Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street
5
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
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About
Explore the flavours of Scotland, set across eight floors, in the heart of Edinburgh's West End. Join us on a discovery of adventure and friendship as we stride into a bold future of whisky enjoyment. Book your tour and reserve your table in our 1820 rooftop bar or Explorers' Bothy whisky bar on our website. Our opening hours vary by department so please check the information on our website before you visit us.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Princes Street and Gardens
Glaswegians tease Edinburghers that their High Street is only half one, since buildings only line one side. But what they don’t say is how extraordinary the views are from Princes Street as a result. From here you look onto expansive and decorative public gardens beneath the mighty basalt cliffs on which Edinburgh’s Castle stands proud above the rest of the dramatic old town skyline. Yet many of those on Princes Street look the other way, as they’re concerned with chain store shopping or catching the tram or a train at main train station Waverley. But it’s not all utility here; the Scottish National Gallery rewards purposeless wandering, and December’s huge winter market in the gardens begins a season of revelry which ends with Hogmanay, Britain’s largest New Year’s street party.
See what travelers are saying
  • Conor H
    4 contributions
    Whisky meets theatre
    This experience is whisky meets theatre which is fantastic. It is fully immersive and embraces all whisky drinkers. If you want a full on whisky experience i would recommend a drive out to Genkinchie Distillery first. Its the perfect pairing with this experience and is also fantastic value for money. There is a bus but it is expensive, I would recommend the venues look into a cost effective way of making a day of it.
    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted you enjoyed your visit and your tour with us and that you're a fan of our sister distillery, Glenkinchie. We're sorry to hear that you feel our shuttle bus service is expensive. We are actively reviewing all feedback that we have been receiving since recently opening. If there was any further detailed feedback that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Please email reservations.jwps@diageo.com if you wish to do so. Once again, thank you for your feedback.
    Written January 28, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 5, 2022
  • Homerdrew
    London, United Kingdom89 contributions
    Lovely views of the Castle
    You need to make a reservation and pay a deposit, which is not unreasonable to ask. You obviously get the deposit back against your bar bill. As you walk the red carpet entrance, you’re met by security. Once they validate your reservation they call the lift and hold the door and press the lift button to floor 6. The lift door opens to a small pleasant reception area. To your left is The Johnnie Walker bar, where you’re greeted, welcomed and seated. The staff are both friendly, knowledgeable and natural. Shame can’t be said of some of the groups gathered in the bar area. Which you’re always gonna get anywhere! That said the layout both inside and out is attractive and has a feel good vibe about the place. The music inside is pipped outside too, so you don’t miss out. There was a sign warning about the wind and to take care when out on the balcony. So beware if you’re visiting on a windy day as you’re experience maybe cut short. Fortunately it wasn’t windy on our visit. I was slightly disappointed an advertised drink from the menu wasn’t available. I choose a wrong drink I would say, as I could only describe the taste as a hint of apple and strong after taste of mouth wash. The views over looking the Castle and city are stunning. It was so light at 10pm and as you can see from the photos attached I managed to snap some lovely images. I would definitely recommend the place and would not hesitate to return. Thank you for a memorable visit.
    Visited June 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 15, 2022
  • Brian H
    3 contributions
    Highly recommend a visit to the Johnnie Walker Experience
    Well worth a visit, especially if on a short break in the city. Allie our tour guide and Eilidh, who performed the story of Johnnie Walker on stage, were outstanding and very professional throughout. I would recommend a visit as it's well worth the £25 fee given there are three cocktails included. The building in Princess Street is also very impressive.and is a welcome addition to the city centre.
    Visited December 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 12, 2022
  • Mi Edin
    15 contributions
    Worthwhile Journey of Flavour Tour
    The conversion of the old Frasers / Binn's building has been done to an exceptionally high quality with some amazing attention to detail. The Journey of Flavour Tour is a good introduction to the story of JW and whisky flavours in general. The use of media makes it really immersive although there are a couple of elements that felt a wee bit 'Whisky Disney' to me, but that doesn't detract from the quality of the tour. The £25 tour includes three drinks and lasts 90 minutes. At that price it represents excellent value and also comes with a 10% discount in the store, where you can buy exclusive JW whiskies as well as a selection of Diageo single malts.
    Visited October 2021
    Written October 10, 2021
  • Claire0209
    12 contributions
    A non-whisky drinker almost converted!
    My husband has always loved whisky but I have always said I detested it. We came to Edinburgh on a weekend break and he booked the "journey of flavour" tour for us. There was no point booking a full on single malt tasting at a distillery as I would not have got anywhere near enjoying it. You can take a flavour questionnaire before you go but I came out with the same profile as the husband, so upon arrival was greeted by Les, one of the guides who signposted me to a different profile after a quick chat. I'm so glad he did! When it came to the tasting I realised there was likely to be whisky for me, I just had to be discerning in what I chose. As for the tour itself, it is interactive and interesting, but obviously centred around the Johnnie Walker brand. There was no hard sell, just enthusiasm on the part of the guides and the expected inclusive drinks. I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour for those who feel whisky isn't for them. Our guide Villeo was an absolute diamond. I even remembered the name of one of the whiskys he recommended for my palette and I found it in a pub later... Loved it!
