Never Really Here
Never Really Here
3.5
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
About
Don't be fooled by the frosted windows, metal grates, and worn down old doors, behind the unassuming facade is one of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars. This intimate speakeasy draws influence from bars in Berlin and New York, cocktails are stirred down and boozy, service is personable, and the setting is suitably moody and comfortable.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: New Town
Suits and shopping bags rule the streets of New Town, until after dark when strappy dresses come out to play. This is the city’s central business district with its smaller offices, clothes boutiques, and many of the city’s flashiest restaurants and ritziest clubs. The architecture along roads like George Street helps give it a swank and formal feel: it’s a planned Georgian development of regal townhouses, geometric squares, and self-important statues. But it’s also a very wanderable neighborhood, with a healthy bustle at almost any time of day and fine people-watching in places like St Andrew's Square which fills with picnickers around lunch. You’ll also find a series of cheerful basement bistros on Hanover Street, while dark Rose Street has something of the feel of an undiscovered back alley and is chock-full of characterful pubs and small independent shops.
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,976 within 3 miles
Attractions
492 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- LoEdinburgh, United Kingdom40 contributionsLovely decorAfter finishing our first drinks we were effectively told to leave if we weren’t going to order another one. We did plan to order again but not after that. I suppose I can understand where they’re coming from but it was still quite rude in my opinion, and we agreed that the server was quite patronising overall which took away from the whole experience. Was really difficult to get a response when trying to book and took days for me to get a reply. When I got a reply asking for contact details I gave it to them then asked if I could amend the booking time and then never received another reply after that, even though I was booking about 3 weeks in advance, so wasn’t sure if my table was actually booked or not. Really not great when trying to organise a night out. The message was ‘seen’ but not responded to. The decor of the place is nice but I’d not go back here to be honest as I came away from the place with quite a bad taste in my mouth. Cool novelty but I think once is enough.Visited February 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten February 12, 2022
- jo s2 contributionsOverpricedQuirky bar. Nice owner and bar tender. Limited cocktails and stock and issues with electricity, outwith owners control. No menues or price list available, again apparently outwith owners control. No card payments accepted, cash or bank transfer only. The random exuberant bar bill left a bitter taste with us. Dull end to an otherwise great speak easy experience in Edinburgh.Visited September 2022Traveled with friendsWritten September 8, 2022
- Ellen Sarah TBrighton, United Kingdom67 contributionsGood - but a bit chaoticHappy with the cocktails we received, atmosphere was great, but they really need a menu with at least a price guideline as we had no idea how much our cocktails cost until the end - and also an indication up front that they only take cash or bank transfer so it doesn't take you by surprise.Visited October 2022Written October 16, 2022
- Alison HDalkeith, United Kingdom8 contributionsDon’t waste you t8meWas really looking forward to visiting but this was just poor. No menu but was happy enough to let the bar man create drinks based on what we liked. Unfortunately cocktails were awful, got bill and due to no menu were shocked to receive a bill for £23 for too small and poor cocktails. Could only pay by cash or bank transfer which was advised was a problem that evening but I see other reviews stating the same so just sounds like a way to dodge the tax man. Toilets were also filthy on our visit. Far better cocktail places in Edinburgh.Visited December 2022Written April 18, 2023
- NatEdinburgh, United Kingdom6 contributionsNever really come backOverpriced, poor selection of cocktails and if you go for the "mystery" one, it's very disappointing. Waiter was nice enough but the place could be so much better. And remember to bring cash as no card machine...Visited March 2022Written March 14, 2022
- Deborah MaliaNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom7 contributionsNever Really Here Alright!Travelled from Newcastle to go to this bar. Had a reservation at 7pm on Sunday 18th December 2022, got there, and the bar was shut! Tried to make contact with the bar on social media and the mobile number that confirmed my booking, but got totally ignored! Such a shame. We had high hopes for this place. Don’t waste your time making the trip here. Go to Panda & Sons which is another secret bar!Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2022
- mlbtravelsNoosa, Australia2,765 contributionsVery specialEverything about this speak-easy is special. The drinks are special, the decor is special and the staff are special. If you are lucky, as we were, Simon will be mixing your drinks. It is short drinks menu but actually, they will make you anything you want. My recommendation is stick with their menu. It is different, very unusual and edgy. We paid GBP 20 for 3 x drinks - very reasonable. It is cash or bank transfer only which is easy but don’t be caught off guard. Small, intimate and incredibly relaxed and friendly. Not a lot of seating. Check my photos for a hint of where this bar is located. We walked right past it the night before and gave up looking for the place. So glad we tried again this evening. Recommended but remember, be open minded and ready to try a different but delicious cocktail.Visited September 2021Traveled with friendsWritten September 9, 2021
- Allison S2 contributionsCosy welcome atmosphereHadn’t booked so was asked if we could return 45 minutes later when a table would be available. Lovely welcoming host and mixologist. The atmosphere is very cosy and our drinks were excellent. Drinks are a bit pricy but you get what you pay for. We stayed for two drinks and only left as we had a booking at PandasVisited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 28, 2023
- Emma A1 contributionAwfulWorst cocktails I've had. Don't waste your money. They don't take card and don't tell you til it's time to pay then want cash or your bank details for bank transfer. How this is recommended in top cocktail bars I do not knowVisited February 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 10, 2023
- Jack SRugeley, United Kingdom6 contributionsCompletely Unique ExperienceVisited here on Friday 9th December and had an outstanding experience with extremely friendly staff. They don’t currently have a menu, but the owner was very helpful and guided us in choosing what drink we would like by asking what sort of flavour profiles we like. Overall a great experience and would highly recommend! Don’t let the appearance from outside deceive you! Also a side thanks to the owner who let us add some graffiti to his ever growing collection across the whole room!Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 10, 2022
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
3.5
16 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
2
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Alison H
Dalkeith, UK8 contributions
Dec 2022
Was really looking forward to visiting but this was just poor. No menu but was happy enough to let the bar man create drinks based on what we liked. Unfortunately cocktails were awful, got bill and due to no menu were shocked to receive a bill for £23 for too small and poor cocktails. Could only pay by cash or bank transfer which was advised was a problem that evening but I see other reviews stating the same so just sounds like a way to dodge the tax man. Toilets were also filthy on our visit. Far better cocktail places in Edinburgh.
