Best & Cool Bars in Elie

"Taste the water of life at The Scotch Whisky Experience, and let the whisky gurus reveal all there is to know about Scotland’s national tipple. Tour the replica distillery, gawp at 3,500 bottles of the iconic elixir, ride in a whisky-barrel car and take home a tasting glass. There’s an attached shop, restaurant and whisky bar, should you fancy a post-tour dram."

"This museum is dedicated to the history and fabrication of whisky, the national pride of Scotland. It’s located at the beginning of the Royal Mile, right next to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions museum. The tour starts in a merry-go-round where you ride in a barrel through different rooms."

"Casual but stylish vegan restaurant Harmonium opened its doors in Leith in 2017, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The airy ex-pub is friendly and has a great menu that changes regularly, but at various times of year you can expect to see their take on a surf n'turf: a large seitan steak served with creamy potato puree, garlic butter, seared vegan scallops, steamed kale and green beans with smoked paprika. Other popular menu items include their battered "to-fish" supper, and their spicy jackfruit curry."

"This bar and restaurant from the Stereo team doesn't even need to flag vegan options on its menu because the whole damn thing is free from any animal products. Offering all your favourite comfort eats, from burgers and macaroni cheese, to laverbread cakes with streaky bacon, they're easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh."

"Situated on the streets of Old Town, Brew Lab prides itself on speciality coffee and artisanal delicacies, serving up a meticulously crafted espresso that will keep you focused all day (or at least until you reach the next coffee spot). With the mission to bring the best coffee possible to the people of Edinburgh, it would be a shame to not at least try this creative hot spot. These guys are so serious about creating exceptional coffee, that they also provide barista courses that teach you the beauty of creating an espresso, as well as creative latte art and filter brewing."

"Brew Lab is the first choice of many a coffee connoisseur in Edinburgh, focusing on single-origin speciality-grade coffee provided by Union Hand-Roasted – those in the know appreciate this brand for its ethical sourcing and heritage in the UK coffee community. The shop itself is as trendy as they come with bare-brick walls, modern tunes and a happily drip-fed clientele of hipsters, university students and remote workers."

"With their on site training lab, the team at Brew Lab serves up a perfectly brewed single-origin filter and a food offering made from local produce. If you’re early, snag one of the window armchairs or the leather couches and watch Edinburgh city awake. But if you’re not an early bird, don’t despair."

"Situated within a short distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Whiski Rooms boast stunning views over the mound and Princes Street. With a bar, bistro, restaurant and shop, the Whiski Rooms neatly captures a superb food and drink experience under one convenient roof. Their food menu seamlessly blends classic and modern dishes using only the finest and freshest, locally sourced produce."

"While the decor highlights the venue's love of all things Scottish, the highlight of the restaurant is the menu. Serving a handful of traditional recipes - all made using local ingredients and cuts of meat - each dish has been purposely paired with a particular whisky to highlight certain flavours."

"What: Roseleaf may be best known for its ‘pot-tails’ (cocktails served in teapots), but we’d also recommend stopping by here in the morning. To kick start your day, tuck into one of Roseleaf’s range of eggs Benedicts, which can be paired with everything from black pudding to spinach. Roseleaf is also good for anyone looking to enjoy breakfast in a venue with a difference, thanks to its Instagram-friendly interiors which include a collection of vintage furniture and lots of other random knick-knacks."

"If you are looking for a traditional-looking pub then Roseleaf Bar and Café in the historic Port 'o Leith is where to head. Decorated with pre-loved furniture, it is split into two main areas -with the back area more suited for family dining. The pub grub includes daily specials, fresh baked goodies and Sunday roasts too and is served from 10am right through till 10pm every day."

"Roseleaf Café is located in Leith near the port and Royal Yacht Britannia, so handy if you’re planning a visit there. Established in 2007, they’re family run and a cross between a gastro pub, cafe and bistro. Decorated with vintage furniture, hats from around the world and other quirky finds, they’re open from 10 am to 10 pm every day."

"Grab a beer and listen to some tunes at this pub with some of the best vibes in St Andrews. Take some time away from Ma-Bells and enjoy a more low-key night instead. Aikman's kitchen stays open longer than any other pub in St Andrews, so enjoy some bar snacks with a European beer of your choice."