    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad to see that you and your husband enjoyed your tour with Villeo and your whiskies. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your weekend in Edinburgh and we'd love to welcome you both back soon.
    Written December 5, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 21, 2021
  • Andy D
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom6 contributions
    Worst Retail Experience in Many Years.
    Terrible, terrible, experience which probably only lasted around two minutes. From the entrance which proclaimed 'Automatic Door', which wasn't, to my departure after being called 'Mate' by a young unhelpful floor staff, this place is a disaster, which I firmly believe will close within two years. The ground floor is very small, with an array of overpriced merchandise, but most of all, there is absolutely no sign of what the place is all about! Access to the rest of the building is through another large glass panel proclaiming, ' Automatic Doors, and this time it is actually firmly locked shut! I pointed this out to a member of staff, who said, ' Aye mate, that's for the rooftop bar and if you need the toilet'. He then grudgingly produced an electronic keycard to open the door! I told him not to bother and left. The overall impression I have is that if you are not a smiling tourist, desperate to part with your cash, then you are not welcome. Especially if you come with a local accent. I have seldom in my sixty odd years on the planet felt so angry by such an awful, patronising and humiliating retail experience. Diageo. Get your act together! And start by training your staff in how to interact with people!
    Visited February 2022
    Written February 25, 2022
  • Chris B
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom61 contributions
    Fantastic tour!
    Fantastic day out. This is the best whiskey tour I’ve ever been on! This tour offers much more than your standard tastings and a tour of the still etc. Everything from the fantastic attention to detail, the fantastic actress talking us through the history of their whiskey to the very swish bar where we got 3 excellent drinks. Colin, our host was fantastic, very funny, friendly and knowledgeable. For the price I thought this was excellent value for money and will recommend any one else to give it a go even if they don’t like whiskey
    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Colin and your whiskies. We hope to see you again soon!
    Written December 5, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 20, 2021
  • Weescottishadventures
    4 contributions
    Pure Class
    We booked this tour as we were looking for something new to try and what a good shout that was. From the moment you walk into the place it is pure class. We were welcomed onto the tour by our Guide, Bonnar. He was friendly and instantly made us feel relaxed and looking forward to what was to come. I'm not a Whisky drinker but that didn't matter one bit. The tour was so interesting and enjoyable. Everything was so polished and well organised but also relaxing and fun. All the staff who we came into contact with went over and above, including the female concierge at the bars (didn't get her name) who managed to find us a table in the fully booked rooftop bar (we had only asked to have a look so we could book at another time) We had only been able to book the Bothy Bar which was incredibly beautiful. They are very different vibes so I was delighted to have had the opportunity to have a drink in both and the views from the outdoor terrace are second to none! I will recommend this to anyone, whiskey lover or not. The Hiball drinks were delicious and with the 3 drinks included, this was value for money. Look forward to coming again, but I imagine we will need to book well in advance as the news of this place gets out!
    Visited October 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 24, 2021
  • Tarnya H
    3 contributions
    Whiskey experience
    i made a reservation for the restaurant in February however my reservation was cancelled shortly after do our disappointment. However we are still awaiting the return of out deposit ??? weeks have passed without and refund or explanation also can not get past automatic answering service or had any return calls. so i advise anyone to carefully consider paying a deposit for a booking
    Hi there, we would appreciate if you could get in touch with us and send your contact details to JWPS.F&B@diageo.com so that a member of the team can contact you to understand what happened? As part of our processes we do not cancel bookings that have paid a deposit, as these are considered confirmed bookings – so we are keen to understand how this might have happened. If the booking is a no show on the day, then the booking would be cancelled after 30 minutes of the booking start time, as per our terms and conditions. The only bookings that would be cancelled are unconfirmed bookings, and only after we have contacted or attempted to contact the guest, but there would be no deposit associated. Thank you, Lauren
    Written February 11, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 9, 2022
  • dezzyd01
    Glasgow, United Kingdom178 contributions
    Johnnie Walker five star Experience
    We found the Johnny Walker Experience to be fantastic from the warm welcome to the superb graphics and interactive show. Also a great bit of Scottish history told through an actress and your well informed guide, you are taken through the humble beginnings to the now global company. The tasting are great at the end and when you return to the shop there is 10% off if you’ve attended the Experience. I would have uploaded photos, however, there are more than enough already. Overall we throughly enjoyed the Experience and would happy recommend it Whisky drinkers and to those who are willing to Experience Johnny Walker.
    Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed your Journey of Flavour tour and we hope to welcome you back to Johnnie Walker Princes Street soon!
    Written February 11, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2022
    Written February 5, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
1,165 reviews
Excellent
1,053
Very good
64
Average
13
Poor
25
Terrible
12

