The Black Cat
The Black Cat
4.5
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Monday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
About
The Black Cat is an independent business on the lively Rose Street, Edinburgh. It was established two years ago and now in the words of the Financial Times Mag "one of Edinburgh's top five places to hang out" and we agree.... This bar specialises in Scottish Whisky, currently with over 130+ (and ever growing)malts. Staff are well trained for any whiskies questions so make sure you challenge them when you get your dram! Whether your a novice or an expert we have something for you! We do have a small bar menu, basic but sure it's only to munch on with a pint! We are all Scottish (we do have Guinness, but that's a standard!
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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
1,973 within 3 miles
Attractions
493 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- KaladinTLondon, United Kingdom180 contributionsGreat service, especially for whiskyVisited twice during our short break in Edinburgh. The quality of service was excellent, in particular when it came to the whisky. There’s a very large selection of Scotch, and the bartenders knowledge and passion was remarkable. The prices were great too, with a flight of 3 whisky’s for £15 - especially when they will talk you through each of the bottles too, and the beer very reasonable too.Visited September 2020Written September 30, 2020
- Lhg22Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom77 contributionsFriendly atmosphere, they know their whisky!We popped in here to try a whisky flight. The bar tender was so friendly and helpful. Even though the bar was busy, he came outside where we were sitting, and talked through the whiskies he had chosen for us, where they originated, and why he had chosen them. Considering the flight only came to £15, it was almost like having a personal tasting session. Honestly well worth the money, such a friendly atmosphere. Would 100% recommend!Visited October 2021Written October 28, 2021
- Danbme18 contributionsScotch tastingStopped by as we were looking for a place to sample some scotch….I mean, when in Scotland, amiright?! Hayden (from S Africa) was our tour guide and gave us the best and most extensive information about our flight, which he hand selected based on our price range. He said we name the amount 15-100$ along with flavor profiles we liked, and he would do the rest….which he did in an almost theatrical performance. It was the icing on our Edinburgh Cake.Visited September 2022Traveled with friendsWritten September 29, 2022
- AndrewHowsonBrighouse, United Kingdom408 contributionsSpoiled by a drunken lanky person.We called here for a quiet drink. The staff were great, but when you spend £16 on 2 bottles and a pint and some drunken lanky youth tries to make you smell whatever he’s got in his glass then knocks your glass over we decided it was time to go. Up to then it was great, the atmosphere was very good. Just spoiled by one. Sadly you cannot account for the stupidity of your customers.Visited January 2020Traveled with friendsWritten January 25, 2020
- Lucinda CBude, United Kingdom27 contributionsWhisky tastingAntony was fantastic at selecting whiskeys for us (who are daily amateur at tasting), and felt very accommodated and attended to the entire time we we’re there (and overstayed our table by 30mins). Great range of whiskey, excellent service, covid safe. Book in advance.Visited October 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2020
- Will GLondon, United Kingdom13 contributionsFavourite pub in EdinburghI’d never usually leave a review for a pub. But this place was so good that we came back every single day of our trip. Great selection of drinks but the shout-out has to go the the South African (I think) barman who was hilarious and accommodating the whole time. The pub is small but charming and really felt like we were in Scotland, we can’t wait to go back!Visited August 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten August 15, 2020
- Haru1 contributionvery rude, judgemental staffThe bar guy mistook my companions bad pronunciation for drunkiness and so he denied us any alcoholic drinks. The thing is, none of us could be drunk since we didn't had anything before at all. And a lot of the guys who were sitting at the bar looked much more drunk than we could ever have been... The bartender got very rude when I wanted to explain the situation. Also, I had to explain it to my companion who doesn't speak english well. He couldn't even defend himself. The encounter was very embarrassing so we just left after that. If the staff can make such shady judgements there I would not recommend this bar at any costs.Visited August 2022Traveled with friendsWritten August 24, 2022
