
Quick info
About The Scotsman's Lounge
On Cockburn St just off the Royal Mile, The Scotsman's Lounge is a pub serving cask conditioned ales and spirits, including a gluten free ale, alongside homemade pies such as the steak pie. International banknotes, signed by visitors, are pinned across the ceiling as tips. Live music runs in the late afternoon and early evening, with a small area set aside for the musicians. Walk-ins are welcome, with no reservations needed. Tables outside on Cockburn St give extra seating when the weather allows. The pub does not admit children on-site.
Good to know
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, dollar bills on ceiling, gluten free ale and cask conditioned ales.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, dollar bills on ceiling, gluten free ale and cask conditioned ales.
Customer Review Summary
Live music anchors most visits here, with reviewers describing an interactive singer who came on in the late afternoon, musicians set up in a small corner, and guests singing and dancing along. Close behind is the bar team, called friendly and welcoming, and one visitor who spent five nights here says they were made to feel like a local. Reviewers also praise the cask conditioned ales and the wide range of drinks. One coeliac guest was delighted to find a gluten free ale, and another diner found the steak pie very good. Tourists enjoy signing international banknotes that get pinned to the ceiling, and a large pub crawl group says it was catered to well. Several describe it as a welcome break from the busy main street. One reviewer notes that children are not allowed on site. One couple celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary got a shout out and a song, and the room cheered as they danced.
Customer Review Summary
Live music anchors most visits here, with reviewers describing an interactive singer who came on in the late afternoon, musicians set up in a small corner, and guests singing and dancing along. Close behind is the bar team, called friendly and welcoming, and one visitor who spent five nights here says they were made to feel like a local. Reviewers also praise the cask conditioned ales and the wide range of drinks. One coeliac guest was delighted to find a gluten free ale, and another diner found the steak pie very good. Tourists enjoy signing international banknotes that get pinned to the ceiling, and a large pub crawl group says it was catered to well. Several describe it as a welcome break from the busy main street. One reviewer notes that children are not allowed on site. One couple celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary got a shout out and a song, and the room cheered as they danced.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“A great place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the tourism on the main street. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed and need a place to reset, try out this place. I actually find it quite neat that they let people place dollars on the ceiling from around the world. It's like getting to leave your own little mark on the place, and see the memories of others. Keep in mind though - this place doesn't allow for children to be on-site. A welcome reprieve for those without kids, but something to note for tourists with kids in tow.”
- Google user
“Didn't try a lot of food, but the steak pie we had was very good. Great atmosphere, drinks and entertainment a plenty. We stopped in more than once and always enjoyed ourselves!”
- Google user
“Great little Bar just off the Royal Mile Very Friendly and great atmosphere for a quick pint or two. Reasonably Priced also and great range of drinks.”
- Google user
“Lot of nice, friendly and funny people, singing and dancing. Staff is excellent as well as the drinks”
- Google user
“On a recent visit to Edinburgh, I popped into this place to meet a couple of friends in the late afternoon. What a wonderful pub! I loved the atmosphere and it’s the kind of place that I feel totally at home in - excellent staff who were very friendly, a great energy in the pub, music playing in the background and customers who you can have a friendly banter with! We also stayed and listened to the live music too which was came on before we headed off to dinner, a huge bonus! Thanks for a very positive experience. I’d highly recommend this place, the manager is doing a top notch job here! 😍🎶😎”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Traditional, bustling pub offering beers, whiskies & homemade pies, plus live music.”
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Onsite services
Show more amenities
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Restroom
- Offerings· 3
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Highlights· 3
- Great beer selection
- Live music
- Live performances
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
Location
Bars near The Scotsman's Lounge
- Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House4.52,6030 mi£15–30
classic haggis and mash, whisky flight, bacon and whiskey sauce
- The Mitre Bar4.42,2920.1 mi
fish and chips, local beers, burger
- Royal Mile Tavern4.53,2010.1 miWheelchair accessible
bangers and mash, cullen skink, scotch egg
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Scotsman's LoungeWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.51,714 | — | £10–20 | live music, dollar bills on ceiling, gluten free ale |
| Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House | 4.52,603 | 0 mi | £15–30 | classic haggis and mash, whisky flight, bacon and whiskey sauce |
| The Mitre Bar | 4.42,292 | 0.1 mi | — | fish and chips, local beers, burger |
| Royal Mile TavernWheelchair accessible | 4.53,201 | 0.1 mi | — | bangers and mash, cullen skink, scotch egg |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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