Five more Christmassy pubs in Edinburgh
Where to go when the Christmas shopping gets too much.
A year ago, I gave you my favourite Edinburgh pubs at Christmas. There was only one requirement to get on the list – it had to be cosy.
I’m happy to say I still stand by every pub on the original list, which you can find further down this newsletter. But this year, I’ve discovered more cosy, Christmassy pubs. So here’s the 2024 list.
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1. Leslie’s Bar
I fell in love with Leslie’s as soon as I stepped into it. Much of the interior is unchanged from its opening at the turn of the last century. Two distinct areas are split down the middle by the bar, with plenty of snugs and little areas to cosy up in.
Unfortunately, the beer just wasn’t up to scratch. So I went back again, desperately hoping it wouldn’t let me down again. Reader, it delivered. I have never been so relieved.
2. The Bailie Bar
It took me a while to get to The Bailie Bar in Stockbridge. I’m glad I went just as the weather turned colder, as The Bailie is a warming, welcoming basement pub. It’s the place to nip into after a winter walk through the Botanic Gardens, or a Christmas shopping trip down the high street.
3. The Oxford Bar
In last year’s Christmas pub reviews, commenter Gary suggested trying The Oxford Bar because of its open fire in the winter. I couldn’t agree more. It’s another small one, which feels off the beaten track despite its central location in the New Town. It’s sparsely decorated and looks like it hasn’t changed in a century. But that gives it a Dickensian feel – and nothing says Christmas more than that.
4. Colinton Inn
This was a real surprise when I visited at the end of the summer. The Colinton Inn feels like a real community hub, where they know the locals’ names and start readying their drinks as they walk through the door. But it’s equally as friendly to outsiders – so make it your final stop after a brisk winter walk around Bonaly Reservoir.
5. Portobello Tap
I came here for the first time just a couple of weeks ago, after suggestions from many different readers. Run by Cross Borders Brewing Co, its beer selection is long and interesting. It’s not huge inside, but there are plenty of nooks, and enough tables to generate an atmosphere. I went in after a walk along the beach – and suggest you do the same, too.
Don’t forget I’ve got more recommendations in last year’s post. ‘Tis the season to share – so leave your own suggestions in the comments.
I’ll be back next week, then I’m taking a little Christmas break. I’ll be back in January with a whole new set of reviews. As always, you can send comments and suggestions to edinburghpubreviews@substack.com.
Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way than spending a bit at your favourite local. Alternatively, you can donate to me. This may be the only donation you leave which you know is guaranteed to be spent down the pub. Donation FAQs.
The Chaser – Gonness
Uh oh. There looks to be a nationwide shortage of the black stuff. Guinness has warned it’s limiting its supply to the UK. Some Irish pubs are warning they’ll be “crippled” by the lack of beer. Are Guinness drinkers so picky that they would literally rather stay at home than go out and have an alternative? At this time of year? I’m not so sure.
Perhaps pubs have larger margins on Guinness. I don’t know. Or maybe so many lads are trying to split the G these days that they end up glugging more Guinness compared with other beer. But my hunch is that people – and pubs – will survive on lager for the festive period.
This is a good opportunity for me to recommend a superior Irish stout, Murphy’s, which I wrote about in my review of the Diggers at the start of the year. And also to doubly recommend literally one of my favourite beers ever, Edinburgh’s own Campervan Extra Black.
And look, right on cue, Campervan Brewery has designated the longest night of the year, 21 December, Extra Black Day.
Hi Imran, I love reading your reviews. Is there any way that people can leave you a well deserved tip without having to use Monzo? PayPal or Google Pay maybe?