- Jules S8 contributionsTerrific family pitstopTerrific family pit stop Nice long benches outside. Calamari was fresh and almost "Italian costal" in quality VERY TASTY! (Not the usual chewy rings you get at most places) Kids were happy with thier scampi / wing & chips combos. we were given 2 jugs of tap water and glasses with ice too. The rock n roll guys serving were rushed off their feet but handled everything with charm. Definately reccomend!!! Thanks.Visited August 2021Traveled with familyWritten August 4, 2021
- herbertp64068 contributionswhat a find in Rose street and you are spoilt for choice. great for whisky drinkers.what a gem, looks small outside but with a big heart inside, beer served in proper jugs with handles, friendly staff, much younger than me, but no age barrier. went before after my gig at the Usher Hall, Marillion. late opening on a monday!Visited November 2021Written November 25, 2021
- Victor N7 contributionsRudeThe musicians were incredibly rude as I walked in. I suggested leaving my coats next to them and they REFUSED to have my coats anywhere near them as it was “for musicians only” even though they had 8 seats for 2 of them. Rude and obnoxious, won’t be coming back.Visited May 2022Traveled with friendsWritten May 2, 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
4.5
414 reviews
Excellent
252
Very good
101
Average
30
Poor
8
Terrible
23
AndrewHowson
Brighouse, UK408 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We called here for a quiet drink.
The staff were great, but when you spend £16 on 2 bottles and a pint and some drunken lanky youth tries to make you smell whatever he’s got in his glass then knocks your glass over we decided it was time to go.
Up to then it was great, the atmosphere was very good.
Just spoiled by one.
Sadly you cannot account for the stupidity of your customers.
The staff were great, but when you spend £16 on 2 bottles and a pint and some drunken lanky youth tries to make you smell whatever he’s got in his glass then knocks your glass over we decided it was time to go.
Up to then it was great, the atmosphere was very good.
Just spoiled by one.
Sadly you cannot account for the stupidity of your customers.
Written January 25, 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.
Lucinda C
Bude, UK27 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Antony was fantastic at selecting whiskeys for us (who are daily amateur at tasting), and felt very accommodated and attended to the entire time we we’re there (and overstayed our table by 30mins).
Great range of whiskey, excellent service, covid safe. Book in advance.
Great range of whiskey, excellent service, covid safe. Book in advance.
Written October 3, 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.
Will G
London, UK13 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
I’d never usually leave a review for a pub. But this place was so good that we came back every single day of our trip. Great selection of drinks but the shout-out has to go the the South African (I think) barman who was hilarious and accommodating the whole time. The pub is small but charming and really felt like we were in Scotland, we can’t wait to go back!
Written August 15, 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.
Haru
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
The bar guy mistook my companions bad pronunciation for drunkiness and so he denied us any alcoholic drinks.
The thing is, none of us could be drunk since we didn't had anything before at all. And a lot of the guys who were sitting at the bar looked much more drunk than we could ever have been...
The bartender got very rude when I wanted to explain the situation. Also, I had to explain it to my companion who doesn't speak english well. He couldn't even defend himself.
The encounter was very embarrassing so we just left after that.
If the staff can make such shady judgements there I would not recommend this bar at any costs.
The thing is, none of us could be drunk since we didn't had anything before at all. And a lot of the guys who were sitting at the bar looked much more drunk than we could ever have been...
The bartender got very rude when I wanted to explain the situation. Also, I had to explain it to my companion who doesn't speak english well. He couldn't even defend himself.
The encounter was very embarrassing so we just left after that.
If the staff can make such shady judgements there I would not recommend this bar at any costs.
Written August 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.
Jules S
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Terrific family pit stop
Nice long benches outside. Calamari was fresh and almost "Italian costal" in quality VERY TASTY! (Not the usual chewy rings you get at most places) Kids were happy with thier scampi / wing & chips combos. we were given 2 jugs of tap water and glasses with ice too. The rock n roll guys serving were rushed off their feet but handled everything with charm. Definately reccomend!!! Thanks.
