Best breweries, beer bars and taprooms near St Andrew Square
Use this practical Edinburgh craft beer guide to explore the city one pint at a time. Find the best breweries in Edinburgh, top rated pubs, and lively Edinburgh beer bars within easy reach of St Andrew Square. Head out to taprooms for rotating taps, sample cask ales in wood panel pubs, or book a craft beer tour in Edinburgh for guided tastings. Each pick notes vibe, beer selection and useful arrival tips. Sentences are short, so you can scan and plan fast. Start your evening with a local pour, relax in a tucked-away beer garden, and finish at a friendly late-night bar. This guide helps you drink well, keep to your budget, and enjoy the city like a local.
Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom | Lothian Road
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Tap into Edinburgh flavour, one bold draught at a time.
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What to expect
Expect an easygoing taproom with brewery character, helpful bartenders and a clear focus on beer. Learn a few brewing tips during guided tasting moments, sample a range of house brews, and choose a cosy corner or a long table for a group. The venue is spacious rather than intimate, so it suits lively catch-ups as well as quieter afternoons. Staff will point to current beers on the pumps and offer tasting pours to help decide.
Plan your visit
Head out from the city centre, allow time to browse the taps, and arrive during the late afternoon for a calmer vibe. Reserve for larger groups, ask staff for tasting suggestions, and pair the visit with a short walk around the neighbourhood afterwards.
Jeremiah's Taproom
Image / Jeremiah’s Taproom
Cosy, characterful and welcoming, a favourite local for a good pint and friendly company.
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What to expect
Expect a warm, buzzy pub with low lighting, eclectic artwork and a distinctly communal feel. Friendly, attentive staff are happy to recommend drinks, and there is usually a good mix of regulars and visitors. Seating ranges from snug corners to long communal tables, making it easy to join a group or claim a quieter spot. An interactive jukebox and lively banter add to the charm, while a small back room can suit private meet-ups.
Plan your visit
Drop in for a relaxed afternoon pint or pop by before a show nearby. For groups, enquire about the small rear room to secure space, otherwise simply turn up and staff will usually find a spot. Good for solo visitors seeking a sociable atmosphere, couples after a casual evening out, and families looking for a friendly pub vibe.
The Stockbridge Tap
Image / The Stockbridge Tap
A cosy Stockbridge pub with outstanding beers and whiskies, and a genuine local buzz.
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What to expect
Expect an intimate, traditionally furnished space where conversation flows easily and the focus is very much on drink quality. A wide and changing beer selection sits alongside a strong whisky offering, with staff happy to recommend. The pub is popular with locals and their dogs, so it can feel lively and full at peak times. Seating is limited, large groups are discouraged, and bringing a takeaway to eat at the bar is often accepted.
Plan your visit
Ideal for solo stops, dates or small gatherings, arrive earlier on busy days to secure a seat. Ask bar staff for recommendations to discover something new from the rotating taps. Large parties should consider splitting across nearby venues, and bringing a takeaway is a handy option when the kitchen is not available.
Salt Horse
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Cosy Old Town bar, superb craft beers and a welcoming vibe for relaxed evenings.
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What to expect
Expect a snug, low-lit interior with a rotating lineup of draft and canned craft beers, including local brews, and staff happy to guide choices. Music stays in the background, preserving conversation-friendly energy, while a small outdoor garden offers a quieter spot on sunny days. The place fills up at peak times, creating a lively, social atmosphere that suits couples, friends and solo visitors alike.
Plan your visit
Aim for late afternoon or early evening to catch a lively yet relaxed mood, or drop by mid-afternoon for a quieter experience. Booking is sensible on busy nights, and the team are happy to recommend from the beer list. Combine the visit with a stroll along the Royal Mile and check the venue's social channels for the latest beer selection.
Rose Street Brewery
Image / Tripadvisor
Tradition on tap, cosy corners, and friendly faces: Rose Street’s classic Edinburgh pub experience.
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What to expect
Step inside for a warm, convivial atmosphere set against vintage fittings and framed local memorabilia. The main bar hums with conversation and the clink of glasses, while the upstairs dining room offers a quieter space for conversation. Staff are welcoming and ready with recommendations, pavement seating invites street-side people-watching, and the crowd is a natural mix of locals and visitors, creating an authentic Edinburgh pub feel.
Plan your visit
Visit outside peak weekend hours if seeking a quieter table, and consider booking for larger groups to avoid disappointment. Opt for pavement seating to watch the street, or ask for an upstairs table for a more relaxed meal. Dress for comfort, arrive ready to enjoy friendly service, and allow time to soak up the local atmosphere.
The Blue Blazer
Image / CAMRA
A classic Edinburgh pub, full of character, cosy corners, and a warm welcome.
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What to expect
A warm, well-loved interior with snug booths and communal tables, the kind of place that encourages lingering. The bar offers a rotating range of local ales and whiskies, and staff are approachable and knowledgeable. A stack of board games, comfortable seating and an unpretentious atmosphere make it easy to settle in for a relaxed afternoon or an informal tasting. The clientele mixes locals and travellers, so expect friendly conversation and a genuine pub vibe.
Plan your visit
Pop in after exploring the city or make it a destination for a laid-back afternoon. Try to get a window seat to watch the street, or a corner table for board games and conversation. Ask the bar team for recommendations and allow time to soak up the character; the setting suits solo downtime, catch-ups with friends, or casual business conversations.
Fierce Beer
Image / Forever Edinburgh
Bold local brews, warm welcomes and a taproom that invites lingering conversations.
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What to expect
Expect a welcoming taproom with personality, where house and guest beers rotate regularly and staff are happy to help you navigate the list. Tasting flights are a smart way to compare favourites, while music and comfortable seating create a sociable, unhurried vibe. A small outdoor seating area makes an enjoyable option on sunnier days, and regulars mix easily with visitors for a lively, community feel.
Plan your visit
Arrive ready to explore the taps: ask for a recommendation or choose a tasting flight to try several styles. Ideal for relaxing with friends, striking up conversation solo, or meeting colleagues after work. Take advantage of outdoor seating when the weather permits, and leave time to chat with the approachable bar team who know the beers well.
The Hanging Bat
Image / PubQuizzy
Craft beers, quirky décor and easygoing company, all wrapped in cosy Edinburgh charm.
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What to expect
Step inside to find a roomy yet intimate space where rustic stonework and eclectic furnishings set a relaxed, slightly eccentric tone. The focus is on a carefully curated, rotating beer list and inventive cocktails, with staff ready to suggest or adapt drinks to taste. Seating ranges from stools at the bar to cosy tables, creating pockets for quiet conversation or lively catch-ups, and the overall vibe stays laid-back and inviting.
Plan your visit
Drop in for a relaxed pre-dinner drink or an informal night out. Seating suits both solo visitors and small groups, with room to linger or move between areas. Food can be limited at times, so check the menu ahead if snacks are needed. Ask bar staff for recommendations to explore the current beer and cocktail lineup.