Mi Edin
15 contributions
Oct 2021
The conversion of the old Frasers / Binn's building has been done to an exceptionally high quality with some amazing attention to detail. The Journey of Flavour Tour is a good introduction to the story of JW and whisky flavours in general. The use of media makes it really immersive although there are a couple of elements that felt a wee bit 'Whisky Disney' to me, but that doesn't detract from the quality of the tour.

The £25 tour includes three drinks and lasts 90 minutes. At that price it represents excellent value and also comes with a 10% discount in the store, where you can buy exclusive JW whiskies as well as a selection of Diageo single malts.
Written October 10, 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.

Claire0209
12 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
My husband has always loved whisky but I have always said I detested it. We came to Edinburgh on a weekend break and he booked the "journey of flavour" tour for us. There was no point booking a full on single malt tasting at a distillery as I would not have got anywhere near enjoying it.
You can take a flavour questionnaire before you go but I came out with the same profile as the husband, so upon arrival was greeted by Les, one of the guides who signposted me to a different profile after a quick chat. I'm so glad he did! When it came to the tasting I realised there was likely to be whisky for me, I just had to be discerning in what I chose.
As for the tour itself, it is interactive and interesting, but obviously centred around the Johnnie Walker brand. There was no hard sell, just enthusiasm on the part of the guides and the expected inclusive drinks.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour for those who feel whisky isn't for them. Our guide Villeo was an absolute diamond. I even remembered the name of one of the whiskys he recommended for my palette and I found it in a pub later... Loved it!
Written November 21, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad to see that you and your husband enjoyed your tour with Villeo and your whiskies. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your weekend in Edinburgh and we'd love to welcome you both back soon.
Written December 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andy D
Edinburgh, UK6 contributions
Feb 2022
Terrible, terrible, experience which probably only lasted around two minutes. From the entrance which proclaimed 'Automatic Door', which wasn't, to my departure after being called 'Mate' by a young unhelpful floor staff, this place is a disaster, which I firmly believe will close within two years.

The ground floor is very small, with an array of overpriced merchandise, but most of all, there is absolutely no sign of what the place is all about!

Access to the rest of the building is through another large glass panel proclaiming, ' Automatic Doors, and this time it is actually firmly locked shut!

I pointed this out to a member of staff, who said, ' Aye mate, that's for the rooftop bar and if you need the toilet'. He then grudgingly produced an electronic keycard to open the door!

I told him not to bother and left.

The overall impression I have is that if you are not a smiling tourist, desperate to part with your cash, then you are not welcome. Especially if you come with a local accent.

I have seldom in my sixty odd years on the planet felt so angry by such an awful, patronising and humiliating retail experience.

Diageo. Get your act together! And start by training your staff in how to interact with people!
Written February 25, 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.

Chris B
Edinburgh, UK61 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Fantastic day out. This is the best whiskey tour I’ve ever been on! This tour offers much more than your standard tastings and a tour of the still etc. Everything from the fantastic attention to detail, the fantastic actress talking us through the history of their whiskey to the very swish bar where we got 3 excellent drinks.

Colin, our host was fantastic, very funny, friendly and knowledgeable. For the price I thought this was excellent value for money and will recommend any one else to give it a go even if they don’t like whiskey
Written November 21, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Colin and your whiskies. We hope to see you again soon!
Written December 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Weescottishadventures
4 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We booked this tour as we were looking for something new to try and what a good shout that was. From the moment you walk into the place it is pure class. We were welcomed onto the tour by our Guide, Bonnar. He was friendly and instantly made us feel relaxed and looking forward to what was to come.

I'm not a Whisky drinker but that didn't matter one bit. The tour was so interesting and enjoyable. Everything was so polished and well organised but also relaxing and fun. All the staff who we came into contact with went over and above, including the female concierge at the bars (didn't get her name) who managed to find us a table in the fully booked rooftop bar (we had only asked to have a look so we could book at another time) We had only been able to book the Bothy Bar which was incredibly beautiful. They are very different vibes so I was delighted to have had the opportunity to have a drink in both and the views from the outdoor terrace are second to none!