"One of hipper options in town for that caffeine hit is Cairngorm Coffee, which has two locations in the city and has a welcoming bright and airy interior. The one we visited at Melville Place was buzzing mid-day with a line basically out the door and a lively group of customers eating and chatting away with friends. This local favorite prides themselves on brewing their own coffee in the Cairngorms and utilizing the first San Remo Opera machine in all of Scotland."

"A firm favourite of many Edinburgh locals and visitors alike. Two of my favourite things are on offer at Cairngorm Coffee; cheese and of course some of the best coffee you dan find in Edinburgh. Cairngorm have two coffee shops in Edinburgh, both offering a unique sit-in experience in central locations."

"This bright and beautiful coffee stop now has two locations in the city with a loyal contingent of coffee fans. Naturally, they brew up their own coffee in-store, which they roast in the Cairngorm Mountains every week. Be sure to take home a bag of their trademark yellow coffee beans to sip at home!"

"Found on Queen Street, Fortuna Coffee is the city’s current biggest hit when it comes to coffee, providing an elegant appearance out front with a cute and cosy feel inside. A favourite work spot for creative types, Fortuna sources all their products from Edinburgh’s finest artisans, providing coffee from Machina, a high-quality local roastery. A fun and friendly atmosphere for those new to town, Fortuna is also a responsible café who focuses on providing sustainable practices to reduce waste within the store, making it the perfect choice for the more eco-conscious customer."

"Fortuna was the first café we visited, having just stumbled off a 3 hour train from Warrington. After a bag laden hour, wandering the streets of the New Town, we were in need of sustenance and a sit down. Walking into Fortuna (via some decidedly non-accessible steps) you are met with a welcoming ambience."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road in the center of Edinburgh. As well as a delightful rooftop hydro pool, nineteen meter infinity swimming pool, rainforest showers, and rock and bio saunas, the Spa includes a unique thermal suite which features treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans – such as the Laconium (dry heat treatment room) and Tepidarium (warm room) and the deliciously scented Aroma Grotto. They have a well-equipped gym with a selection of classes including Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, LiveStrong Cycling and high intensity circuit training."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road on Festival Square. Escape the busy city life, throw your worries and cares aside for the day to contrate purely on yourself, and enjoy Scotland’s most renowned urban thermal spa experience. Their facilities are second to none and have everything you need to re-energise your body and soul."

"Unwind in a stylish and modern setting with the Sheraton Hotel’s One Spa. There are 5 different steam rooms, a 19m swimming pool as well as the Ultimate hydro rooftop pool offering the most luxurious hotel spa experience in the heart of Edinburgh. There's also an amazing selection of sauna and thermal rooms, all stimulating the senses with scent, sight, heat and steam."

"The Water of Leith is a great bistro style cafe which has gained a huge local following and become one of the most popular eateries in the Cannonmills area. The cafe has a relaxed and extremely welcoming ambiance and the French style food is both delectable and reasonably priced. Great Cullen Skink sits happily alongside French classics such as Croque Madame and the specials board is always brimming with tempting treats."

"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from 8am until 12 noon on a Monday to Friday and then 9am to 1pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Our gift vouchers can be purchased in store and online - the perfect present for food and drink lovers. Find out more here: http://ow.ly/ulPF305Ao8P"

"Located in the port of Leith and opened in 1999 Martin Wishart has a solid reputation in Edinburgh as being one of the best restaurants in the city. Rather than piecing together your own meal from the extensive menu, it is best to opt for the six-course tasting menu prepared by the chef each evening, there are some variations available, including a vegetarian menu, and a fish menu, so that the dishes cater for a wide audience. If you are drinking have staff pick out wines to pair with each of the dishes."

"This multi award-winning restaurant is located in the historic port of Leith area of Edinburgh. Opened in 1999 by Martin Wishart, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, it was the very first restaurant in Edinburgh to receive a Michelin Star in 2001. With fresh flowers on tables and gentle glowing lighting, it certainly won’t disappoint with the romantic aspect."