The Regent Bar
The Regent Bar
4.5
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
About
Comfortable sofas, quirky decor and relaxed ambience make The Regent a welcoming and comfortable LGBT+ space, though of course we are "straight-friendly". A large range of local and international lagers, ales & ciders are available from our 14 taps, including 3 cask ales and a cask cider. Wine, spirits, coffees, teas & soft drinks are of course available. We must admit that we haven't ventured into the world of cocktails! We play a huge range of background music in the bar; you may hear The Beatles, Frank Zappa, Abba or Dvorak. Music levels are kept low so that people can chat easily with friends. There have been a few changes since COVID - we no longer serve food - young people under 18 years old are not allowed - we do not allow dogs. We were finalists in the Great British Pub Awards 2022!
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See what travelers are saying
- Mark GLondon, United Kingdom23 contributionsJust how Pubs should beMy wife and I were staying nearby, and came in on the way back from the Old Town one night....we then visited every night after that, and even met a friend from Edinburgh in here for a Saturday night drink. Living in London, we have a multitude of pubs nearby, but none with the warmth, the friendliness and laid back atmosphere that The Regent has. Its how all pubs should be, welcoming to everyone and everyone made to feel like they are a regular Good selection of beers (haven't had Deuchars for years after our London local stopped selling it, was like meeting an old friend) wines, spirits. A varied snack selection and huge bowls of freshly made popcorn incase you get the munchies. The staff are excellent and a part of why this is a wonderful pub - London pubs won't feel the same anymore. Hopefully we will be back XVisited July 2022Written July 5, 2022
- sfuhere744 contributionsGood gay pubIt’s difficult to judge what this place would be like “normally” as Covid changes have really been taken very seriously indeed here. There’s a one way system and shower curtains hung up between the tables(!) Maybe I’m just too relaxed about everything but I found it ever so slightly over the top. Nonetheless, for people worried about catching the virus, this is probably a good choice. Although people like that are probably going to be staying at home anyway. I did like the fact that this is a gay PUB with real ale, not a bar. There is a distinct lack of traditional pubs on the gay scene and I liked the atmosphere in here, or I would have done if there was anyone else there. Sadly, kept to your own tables it’s impossible to socialise at all, which is of course not the pub’s fault. I will visit again next time I’m in Edinburgh when Covid-19 has been consigned to the history books.Visited September 2020Traveled with friendsWritten September 8, 2020
- Hayley MEdinburgh, United Kingdom10 contributionsBest bar in EdinburghThe Regent is one of the friendliest bars in Edinburgh and one of my favourites. The staff work hard to make everyone feel welcome and relaxed. Have been in a few times in recent weeks and can see the work that has been done to make you feel safe in these strange and very difficult times. The special atmosphere that the Regent has, has not been lost. I for one am very happy the regent is open again and looking forward to many more visits soon.Visited August 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten August 23, 2020
- Billy1 contributionShocking prices!I've been drinking in The Regent for quite some time now but sadly I feel this will be coming to an end due to the shocking prices. I attended this evening and got a pint of Stella which cost £6.20. Even the bar staff seemed embarrassed at asking for that amount. I appreciate the cost of everything has gone up and there needs to be an increase somewhere but it has got to the stage where bars and restaurants appear to be taking the proverbial out of their customers. These are London prices, but it isn't a London venue! I'd always classed The Regent as my local but I'll definitely be going elsewhere. The atmosphere in the pub was great, the staff are always friendly, but the days of being able to go there and have a night of drinks with friends are no more. It's cheaper in the bars in town and I imagine they have higher costs to contend with too. If they can keep their prices lower, surely The Regent can too? A sad day indeed.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 28, 2023
- hanburyaveDerby, United Kingdom325 contributionsTragicWords can not describe how tragic this bar was. No music, no atmosphere, rude staff. Turning people away on a Friday night at 10 30pm when the place was virtually empty god knows how this place manages to stay open. With all this Covid nonsense it’s basically not worth going out especially to this bar. At 11 o clock the pompous bar man rings the bell and says you have 5 mins to finish your drink and leave. What a dump I won’t be returning. I feel sorry for the people of Edinburgh if they think this is a normal gay bar.Visited August 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten August 21, 2020
- Chris d2 contributionsbest bar ever in Edinburghthe Regent bar is the best bar in Edinburgh.Very nice and friendley staff. They can listen help you when you have questions or problems real honest staff all the time. I come back always. Crazy stupid people write things i see that is not true. I think that are people and guests ftom other bars because they are empty and have nothing to do. The Regent live all the rulrs in the Covid 19 that is very goed and safe. People who can not understand that everyone off the staff doeing their very best can better stay home. But don't write lies about the Regent barVisited August 2020Traveled with friendsWritten August 23, 2020
- Honest reviewsBelfast, United Kingdom65 contributionsLovely placeThe Regent Bar was a safe place for myself and my girlfriend to visit. It was the first place in the city we were happy to relax and be ourselves. It’s a quirky little pub that has adapted well to covid. The only issue was our pint and cider was flat. This was a bit disappointing but as we felt so comfortable there, we didn’t really careVisited July 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten July 13, 2021
- Jules (Edinburgh)4 contributionsA great place to kick backPopped in recently to have a drink with a friend. The Regent, an Edinburgh institution for many years was as I always remembered. Recently reopened due to covid, it was lovely to be back. The familiar buzz and relaxed atmosphere was just perfect. Yes, there was no music (in Scotland we’re not allowed to have music in bars during pandemic, it’s a safety measure), but despite that a wonderful drink in a wonderful atmosphere. And I for one felt really safe. Many thanks guys.Visited August 2020Traveled with friendsWritten August 23, 2020
