I popped into The False Widow (previously Smoke and Mirrors) and was inspired to call it “Edinburgh’s most Instagrammable pub”.
I’ve not been to every pub in Edinburgh, but I can put a list up. Is the Dome a pub? Pubs I’ve not included here might be ones I’ve not yet been to, or maybe they’ve not made the cut, so if you’ve any suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
In approximate order…
The False Widow
The False Widow is just a block off the bottom of Leith Walk which means you have to push past many good pubs, including others on this list, to find it. Head down Constitution Street for just a bit to find a wholesome pub with great mood lighting, tete-a-tete tables and a welcoming vibe.
The Dome
The Dome, at least, includes a pub. This big beast of George Street is famous for its Christmas decorations. Birdy insists on making it a team Edinburgh Reviews Christmas tradition to have dinner there. Booking, Christmas or not, is recommended.
The Dog House
(Leith)
There’s a drinks spinner on the wall behind the bar and a totem pole of teddy bears guarding the door. I’ve put the Leith pub on this list because of the retro arcade games you can get to in the sub-basement, just a few steps down from the main floor.
Update: Dog House in Leith closed, but there’s one in Clerk Street, and it has similar vibes.
Brewhemia
Escape Waverly Station or The Edinburgh Dungeons, cross the road, and into the green oasis of Brewhemia. They describe the vibe as ‘woodsy-chic’; I won’t disagree and will gladly go back (and will in the name of review research!).
The Old Chain Pier
Lovely on the inside, but it’s the outside that secures the Old Chain Pier on this list. The gastropub hangs over Edinburgh’s coastline between Newhaven and Granton Harbours. Book early and secure a window seat for a view (weather permitting) that will impress any visitor to the city.
(Is this the best photo I have of the Old Chain Pier that doesn’t include other people? I must go back 🙂 to take more!)
The Botanist
I did not ask, but I suspect Birdy would want The Botanist on the list. This gastropub / restaurant is huge, and every inch of it is worthy of an Instagram moment.
Frankenstein
Designed for Instagram? Certainly a memorable night out! Frankenstein has a seven-foot monster guarding the door, and then, throughout the night, the mad scientist’s creation is pulled out by chains from the wall and lowered into the air above the drinking area while lightning crackles and music blares.
Nobles
Back in Leith, and my geographical bias, there’s Nobles also on Constitution Street. This pub has stained-glass windows, a steampunk-style brass and wood bar and tiles on the floor. I can imagine historical period TV shows being filmed here.
Update: Nobles became Nobles by Bellfield and looks very similar!
Where would you add and why?
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