Best & Cool Bars in Gladhouse Reservoir

"Address: 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NEWebsite: The Scotch Whisky Experience. If you’re on a visit to Edinburgh your trip won’t be complete without a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience, located just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on The Royal Mile. The attraction features tours and whisky tasting sessions along with a very enjoyable journey through the history of one of Scotland’s most famous exports, brought to you by several resident ghostly tour guides."

"Take a barrel ride as you actually become part of the whisky making process. From the gently swaying fields of barley all the way through the distillery equipment to the steaming and bubbling Pot Still. Experience for yourself the varying aromas of our regional whiskies and whether you like fruity, sweet or smoky flavours our experts will help you select your perfect 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."

"Harmonium is one of the most famous vegan establishments in Edinburgh. From the same people who brought you the likes of Stereo, Mono and The Flying Duck in Glasgow, this bar and restaurant is completely vegan, from the food menu to the wine list. Comfort food is top of the agenda here at Harmonium, so expect to find tempting classics like pizzas, burgers and macaroni cheese alongside new inventive dishes like mushroom “scallops” and vegan Bhan Mi."

"Well-known for its stone-baked pizzas and organic wines, Harmonium is a restaurant that is committed to creating tasty food that is cruelty-free and plant-based. There is something on the menu to suit everybody, from pizza, burgers, coffee and waffles. The relaxed vibe in this restaurant makes it an excellent place to go for a catch-up with friends or a meal out."

"Located near The University of Edinburgh, Brew Lab is the brainchild of coffee aficionados Dave Law and Tom Hyde, who—as the shop's name suggests—take a scientific approach to brewing. A variety of pulled, brewed, and filtered phenomena prevail here, all highlighting methods and single-origin coffees from partner roaster Union-Hand Roasting. Each type of bean is selected to complement different milks or straight-up black espressos."

"A must-visit for every coffee connoisseur, Union Brew Lab is located in the heart of the city's Old Town. They take their brew very seriously here, with a range of coffees specially selected from producers in the UK and Europe which changes with seasonality. For the authentic Brew Lab experience, you should order one of their exceptional filtered pour-overs, however they do an amazing flat white here too."

"Keen to get their vision just right, co-owners Dave Law and Tom Hyde took the time to explore the potential of the kind of café they might create – as well as how best to brew. Two filter coffees are brewed every day, as well as popular espresso blends that are roasted on a beloved Slayer Espresso Machine."

"Haggis and whiskey should be on everyone’s ‘to eat and drink’ list when they visit Scotland, and Whiski Rooms has the best of both. Their haggis spring rolls with plum sauce are a great way to ease yourself in to the delicacy and while there make sure you try one of their 300 whiskies."

"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."

"For a quirky and casual brunch outing, try a visit to Roseleaf, located in the historic Leith area of Edinburgh. It’s a mix of bar, cafe, and bistro, open all day and welcome to all ages. Furnished with second hand items, and a collection of unusual trinkets and treasures, and run by friendly and welcoming staff, you will have a laidback, but still top quality, dining experience."

"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."

"Makars Gourmet Mash Bar styles itself as an "unfussy" restaurant specialising in mashed potatoes flavoured with meat, vegan or vegetarian toppings. Found in Bank Street, just off the Royal Mile, this place elevates comfort foot to a whole new level. It has an impressive rating of 4.7 from 1,813 Google reviews."

"Mashed potato is the culinary glue that binds all food together. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar pays homage to this truth with potatoes galore. Once more, every single food item is locally produced and free from all the bad stuff."

"We’ve been here a bunch of times when people are visiting, and we love it. Because who doesn’t love mash?. There’s a restaurant in the West End, but we’ve only ever been to the one on the Mound, just off the Royal Mile."

"Bellfield Brewery is the UK’s first craft brewery dedicated to producing quality gluten-free beer. The gluten-free craft brewery in Edinburgh is located a short walk from Holyrood Palace with plans to fully launch its tap room in summer 2019. Located in the historic area of Edinburgh alongside the mainline train track, with a birds’ eye view of the London train, visitors to Bellfield Brewery are able to enjoy beer in the sunny yard or indoor taproom."

"One of the best breweries in the city also happens to house of the best beer gardens. Bellfield is sure to have you coming back for more, with its range of award-winning craft creations, alongside gins, whiskies and organic wines for those avoiding the hoppy stuff."

"Zen Lifestyle began with a small salon in Bruntsfield, and now operates from three locations in the city including the flagship salon in Hanover Street. Twice awarded the UK Salon of the Year at the British Beauty and Spa Awards this prodigious salon offers over one hundred treatments for men and women. Zen Lifestyle is one of Scotland's most advanced cosmetic medical clinics and has a full range of beauty treatments such as waxing, manicures and pedicures."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Why: Often, Chinese food is associated with buffets, and although buffets are – in our not so humble opinion – one of life’s little wonders, they sometime get a negative (and unfair) reputation. Not at China Red’s two Edinburgh sites, though. The buffets are loved by the locals and we can understand why with a regularly changing menu and neatly presented desserts."

"Always fresh, delicious food with a variety so much bigger than any other Chinese buffet I've been to. Polite staff, funky entrance and good availability of seating space." 30 Grindlay Street, EH3 9AP"

"Offering simple healthy food that is full of flavour, Loudons Cafe & Bakery offers delicious home made treats made in their on-site bakery. Using high quality ingredients, and organic produce, breakfasts at Loudon’s are utterly delicious. Diners can tuck in to a variety of “Benny’s” – slang for eggs Benedict – complete with smoked salmon, cajun spices or haggis, or choose from french toast, smoothie bowls or super food pancakes and much much more."

"A post shared by Loudons Cafe (@loudonscafe) on Nov 30, 2018 at 11:00am PST. Loudons bakery and cafe is located in Fountainbridge. They bake all of their bread and cakes on site and offer an all-day weekend brunch menu that caters for most dietary needs and includes options like American style pancakes, a full breakfast and scrambled eggs and smoked salmon."

"Loudons is a stylish, spacious café in Fountainbridge that's ideal for getting some work done, or just relaxing on one of the comfy couches. They offer home-made breakfasts and cake, with gluten-free and dairy-free choices too. Their cooked breakfasts also come with a choice of brown and gluten-free bread."

"Those craving a little bit of sophisticated flair with their dessert will take to Valona & Crolla like a small flame to crème brulee. A trusty staple of Edinburgh’s dining scene, this deli-restaurant, café and food bar is a haven of tasty eats. If you can steer clear from the addictive cheese and meat selection for just a moment, then one of the many bite-size pastries, tartlets, truffle cakes, macarons, pana cotta, and tiramisu will no doubt take precedence."

"A handsome deli dating back to 1934, Valvona & Crolla isn't just an Edinburgh institution—it's a Scottish one. From the counter, wind your way past fresh pasta, bottles of balsamic vinegar and truffles, and an impressive wine display, and you'll arrive at a large room in back: That's Valvona & Crolla Caffè Bar. The simple space is filled with the scent of rosemary, pizza, and bubbling tomato sauce, all inspired by the flavors of southern and central Italy."

"Try breakfast (served till 11.30am) with an Italian flavour – full paesano (meat) or verdure (veggie) fry-ups, or deliciously light and crisp panettone in carrozza (sweet brioche dipped in egg and fried) – or..."