Best & Cool Bars in River South Esk

"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."

"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."

"Set in the heart of Edinburgh, The Whisky Collection provides a novel setting for events. Guests will be treated to dining among 3,384 bottles of whisky and a five course tasting menu with courses focusing on food from the field, rivers and seas of Scotland. Each course, as you might expect, is also matched with a whisky."

"A 100% vegan restaurant since July of 2015, Henderson’s Vegan serves up some tasty eats and delicious treats in Edinburgh. Hendersons is passionate about having a place where vegans can feel at home, knowing everything they’ll be eating and drinking is cruelty-free and vegan — this includes everything from the comfort meals to the wines and beers. And one of their best and most popular comfort meal?"

"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."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Harmonium Bar & Kitchen (@harmoniumbar) on Nov 19, 2018 at 6:25am PST"

"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."

"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."

"4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP (Tel: 0131 225 7224). With over 280 whiskies to choose from, Whiski Rooms is an absolute must for any whisky fanatic. Explore their collection and choose your favourite from one of the biggest malt selections in the city."

"We’re always on a mission to find Edinburgh’s best burgers and we’ve eaten far too many in the name of research. To be fair, I was eating a lot of burgers before we set up EdinBraw, I’m not sure I can keep using it as an excuse for my addiction. Whilst I couldn’t tell you how many burgers I’ve eaten in Edinburgh, I can tell you where I’ve eaten the most – The Roseleaf in Leith."

"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."

"The Roseleaf serves top-notch grub|Courtesy of Roseleaf / © AdamJBellPhotography. There’s a real buzz in Leith just now, with the diversity of its restaurants, from gastropub to Michelin-star restaurants, unrivalled elsewhere in Edinburgh. One of its most beloved pubs serving top-notch grub is the Roseleaf."

"This one wasn’t recommended by anyone but we did drive past it and it looked great. It was our last day and didn’t have time to stop in but we did see a young family having a bite so it passed the family-friendly test. Not far from Waverly station, we were on the Hop on Hop off bus tour at the time."

"Cruz Bar is one of the most memorable gastro pubs in Edinburgh. It occupies a WWI minesweeper boat anchored in the heart of Leith's docklands at The Shore. There is a cozy and ambient dining area and bar inside the ship, but the on deck seating area really lifts Cruz above the competition."

"Hidden away in Advocate’s Close in an old Victorian pump house, this bar and restaurant's food menu boasts seasonal and Scottish ingredients that change monthly, alongside a range of impressive cocktails and 300 whiskeys. Open 7 days, 12pm-8pm inside; 12pm-10pm outside on the terrace."

"The Devil’s Advocate is a cosy but stylish bar tucked away on Advocate’s Close, a gem hidden in plain sight just off the Royal Mile.This bar and restaurant focuses on serving up the best local and seasonal produce, and has over 100 whiskies to choose from behind the bar."

"The Devil’s Advocate is hugely popular with tourists for its cocktail menu. Tucked away in one of the Old Town’s famous closes, The Devil’s Advocate isn’t quite a suntrap but a nice date spot nonetheless."

"My absolute favourite pub in Edinburgh – perfect if you’re a rock fan, and definitely something unique and different if you’re not. When I first visited this place, I couldn’t tell if it was gimmicky or awesome, but I’ve very much come to terms with the fact it’s the latter!. It’s pretty much a spooky themed pub set deep in the vaults of Southbridge."

"If the supernatural sends shivers up your spine, steer clear from The Banshee Labyrinth — it is said that this bar is one of the most haunted spots in Edinburgh. Chills aside, this pub is a grand spot for live bands, film screenings, and comedy too. Another popular haunt during the Fringe, The Banshee is more than booze and boogie monsters."

"The Gaelic motto of the Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill ‘nach urramach an cuan’ or ‘how worthy of honour is the sea’ could not have been more perfectly chosen. What started as a miniature oyster bar on the bonnie banks of Loch Fyne is now one of the most respected and finest seafood chains in the United Kingdom (with 37 restaurants and counting). The Edinburgh location is situated inside an old fish market from the 1890s and couldn’t be closer to Newhaven harbour."

"Housed in a renovated fishmarket dating to the 1890s, the menu features the freshest and most seasonal fish and seafood. Outside terrace bookings are only for dining (food and drinks) and are limited on first-come, first-served basis. Please state in the special requests if outside terrace table is required."

"Loch Fyne bucks the trend among national chains by offering a food & wine experience well above its high-street station. Selections from its recent menu ..."

"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."

"Lush have made a name for themselves with unique, handmade, ethically sourced health and beauty products. Now they have taken the next step an offer spa treatments from their Edinburgh store. Like their products, the treatments are unconventional and fresh and more specifically tailored to the individual than is the norm."

"If you love Lush or want to experience something different from your usual spa experience, Lush Spa is a must-try!. Each treatment therapist is highly knowledgeable and professional from the moment you meet them and will have a consultation with you before selecting the products for your treatment!"