- Sophie W2 contributionsBrilliant :)The Regent is a truly wonderful Bar :) The Staff are brilliant and the atmosphere fantastic. They care for staff and customers with their outstanding efforts to make the bar safe in these COVID times. I highly recommend this bar for a lovely going out experience. Fab choice of drinks, friendly staff and has a great cozy feel. Very LGBT plus friendly. I can't praise this venue enough :)Visited August 2020Traveled with friendsWritten August 23, 2020
- mark tNewcastle and Gateshead, United Kingdom13 contributionsFantasticThe second time I have visited, first time with my wife and sons then with my two sons. Great beer and atmosphere. The music is a fantastic mix in the Regent, it's the sort of place where everyone is made to feel welcome, no matter who you are. So popular you may need to book a table, although you can just walk in. Unfortunately they'd ran out of plum porter but I was reassured by the Hawaiian shirted bar man that it would be making a return.Visited February 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 10, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
180 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
46
Average
9
Poor
7
Terrible
10
Mark G
London, UK23 contributions
Jul 2022
My wife and I were staying nearby, and came in on the way back from the Old Town one night....we then visited every night after that, and even met a friend from Edinburgh in here for a Saturday night drink.
Living in London, we have a multitude of pubs nearby, but none with the warmth, the friendliness and laid back atmosphere that The Regent has. Its how all pubs should be, welcoming to everyone and everyone made to feel like they are a regular
Good selection of beers (haven't had Deuchars for years after our London local stopped selling it, was like meeting an old friend) wines, spirits. A varied snack selection and huge bowls of freshly made popcorn incase you get the munchies.
The staff are excellent and a part of why this is a wonderful pub - London pubs won't feel the same anymore. Hopefully we will be back X
Living in London, we have a multitude of pubs nearby, but none with the warmth, the friendliness and laid back atmosphere that The Regent has. Its how all pubs should be, welcoming to everyone and everyone made to feel like they are a regular
Good selection of beers (haven't had Deuchars for years after our London local stopped selling it, was like meeting an old friend) wines, spirits. A varied snack selection and huge bowls of freshly made popcorn incase you get the munchies.
The staff are excellent and a part of why this is a wonderful pub - London pubs won't feel the same anymore. Hopefully we will be back X
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sfuhere
uk744 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
It’s difficult to judge what this place would be like “normally” as Covid changes have really been taken very seriously indeed here. There’s a one way system and shower curtains hung up between the tables(!) Maybe I’m just too relaxed about everything but I found it ever so slightly over the top. Nonetheless, for people worried about catching the virus, this is probably a good choice. Although people like that are probably going to be staying at home anyway.
I did like the fact that this is a gay PUB with real ale, not a bar. There is a distinct lack of traditional pubs on the gay scene and I liked the atmosphere in here, or I would have done if there was anyone else there. Sadly, kept to your own tables it’s impossible to socialise at all, which is of course not the pub’s fault. I will visit again next time I’m in Edinburgh when Covid-19 has been consigned to the history books.
I did like the fact that this is a gay PUB with real ale, not a bar. There is a distinct lack of traditional pubs on the gay scene and I liked the atmosphere in here, or I would have done if there was anyone else there. Sadly, kept to your own tables it’s impossible to socialise at all, which is of course not the pub’s fault. I will visit again next time I’m in Edinburgh when Covid-19 has been consigned to the history books.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley M
Edinburgh, UK10 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
The Regent is one of the friendliest bars in Edinburgh and one of my favourites. The staff work hard to make everyone feel welcome and relaxed. Have been in a few times in recent weeks and can see the work that has been done to make you feel safe in these strange and very difficult times. The special atmosphere that the Regent has, has not been lost. I for one am very happy the regent is open again and looking forward to many more visits soon.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billy
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Friends
I've been drinking in The Regent for quite some time now but sadly I feel this will be coming to an end due to the shocking prices. I attended this evening and got a pint of Stella which cost £6.20. Even the bar staff seemed embarrassed at asking for that amount. I appreciate the cost of everything has gone up and there needs to be an increase somewhere but it has got to the stage where bars and restaurants appear to be taking the proverbial out of their customers. These are London prices, but it isn't a London venue! I'd always classed The Regent as my local but I'll definitely be going elsewhere. The atmosphere in the pub was great, the staff are always friendly, but the days of being able to go there and have a night of drinks with friends are no more. It's cheaper in the bars in town and I imagine they have higher costs to contend with too. If they can keep their prices lower, surely The Regent can too? A sad day indeed.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hanburyave
Derby, UK325 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Words can not describe how tragic this bar was. No music, no atmosphere, rude staff. Turning people away on a Friday night at 10 30pm when the place was virtually empty god knows how this place manages to stay open. With all this Covid nonsense it’s basically not worth going out especially to this bar. At 11 o clock the pompous bar man rings the bell and says you have 5 mins to finish your drink and leave. What a dump I won’t be returning. I feel sorry for the people of Edinburgh if they think this is a normal gay bar.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris d
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
the Regent bar is the best bar in Edinburgh.Very nice and friendley staff.
