8 of the best beer gardens in Edinburgh
With the good weather (hopefully) here to stay (and more than likely to go and come back again on random days) it's finally beer garden weather.
Thankfully Edinburgh has more than a few courtyards, suntraps and outdoor areas for the casual drinker. 8 of the best beer gardens in Edinburgh
(139 Cowgate, EH1 1JS)
With one of the most well known courtyards in the city, The Three Sisters in the Cowgate is famous for its drinks deals, pub grub and great atmosphere.
With its huge focus on live sports, this is the best place to catch any summer football, rugby or tennis and it's also the home of The Old Town Street Food Festival meaning that on some weekends you'll also get access to some of the city's best street food vendors as well as an ice cold beer and sunshine.
(1c Dock Place, EH6 6LU)
Characterful, well-loved and great value, Teuchters Landing not only has a great selection of whiskies, beers and food, this water front bar also has a beer garden and a pontoon for when the weather is really good.
The former waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen steamboat ferry, the pub is massively popular and fills up quick so make sure to get there on time, don't worry about bringing sun cream, the staff are happy to provide some.
The Outhouse
(12A Broughton St Lane, EH1 3LY)
Situated close to the ever popular Broughton Street, this walled off beer garden is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike and for good reason. The bar offers great value beers, cocktails and other drinks while the walled off space offers plenty of privacy.
Even when the sun goes down this pretty little beer garden continues to shine, open flame heaters and fairy lights continue to provide the heat and light and it's one of the most fun places to be on a warm summer's night.
The Beehive Inn
(18-22 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU)
The pedestrianised area around the Grassmarket is already a sun trap, and the perfect place to catch a few rays in the Beehive Inn's outdoor seating area.
Don't worry if inevitably people get there before you (it's a popular pub) they also have a decked beer garden hidden away (described as the best kept secret in Edinburgh) out back with stunning views of the Castle.
A big tree and plenty of parasols will provide shade here on a sweltering day, but there are plenty of sunny seats too.
The Cumberland Bar
(1-3 Cumberland St, Edinburgh EH3 6RT)
Feeling like you've just been transported to some northern Italian courtyard instead of the New Town, The Cumberland Bar's beer garden is small but has a cosy atmosphere.
It get's plenty of sunshine and the pub itself is well known for its excellent drinks list. It's also the perfect place to escape the shopping and tourist hordes of both Princes and George Streets.
(237 Morningside Road, EH10 4QU)
Described by celebrity chef Rick Stein as "the best pub in the world", this charming and decidedly eccentric little pub is an Edinburgh favourite with a hidden beer garden that's a wonderful little sun trap in which to enjoy a beer, glass of wine or a dram from the Canny Man's expansive range.
(1 Summerhall Pl, EH9 1PL)
Summerhall is home to a brewery, a gin distillery, a Drinks Lab, an arts venue and this excellent little bar, which just so happens to have its own beer garden in the courtyard.
So why not grab a Pickering's and Tonic or a pint of Barney's and head outside to enjoy the ambiance and buzz of this exciting little cultural hub in Newington.
( 92 Commercial St, EH6 6LX)
This popular bakery, cafe and overall fabulous eatery has just opened a beer garden, so capital residents can enjoy their range of tasty treats and a range of local beers al fresco.
Opened last summer off the back of the popularity of sister restaurant, Gardener's Cottage, Quay Commons serves up freshly made bread and cakes alongside a selection of salad, quiche of the day, cured meats, brunch items and pasta.