I will recommend this to anyone, whiskey lover or not. The Hiball drinks were delicious and with the 3 drinks included, this was value for money. Look forward to coming again, but I imagine we will need to book well in advance as the news of this place gets out!
Written October 24, 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.

Tarnya H
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
i made a reservation for the restaurant in February however my reservation was cancelled shortly after do our disappointment.
However we are still awaiting the return of out deposit ??? weeks have passed without and refund or explanation also can not get past automatic answering service or had any return calls.
so i advise anyone to carefully consider paying a deposit for a booking
Written February 9, 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.
Hi there, we would appreciate if you could get in touch with us and send your contact details to JWPS.F&B@diageo.com so that a member of the team can contact you to understand what happened? As part of our processes we do not cancel bookings that have paid a deposit, as these are considered confirmed bookings – so we are keen to understand how this might have happened. If the booking is a no show on the day, then the booking would be cancelled after 30 minutes of the booking start time, as per our terms and conditions. The only bookings that would be cancelled are unconfirmed bookings, and only after we have contacted or attempted to contact the guest, but there would be no deposit associated. Thank you, Lauren
Written February 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dezzyd01
Glasgow, UK178 contributions
Feb 2022
We found the Johnny Walker Experience to be fantastic from the warm welcome to the superb graphics and interactive show. Also a great bit of Scottish history told through an actress and your well informed guide, you are taken through the humble beginnings to the now global company. The tasting are great at the end and when you return to the shop there is 10% off if you’ve attended the Experience.
I would have uploaded photos, however, there are more than enough already. Overall we throughly enjoyed the Experience and would happy recommend it Whisky drinkers and to those who are willing to Experience Johnny Walker.
Written February 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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed your Journey of Flavour tour and we hope to welcome you back to Johnnie Walker Princes Street soon!
Written February 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rav1oli
London, UK232 contributions
Oct 2021
We did the Whisky experience as a birthday present which I was very happy with. It's a good experience for both expert and novice whisky drinkers alike.

The [person guiding the tour [A very nice Canadian lady] was incredibly knowledgable, informative and made it fun for the group. She also did an excellent job of getting all of us involved in commenting and sharing opinions on the various tipples we were enjoying.

This was a very good balance of tasting, learning, and a few laughs. The location is excellent also.

After the tasting, we went to the Blue Room where we had quite a few cocktails [highly recommend the pineapple cocktail] and enjoyed the view from the terrace where there is a lot of photo opportunities.

Definitely recommend this as a cool experience in Edinburgh.
Written December 22, 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.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your tour and tastings with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Written December 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan S
7 contributions
May 2022
The seating in the centre of the bar is very uncomfortable and poorly designed.
My Husband were there celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and we were seated in the centre of the 1820 bar. I was on the very low sofa and my Husband was opposite me on a high stool. It felt very uncomfortable as my Husband had to look down to me to speak. Also the tables were placed so close together and therefore tuning in to other peoples conversations. This was my second visit and I would not recommend sitting in the central area as it us very impersonal and those sitting on the sofas are unable to appreciate the view.
Written May 21, 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.
Dear Susan S, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about your recent trip to Johnnie Walker Princes Street and our 1820 Bar. We take all feedback seriously and we are always looking to improve our experience and I am so delighted to inform you that we will very shortly be making changes to the furniture to make the experience more comfortable. We would love for you to come in and have a look and welcome your feedback and I would invite you to e-mail jwps.f&b@diageo.com when looking to make your next booking. Thank you once again and we look forward to welcoming you back to 1820 in the not too distant future! With Best Wishes, Kijean D Assistant Operations Manager
Written May 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Charlie66
Alderton, UK366 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
The building alone, an anchor venue at the end of Princes St, opposite the Caledonian, tells you that Johnnie Walker is, and is acting like a BIG brand. Eat your heart out Chivas Regal and Pernod Ricard!

Scotch Whisky production and flavour can be one of the simplest ideas made incredibly complicated. Good news, here at the Johnnie Walker experience they keep it simple and give you the basics. 4 corners of Scotland and 6 key flavour profiles. If you don’t like whisky that is simply a story you tell yourself. If you like flavour there is a whisky here for you.
At times this experience is a bit Malt Disney (I wish that was my own original line), but hey, you are here to be entertained and learn. As a visitor experience it is excellent, something for everyone. If you don’t drink you can still get involved in the flavour experience. Included in your very reasonable entry price are three drinks, access to the rooftop bar, and 90 minutes of high-tech interactive learning. This place busts the myths around Scotch whisky and helps to create new habits. Your hosts are your guide and a variety of characters who pop up to bring the story to life.
Exit through the gift shop - obvs.
Born 1820 still going strong. On this evidence the brand is in very good health!
Written August 20, 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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Johnnie Walker Princes Street (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM




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