They can listen help you when you have questions or problems real honest staff all the time. I come back always. Crazy stupid people write things i see that is not true. I think that are people and guests ftom other bars because they are empty and have nothing to do. The Regent live all the rulrs in the Covid 19 that is very goed and safe. People who can not understand that everyone off the staff doeing their very best can better stay home. But don't write lies about the Regent bar
They can listen help you when you have questions or problems real honest staff all the time. I come back always. Crazy stupid people write things i see that is not true. I think that are people and guests ftom other bars because they are empty and have nothing to do. The Regent live all the rulrs in the Covid 19 that is very goed and safe. People who can not understand that everyone off the staff doeing their very best can better stay home. But don't write lies about the Regent bar
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honest reviews
Belfast, UK65 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
The Regent Bar was a safe place for myself and my girlfriend to visit. It was the first place in the city we were happy to relax and be ourselves. It’s a quirky little pub that has adapted well to covid. The only issue was our pint and cider was flat. This was a bit disappointing but as we felt so comfortable there, we didn’t really care
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules (Edinburgh)
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Popped in recently to have a drink with a friend. The Regent, an Edinburgh institution for many years was as I always remembered. Recently reopened due to covid, it was lovely to be back. The familiar buzz and relaxed atmosphere was just perfect. Yes, there was no music (in Scotland we’re not allowed to have music in bars during pandemic, it’s a safety measure), but despite that a wonderful drink in a wonderful atmosphere. And I for one felt really safe. Many thanks guys.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie W
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
The Regent is a truly wonderful Bar :) The Staff are brilliant and the atmosphere fantastic. They care for staff and customers with their outstanding efforts to make the bar safe in these COVID times. I highly recommend this bar for a lovely going out experience. Fab choice of drinks, friendly staff and has a great cozy feel. Very LGBT plus friendly. I can't praise this venue enough :)
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark t
Newcastle and Gateshead, UK13 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
The second time I have visited, first time with my wife and sons then with my two sons. Great beer and atmosphere.
The music is a fantastic mix in the Regent, it's the sort of place where everyone is made to feel welcome, no matter who you are.
So popular you may need to book a table, although you can just walk in.
Unfortunately they'd ran out of plum porter but I was reassured by the Hawaiian shirted bar man that it would be making a return.
The music is a fantastic mix in the Regent, it's the sort of place where everyone is made to feel welcome, no matter who you are.
So popular you may need to book a table, although you can just walk in.
Unfortunately they'd ran out of plum porter but I was reassured by the Hawaiian shirted bar man that it would be making a return.
Written February 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alasdair M
2 contributions
can i get the bar mans phone number. I wouldn't mind him been inside me more than once.
я очень одиокий человек
Roberta H
Edinburgh, UK
Do you do a pub quiz? If so what night, and what time is it on?
Alan N
Edinburgh, UK
Hello Roberta, we used to host an LGBT fundraising quiz once a month but we have new neighbours in the apartment above the pub and they complained so much about the noise that we had to cancel our events.
Billsotherstuff
West Midlands, UK
Opening times for Sundays?
Any vegan options on the menu?
elgregg0
Skipton, UK121 contributions
Hi guys are you open today and do you serve any cask ales?
Gary_the_scarf
Falkirk, UK14 contributions
The pub opens at 12:30 on a Sunday, there are vegan options.
Janet S
14 contributions
Can you offer a Burn's Supper for Burn's night 2017 for say 10 - 20 people? Any indication of price per head would be helpful.
Alan N
Edinburgh, UK
Hello Janet, Thankyou for your message.
Unfortunately the kitchen at The Regent is tiny and it would be extremely difficult or, to be more accurate, impossible for us to cater for a Burns' Night supper.
Thankyou for thinking of us and I hope you can find a suitable venue. All our love, The Regent xxx
gilljo073
Hertfordshire, UK20 contributions
Do you cater for parties of about 47? Buffet, music etc.
Gill
Alan N
Edinburgh, UK
Hi Gill,
The Regent has a back room that can hold 50 people at a push.
Buffet is possible but live music is not due to our neighbours who live above the pub.
Which date were you planning for your party of about 47?
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Claim your listingThe Regent Bar (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Regent Bar
- The Regent Bar is open:
- Sun - Sat 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
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The Regent Bar Information
| Excellent Reviews | 108 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 46 |
| The Regent Bar Photos | 36 |











































