Written April 18, 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.
Nat
Edinburgh, UK6 contributions
Mar 2022
Overpriced, poor selection of cocktails and if you go for the "mystery" one, it's very disappointing. Waiter was nice enough but the place could be so much better. And remember to bring cash as no card machine...
Written March 14, 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.
Deborah Malia
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Travelled from Newcastle to go to this bar. Had a reservation at 7pm on Sunday 18th December 2022, got there, and the bar was shut! Tried to make contact with the bar on social media and the mobile number that confirmed my booking, but got totally ignored! Such a shame. We had high hopes for this place. Don’t waste your time making the trip here. Go to Panda & Sons which is another secret bar!
Written December 19, 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.
mlbtravels
Noosa, Australia2,765 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Everything about this speak-easy is special. The drinks are special, the decor is special and the staff are special. If you are lucky, as we were, Simon will be mixing your drinks. It is short drinks menu but actually, they will make you anything you want. My recommendation is stick with their menu. It is different, very unusual and edgy. We paid GBP 20 for 3 x drinks - very reasonable. It is cash or bank transfer only which is easy but don’t be caught off guard. Small, intimate and incredibly relaxed and friendly. Not a lot of seating. Check my photos for a hint of where this bar is located. We walked right past it the night before and gave up looking for the place. So glad we tried again this evening. Recommended but remember, be open minded and ready to try a different but delicious cocktail.
Written September 9, 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.
Allison S
2 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Hadn’t booked so was asked if we could return 45 minutes later when a table would be available. Lovely welcoming host and mixologist. The atmosphere is very cosy and our drinks were excellent. Drinks are a bit pricy but you get what you pay for. We stayed for two drinks and only left as we had a booking at Pandas
Written May 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.
Emma A
1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Friends
Worst cocktails I've had. Don't waste your money. They don't take card and don't tell you til it's time to pay then want cash or your bank details for bank transfer. How this is recommended in top cocktail bars I do not know
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.
Jack S
Rugeley, UK6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Visited here on Friday 9th December and had an outstanding experience with extremely friendly staff. They don’t currently have a menu, but the owner was very helpful and guided us in choosing what drink we would like by asking what sort of flavour profiles we like. Overall a great experience and would highly recommend! Don’t let the appearance from outside deceive you! Also a side thanks to the owner who let us add some graffiti to his ever growing collection across the whole room!
Written December 10, 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.
Shininglight7
Edinburgh, UK133 contributions
Mar 2023
Totally rate this hidden bar. IT IS WHAT IT IS and if you don't get it then that's OK. But, we did and had a lovely crafted cocktail in an interesting unique space. Good craic with the owner just enhanced the overall traditional bar experience.
Written March 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.
Scott U
Penicuik, UK44 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Go ahead... Don't be scared, knock the door and see what lays ahead in this charming little hidden gem. Cocktails were great and such a unique experience.
Written July 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.
AF
2 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
The cocktails are nice, but overpriced, and the host spoils it all with the ridiculous act he puts on.
Never really going back
Never really going back
Written September 24, 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.
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Claim your listingNever Really Here (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Never Really Here
- Never Really Here is open:
- Thu - Sun 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Hotels near Never Really Here:
- (0.02 mi) Modern studio near Edinburgh Castle
- (0.02 mi) ALTIDO Modern studio near Edinburgh Castle
- (0.02 mi) Elegant studio in the city centre
- (0.02 mi) Stylish studio near Princes Street
- (0.02 mi) ALTIDO Stylish studio near Princes Street
- Restaurants near Never Really Here:
- (0.01 mi) Indian Lounge Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) The Kenilworth
- (0.01 mi) Social Bite
- (0.02 mi) Rose Street Takeaway
- (0.02 mi) Pret a Manger
- Attractions near Never Really Here:
- (0.01 mi) International Vodka & Beer Bar
- (0.01 mi) Blues at Tiso
- (0.01 mi) Mangue - The gift shop
- (0.03 mi) The Treasure Trove
- (0.03 mi) Freemasons Hall, Edinburgh
Never Really Here Information
| Excellent Reviews | 6 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 2 |
| Never Really Here Photos | 23 |






































































