The Cow Shed
Quick info
About The Cow Shed
The Cow Shed is a bar on Cowgate in Edinburgh, open to walk-ins rather than table bookings. Live music features on some nights, giving the room a different feel through the week. The format keeps things simple, with no reservation system to navigate and drinks served straight from the counter. Visitors passing through the area can drop in without planning ahead, and the schedule of music nights adds a reason to return on a given evening.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, whiskey and cow shed decor.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, whiskey and cow shed decor.
Customer Review Summary
Live music draws repeated praise, with one reviewer recalling an impromptu concert and beautiful song, and another returning specifically for the live music. Close behind, the casual vibe and decent drink selection get mentioned, alongside a whiskey order. One longtime visitor misses the venue's former hay-bale decor and wishes it stayed open year-round. Staff are called out warmly, with no other complaints raised.
Customer Review Summary
Live music draws repeated praise, with one reviewer recalling an impromptu concert and beautiful song, and another returning specifically for the live music. Close behind, the casual vibe and decent drink selection get mentioned, alongside a whiskey order. One longtime visitor misses the venue's former hay-bale decor and wishes it stayed open year-round. Staff are called out warmly, with no other complaints raised.
Featured reviews
- Map Master
“We ended up here by accident, went in for a whiskey, and there was a small live concert going on. Didn’t know the artist, but the song was honestly beautiful. Still thinking about it. Great atmosphere.”
- Lewis
“Amazing bar amazing staff and a lovely time!!!”
- Eliska Stekla
“The casual vibe, good music and a decent choice of drinks.”
- Boo Tastic
“I love this place but this year it is no longer a cow shed, where's the hay bails? Why can't this place be open all year round?”
Location
Bars near The Cow Shed
- Beehive Inn4.23,5420.2 mi
steak and ale pie, historic old-world atmosphere, loud music and tvs
- The Southern Bar4.39270.7 mi£10–20ReservationsGood for kids
haggis loaded fries, scotch eggs, highlander burger
- The Newliston Arms4.42518.2 mi away£20–30ReservationsGood for kids
sunday roast, loaded fries, steak
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Cow Shed | 4.327 | — | — | live music, whiskey, cow shed decor |
| Beehive Inn | 4.23,542 | 0.2 mi | — | steak and ale pie, historic old-world atmosphere, loud music and tvs |
| The Southern BarReservations · Good for kids | 4.3927 | 0.7 mi | £10–20 | haggis loaded fries, scotch eggs, highlander burger |
| The Newliston ArmsReservations · Good for kids | 4.4251 | 8.2 mi away | £20–30 | sunday roast, loaded fries, steak |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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