The Bow Bar
“A whisky and beer connoisseurs' delight” - AA Inspector
EDINBURGH, EDINBURGH
Our View
If there is one free house that reflects the history and traditions of Edinburgh’s Old Town, it’s The Bow Bar. With a startling number of malt whiskies (310 to date), nine real ales poured from traditional tall founts and 50 bottled beers, the focus may be on liquid refreshment but the range of snacks includes haggis, cheese and chilli pies and bridies (meat pastries). Twice a year in January and July, the pub holds 10-day long beer festivals. Tables from old train carriages and a church gantry add to the unique feel of a bar where the sound of conversation makes up for the lack of gaming machines and music.
Facilities – at a glance
Bar menu
Beer festival
Dog friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Features
- Free Wifi
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Closed: 25–26 December
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most spectacular cities and both Old and New Towns have UNESCO World Heritage status. At its heart, the Old Town is a treasury of architecture stretching back to medieval times with its labyrinth of narrow lanes (‘wynds’ or ‘closes’). While the New Town's splendid district of squares, crescents and gardens are surrounded by impressive Georgian town houses.
It isn’t just a magnificent, bustling city, it’s surrounded by countryside – offering visitors the best of both worlds. Dominated by hills and the sea, with the rolling Pentland Hills to the south and the broad expanse of the Firth of Forth estuary to the north, it benefits from a rugged and varied landscape. So much so, the city has its own miniature mountain, Arthur’s Seat, which looms over the Old Town and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, dwarfing even Castle Rock and its crowning fortress, Edinburgh Castle.
A couple of miles east, Portobello is Edinburgh’s seaside area, with a long stretch of golden sand that attracts droves of city dwellers on sunny summer days.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Nearby experiences
Recommended things to do
Why choose Rated Trips?
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The best coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan your next trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.