Best & Cool Bars in Firth of Forth

"Although not a distillery itself, The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five-star visitor attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile tells the tale of Scotland's national drink and is well worth a visit. With a stunning multi-sensory tour and tasting, The Scotch Whisky Experience fully immerses visitors in the water of life via a breath-taking 180° panoramic tour of Scotland’s five whisky-making regions, and a carefully crafted recreation of an 1870s Blender’s Room. Set up in 1987 to educate visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky, it is now home to the world’s largest private collection of Scotch whisky, held in a glittering vault."

"You’ll ride in a giant barrel on a historic ride to learn about how scotch is made. Then you enter a learning room where a live person will walk you through the regions of Scotland and the whisky produced in each one!. Everyone gets a taste of scotch with the Standard “Silver” tour ticket in this room."

"On top of my personal list of vegan eateries in Edinburgh is Harmonium in Broughton. The restaurant is the little sibling of Glasgow’s vegan icons Mono, Stereo and co. and offers top-notch vegan cuisine in the casual environment of a cosy pub. The menu is very diverse and includes comfort food classics, like pizzas, burgers and mac & cheese, but also more creative options like scallops made from King Oyster mushroom (I order these every time) or beer-battered nori banana blossoms with chips."

"Harmonium offers vegan cuisine that everyone will enjoy|© Harmonium. Brought to Edinburgh by the people behind Glasgow’s fashionable Flying Duck, Harmonium evokes Leith’s maritime history with nautical decor. With offerings like chicken parmigiana and ground beef tacos, it might not be obvious they are meat-free."

"Harmonium has got to be the hippest, coolest vegan restaurant in Edinburgh. Located in Leith, it’s well worth the walk [or bus] from the city centre. Their menu is fairly laid back and consists of stone baked pizzas, quarter pounders and delectable desserts."

"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."

"The name Brew Lab alone evokes images of an experimental coffee house, run by an eccentric but genius barista on the hunt to achieve world coffee domination with his signature blend. Although there are no evil geniuses in sight, these guys do take coffee mega seriously and the tweaking and precision that goes into their brew methods are worthy of the laboratory name. The coffees they serve change week to week, so are ever seasonal and offer a rich and new experience every time."

"Specializing in single-origin specialty-grade coffee, Brew Lab serves up beans from Union Hand-Roasted, featuring two different espressos and filters each day so there is always something fresh to try. But for non coffee drinkers, craft beers and local wines along with salads, soups and sandwiches from local suppliers around Edinburgh are also up for grabs in this modern coffee house with a science lab vibe. 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA, UK"

"Whiski Rooms, as the name suggests, is a highly recommended choice if you wish to sample some whisky alongside their meal, as they have over 300 to choose from!. As well as the restaurant, you can also visit their bar and shop, where they offer special whisky tasting experiences. In the restaurant itself, you will be seated in a cosy bistro, overlooking the New Town from the top of the Mound, with wooden furnishings and exposed stone walls, to match the historic style and spirit of the Old Town, where it is located."

"Give your next date night a sophisticated edge by heading to Whiski Rooms for an evening of tasting tipples and nibbling on cheese. Try out a selection of drams from all over Scotland, with paired bites for each drink."

"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."

"This unusual pub is off the beaten track just beyond The Shore in Leith. It's a little bit quirky, offering an imaginative range of food and booze which extends to some great breakfast options. It's very friendly, the furniture is mismatched and you can get cocktails served in teapots for your very own Madhatter's Tea Party."

"Another great Leith favourite, Roseleaf has Schiehallion Craft Lager on tap alongside two guest kegs, a range of guest ales, and a selection of the best bottles."

"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"

"You'll find an interesting and eclectic menu on at Treacle on Broughton Street. Sandwiches, burgers, pies, and noodles, alongside sharing platters and small snacks, ensure that there's always something on offer to satisfy your craving. There are some irresistible desserts to finish off and the drinks menu includes a stunning array of delectable cocktails."

"Treacle sits handily located on Broughton Street, close to the Playhouse Theatre, Vue Cinema and Princes Street shopping. It is a relaxed, quirky bar offering Asian inspired pub food. So, it’s a bit different from your average Scottish pub fare."

"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"

"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"

"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."

"Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second-oldest institution of its kind in Britain (after Oxford), and one of the most respected in the world. Founded near Holyrood in 1670 and moved to its present location in 1823, its 70 beautifully landscaped acres include splendid Victorian glasshouses (admission £6.50), colourful swaths of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a world-famous rock garden. There's a second entrance to the gardens at 20a Inverleith Row."

"Explore Britain's largest rhododendron and azalea gardens at this beautiful 70-acre botanical garden. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden,…"

"Spread across 18 acres with a whopping collection of 8000 plant species, the St Andrews Botanic Garden is one of the highlights of the city. The hike through the Gruffalo trail is something every nature lover must try . The place arranges activities for children as well."

"The St Andrews Botanic Garden has been described as a 'hidden gem' of Scotland . The Friends of St Andrews Botanic Garden have spend huge amounts of time and effort to make this garden a wonderful experience. See more on their website here."

"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."

"Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second-oldest institution of its kind in Britain (after Oxford), and one of the most respected in the world. Founded near Holyrood in 1670 and moved to its present location in 1823, its 70 beautifully landscaped acres include splendid Victorian glasshouses (admission £6.50), colourful swaths of rhododendrons and azaleas, and a world-famous rock garden. There's a second entrance to the gardens at 20a Inverleith Row."

"Explore Britain's largest rhododendron and azalea gardens at this beautiful 70-acre botanical garden. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden,…"

"Spread across 18 acres with a whopping collection of 8000 plant species, the St Andrews Botanic Garden is one of the highlights of the city. The hike through the Gruffalo trail is something every nature lover must try . The place arranges activities for children as well."

"The St Andrews Botanic Garden has been described as a 'hidden gem' of Scotland . The Friends of St Andrews Botanic Garden have spend huge amounts of time and effort to make this garden a wonderful experience. See more on their website here."

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."