Nice long benches outside. Calamari was fresh and almost "Italian costal" in quality VERY TASTY! (Not the usual chewy rings you get at most places) Kids were happy with thier scampi / wing & chips combos. we were given 2 jugs of tap water and glasses with ice too. The rock n roll guys serving were rushed off their feet but handled everything with charm. Definately reccomend!!! Thanks.
Written August 4, 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.
herbertp640
68 contributions
Nov 2021
what a gem, looks small outside but with a big heart inside, beer served in proper jugs with handles, friendly staff, much younger than me, but no age barrier. went before after my gig at the Usher Hall, Marillion. late opening on a monday!
Written November 25, 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.
Victor N
7 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
The musicians were incredibly rude as I walked in. I suggested leaving my coats next to them and they REFUSED to have my coats anywhere near them as it was “for musicians only” even though they had 8 seats for 2 of them. Rude and obnoxious, won’t be coming back.
Written May 2, 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.
katemi01
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK63 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Excellent. We wanted to do a whisky tasting and were tipped off that this was the place to go. It was so much better than a big distillery one and the lovely man sat and told us lots about whisky, would highly recommend!
Written August 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.
Harry C
4 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Great place made better by the bartender, Harry. We came in for a whiskey flight and asked him to pick each based off his preference. I’m a big whiskey guy so it was awesome to have someone who was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He actually came to our table and spoke with us for a good while and went into awesome detail on all of them. He even gave us recommendations for another cool bar (cocktail geeks) and a place for dinner (hakataya) which were both incredible as well. Couldn’t have had a better experience
Written June 16, 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.
Lewis S
24 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Excellent independent pub. Staff member said they were closing soon but were happy to let us in for a pint. Place was very busy, but staff informed us when they were going to come to our table. When asked for our drinks they had ran out of our choice of drink, but the staff member recommended some alternatives which impressed me. We got a craft ale which was very nice. Staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. Toilets were small but clean and the pub had a great selection of drinks at great city prices. I would recommend
Written June 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.
Corporate A
1 contribution
Is the bar dog friendly during the day?
Malgorzata
12,111 contributions
I was there a few times with my friends, some of them with dogs . We never had any problems.The dog must be on a lead.
Claire K
Pensacola, FL14 contributions
What is the range for whiskey flight options? Considering a stop in here for an alternative whiskey experience
stefli2
Wurzburg, Germany72 contributions
There are options ranging from 12 - 100 pound with Scottish Single Malts, international Whiskey as well as blends. They have over 200 whiskeys there and if you ask staff for recommendations they will find new tastes for you.
Do you have live music during week nights?
uk2017
Tampa, FL84 contributions
Yes they do. Check their website for a schedule of music. Also pet friendly, just in case you have a four legged friend.
Cheers......
Hi do you have live music during the week? If so what days and times?
Thanks
Eli D
Edinburgh, UK67 contributions
OOPS a bit late not sure but the whisky is good
gbwilson
16 contributions
Have you got live music scheduled for Sunday December 11th in the evening, we're looking for a bar to spend the evening in with traditional or folk music on.
WhiskyJane
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom3 contributions
Hi, yes we have live folk music every Sunday in December from 4pm til 7pm! Hope to see you then. Jane (Manager)
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Claim your listingThe Black Cat - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Black Cat
- The Black Cat is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 1:00 AM
- Hotels near The Black Cat:
- (0.02 mi) Georgian Apartment in the heart of Edinburgh's Newtown.
- (0.02 mi) New Town 3BR-2BA, Castle Street
- (0.02 mi) ALTIDO Rose Street Modern Flat
- (0.02 mi) Rose Street Modern Flat
- (0.02 mi) Edinburgh Castle Apartments and Suites
- Restaurants near The Black Cat:
- (0.01 mi) The Shoogly Peg
- (0.01 mi) Rose and Crown
- (0.01 mi) The Amber Rose
- (0.01 mi) Hakataya
- (0.02 mi) TGI Friday's - Edinburgh
The Black Cat Information
Excellent Reviews | 252 |
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Very Good Reviews | 101 |
The Black Cat Photos | 139 |