose-leaf teas are just as addictive as the fresh juices, whereas the pints and real ales comfort all who sip them. Those Pot Tails though (cocktails in teapots) — they deserve a standing ovation! From the smashing menu, to a Sunday Roast nothing short of perfection, this garden of Eden is forever in full bloom.

Boda Bar

More of a living room and less of a stuffy booze-infused institution, Boda Bar is a compact space bursting with enough fun for the stars, moon and beyond. Frequented by all odds and sods, there are no rules here. Just endless chat and expertly made drinks, specifically the Idun’s Elderflower Cider, a weird and wonderful mix of shots and Aquavit. From vegan nights and Harry Potter quiz sessions to pop-up shops and board game evenings, there’s always that exciting element of surprise with Boda.

Nobles

Exquisitely decorated, Nobles is a trusty fail-safe drinking establishment. This Victorian café-bar sports stained-glass windows and lots of comfy seats suited for nattering the day away. The food is faultless and the drinks just keep on coming, complimenting the convivial vibes. Elegant and airy, everything about this place makes it worth frequenting.

Joseph Pearce’s

Always bustling with joyous folk, Joseph Pearce’s has quite the reputation around town. This former wine merchant and grocery shop has worn many hats, none as brilliant as the bar it is now. When the sun isn’t shining down upon the punters on the outdoor patio, the brightness continues indoors. This bar, which was touched by a Swedish wand, has a multitude of nooks and crannies, perfect for catching up. The cocktails are fanciful and the buzz exciting.

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