Big screens, easy pints, and local pubs worth knowing
Edinburgh’s pub scene gives you plenty of choice for match day, from the Old Town to Leith Walk and Broughton Street. This guide brings together places where you can settle in for live sport, a proper pint, and a straightforward meal without losing the mood of the night. You’ll find big screens at city-centre spots like Boston Bar and The Chanter, then smaller pubs such as Deacon Brodies Tavern, The Mitre Bar, and The Black Bull, where the atmosphere stays unforced and the setting feels close to the action. If you want a quieter drink before kick-off, McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium, The Harp and Castle, and Cask & Barrel on Broughton Street give you a more relaxed pace, while Finnegan's Wake and Marcos add music, pool, and a livelier finish.
McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium
Image / McGonagall's Edinburgh
Gin, whisky and relaxed company in the heart of Edinburgh.
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What to expect
A broad selection of gins and whiskies alongside cocktails and a short menu of hearty Scottish dishes. Staff are attentive and happy to offer recommendations, and they tend not to rush tables. The room is cosy, with a mix of bar seats and window tables, so you can drop in for a drink or stay for a meal.
Plan your visit
If you want a window table, arrive a little earlier than peak hours or take a seat at the bar while you wait. Tell the staff what styles you like and they will suggest drinks or pairings from the menu. The venue works well for relaxed catch-ups, date nights and solo visits; for a group meal consider calling ahead if you need a guaranteed table.
Doctors
Image / Tripadvisor
A relaxed neighbourhood bar for easy drinks and friendly conversation.
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What to expect
A calm, informal setting with a local feel. The bar serves standard beers, spirits and simple mixed drinks, and staff can point you to house favourites. Seating is a mix of stools and small tables, which works for solo visitors and pairs as well as small groups. Noise levels stay moderate outside peak evening times.
Plan your visit
If you prefer quiet time, aim for a morning visit when the place is relaxed and seating is easy. For a social night out, early evening offers a livelier but still manageable crowd. Ask staff for drink suggestions, they often steer you to reliable choices. If you have a group, call ahead to check availability so you avoid waiting for a table.
Deacon Brodies Tavern
Image / Deacon Brodies Tavern
A welcoming Old Town pub with strong local roots.
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What to expect
Expect a multi-room layout with low ceilings and a busy bar area. Staff are used to tourists and regulars, so service is efficient and friendly. Drinks lean towards Scottish whisky and a selection of beers, with simple, hearty pub food available. The atmosphere is informal and sociable rather than quiet or formal.
Plan your visit
If you want a table at peak times, arrive early or be prepared to stand at the bar. Sitting at the bar is useful for quicker service and recommendations. Combine a visit with a walk around the Old Town to make the most of the area. Wear footwear suited for cobbles and narrow streets.
The Mitre Bar
Image / Tripadvisor
A traditional Royal Mile pub with good ale and a classic interior.
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What to expect
A lively, pubby atmosphere that suits solo visitors, couples and groups. Friendly staff serve real ales in good condition and straightforward pub food such as haggis and salmon dishes. The interior features high decorative ceilings and a prominent wooden bar, with seating options ranging from stools to cosy booths. Service can be brisk when the pub is busy, and the guest WiFi may be patchy.
Plan your visit
If you want a quieter experience, aim for weekday afternoons or early evenings. For a lively night out, come on a Friday or Saturday when the pub fills up. Short visits work well for a pint and a plate; larger groups should consider booking ahead. Check the menu on arrival if you want local dishes, and be prepared for occasional waits during busy periods.
Finnegan's Wake Edinburgh
Image / Useyourlocal
Lively city pub for music, sport and a social pint.
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What to expect
A warm, compact interior with a wooden bar and snug corners. Expect live music on some evenings and sports on the screens at key fixtures. Service is mainly at the bar, and seating fills up quickly on busy nights. Drinks focus on beers, spirits and simple pub plates.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early on weekends and match nights if you want a seat. Bring ID, and travel light, space is limited around the bar. If you prefer a quieter visit, try a weekday early evening. Check the pub’s social channels before you go for live music or match listings.
Roseburn Bar
Image / CAMRA
A straightforward neighbourhood bar for relaxed drinks and live sports.
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What to expect
Low-key, friendly service and a practical interior with bench seating and a long bar. Several TV screens show matches and there is a background of conversation rather than loud music. The drink list focuses on beers, cask ales and familiar spirits, with simple bar snacks available.
Plan your visit
If you want a quiet visit, try a morning or early-afternoon slot when it feels like a local cafe that serves drinks. For match days go with friends and expect a livelier atmosphere. Bring ID, and check transport home in advance if you plan to stay late.
Artisan Bar
Image / WhatPub
A friendly local for a relaxed drink and some people-watching
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What to expect
A straightforward drink-focused menu and affordable choices. Expect a mix of regulars and visitors, friendly bar staff and a few dogs on quieter days. Seating is mostly bar and small tables inside, with a few outside seats. The atmosphere is warm and casual rather than loud or trendy.
Plan your visit
Drop in for a solo pint or a low-key meet-up with friends. If you want a quieter experience, aim for daytime or early afternoon. Try to grab one of the outside seats on pleasant days for people-watching. Ask the staff for a recommended drink if you want something local or unusual.
Cask & Barrel (Broughton Street)
Image / Edinburgh Pub Reviews - Substack
A relaxed neighbourhood bar for casual drinks and good conversation.
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What to expect
A straightforward pub-style interior with a long bar and table seating. Expect a selection of beers, a modest cocktail list and a whisky range. Staff are informal and helpful. Noise levels rise as the evening progresses, but the place stays welcoming rather than raucous.
Plan your visit
If you’re coming with a small group, arrive a little earlier for better seating or take a bar table. Bring ID for age checks and have a card handy, most places accept contactless. For a quieter meet-up or a work catch-up, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons when the space is calm.
The Black Bull
Image / Forever Edinburgh
A straightforward Old Town pub for casual drinks and easy company.
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What to expect
Inside you'll find a compact space with a traditional pub layout and wooden seating. The bar serves a range of beers and basic pub drinks, and there are simple food options for a bite while you drink. Service is friendly and informal, and the mood shifts from relaxed daytime chatter to a livelier feel in the evenings.
Plan your visit
If you prefer a quieter table, aim for weekdays or earlier evenings. For a sociable night, come later or on a weekend and expect a busier room. Ask the bar staff for local ale recommendations and look for a window seat to watch the Grassmarket. Combine a visit with a short walk around the Old Town to make the most of the area.
Seamus's
Image / Edinburgh Cocktail Week
A friendly Irish bar for relaxed drinks and live music.
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What to expect
A cosy interior with a traditional bar, a mix of locals and visitors and staff who are welcoming and efficient. Noise levels rise in the evening when groups arrive or musicians play, but the place stays informal rather than packed. It works for a solo drink, a catch-up with friends or a low-key after-work stop.
Plan your visit
If you want a quieter experience, aim for an afternoon visit. For groups, try to arrive early to get a spot near the bar or seating area. Bring a mix of cash and card, and plan a short stroll afterwards to take in nearby streets. Treat this as a relaxed stop rather than a late-night venue.
The Chanter
Image / Social Pub & Kitchen
A friendly neighbourhood bar for casual drinks and match nights.
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What to expect
A lively but unpretentious interior with pub seating and a long bar. Several screens show live sport on busy nights. Service is friendly and relaxed. The menu focuses on easy, familiar dishes and drinks rather than fine dining.
Plan your visit
If you are coming with a group, reserve a table or arrive early on match days. Wear casual clothes and expect background noise on busy nights. Ask staff about the best spot for viewing screens if you want to watch a game, or pick a corner table if you prefer to chat.
Boston Bar
Image / CAMRA
Big-screen drama and neon charm: Boston Bar brings sport, laughs and city buzz together.
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What to expect
Enter a bright, buzzy space where multiple screens and upbeat music set the tone. The atmosphere can be energetic, especially during key matches, with a friendly front-of-house team keeping service moving. Interiors mix neon accents, tiled floors and a well-stocked bar, creating a contemporary sports-bar vibe rather than a traditional pub feel. Seating ranges from stools at the counter to group tables, and portions tend to be generous, making it a sociable spot for pairs and larger groups.
Plan your visit
Aim to book for busy match nights, or arrive early to grab a good seat by the screens. Midweek visits offer a calmer pace for conversation, while the bar counter is great for solo visitors wanting a front-row view. Flag down staff for screen locations or recommendations, and be prepared for an upbeat, sociable environment.
Marcos (Pool, Karaoke and Pizzas)
Image / Marcos Pool Hall - UK.COM
Pool, karaoke and pizza in one casual spot
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What to expect
Expect a loud, lively atmosphere in the evenings and a more laid-back feel in the afternoons. There are pool tables and a karaoke area for groups. The menu centres on pizzas and straightforward bar snacks, with a typical selection of beers and simple cocktails. Seating is a mix of booths and high tables, and service is informal and friendly.
Plan your visit
If you want a guaranteed karaoke slot, book ahead when possible. Come with a small group for the best pool and singing experience. Order pizzas to share rather than individual mains. Dress casually and bring ID for drinks. Expect to queue for a table at peak times, so plan a back-up meeting point with friends.
The Cambridge Bar
Image / Free Festival
A relaxed New Town bar for casual drinks and light bites.
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What to expect
A compact interior with a traditional bar, high stools and small tables. Service is straightforward and pacey. Drinks focus on popular beers, a few craft options and classic cocktails. Food covers simple plates and bar snacks rather than full meals. Music is usually upbeat but not overpowering.
Plan your visit
Go as a small group or a couple for the best fit with the space. Walk-ins are the norm, so plan for flexible timing rather than a reservation. Bring ID if you plan to drink, and wear comfortable shoes if you expect to stand at the bar. Pair the visit with a short walk around New Town if you want to make an evening of it.
The Queens Arms
Image / SquareMeal
Friendly New Town pub for casual drinks and crowd-pleasing roasts.
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What to expect
A busy, social pub with a classic Scottish feel. Service is generally friendly and efficient, and the beer selection gets good reviews. Food is popular, especially sharing roasts, though some guests note occasional variability in food temperature and roast texture. The loo facilities are kept clean and there is plenty of seating most nights.
Plan your visit
Book ahead for weekend evenings or for a group roast, and consider pre-ordering for larger parties. Arrive earlier on Saturday nights to secure a table. For a quieter experience, choose an afternoon slot. Staff are used to groups, so ask about sharing plates and drink recommendations.