Thistle Street Bar
Thistle Street Bar
4.5
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Write a review
About
The Thistle Street Bar is a traditional Scottish pub housed in a property built in 1780 and located in the oldest street in Edinburgh's New Town. We believe in putting customers first, giving them a warm welcome and doing our best to offer an experience which showcases the best of Scotland. This includes offering advice on our range of Scottish beers along with our wide selection of Scottish gins and whiskies to match our customers' tastes. Why not join us for some traditional Scottish music on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Check the website for details - thistlestreetbar.com.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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.
See what travelers are saying
  • George S
    Sydney, Australia4 contributions
    🤩WOW🤩
    Myself and my partner were staying in the nearby Braid apartments and we noticed a little further down the street we saw this quaint little pub. We are so glad we went in; the warm hearty welcome from the owner was nothing short of perfect, he was friendly, professional and cared for his patrons and his property. He was willing to give us advice on things to do, places to eat and even other places to drink as we had mentioned we were from Somerset and liked cider. Needless to say we came back on a few occasions and he was the same every time, even when the bar was incredibly busy he still tried to give everybody his time and attention. Whether you want a bar for a little tipple and a natter or a quiet pint away from the busier side of Edinburgh then this is the pub for you. Will 100% be visiting again when we return to Edinburgh
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 16, 2020
  • beck_hoose
    Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom177 contributions
    Cracking wee pub
    We found this pub by accident after coming out of the Cote Brasserie round the corner. As soon as you walk into this bar you know its going to be good. There was a live Scottish folk group playing (actually good music) and we had a great evening. We only intended to have one before moving down onto George Street / Rose Street area, but ended up staying the whole evening. The atmosphere was really good, the bar and amenities was spotless and the owner (Robert or James, my head was fuggy by the end of the evening) is an encyclopedia on whisky, gin and beer. He used to work as head barman at some big fancy Edinburgh hotel, but decided to open his own wee pub, and we're glad he did. The only downside is it is a small bar, and the seats fill up quickly. Cheers
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 14, 2020
  • SarahJL2016
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom55 contributions
    So good to be back
    I’ve not been in here since lockdown as I moved workplaces, but it was so good to be back. Some updating has been done, but it’s still in keeping with the character of the bar, and if anything it’s even more cosy and romantic, but with a (slightly) more fashionable slant. I was very impressed by how Covid aware they are, everything was explained and executed properly, there is space or screens between tables, track and trace is actually done correctly, and cleanliness standards are very high. Service is still wonderful. Robert the owner is as always, a true gentleman, and a credit to the tourism industry in Edinburgh. I didn’t catch the name of the lady who served us but she was so friendly and helpful. We will both definitely recommend this bar to anyone who wants a authentic traditional experience but also who appreciates quality of drinks and service. Many thanks, Sarah
    Hi Sarah Great to see you again after so long and thank you so much for the kind words. We live in challenging times and it's more important to us than anything else that our customers feel safe so I'm delighted that you think we're doing the right things. We'll hopefully see you again soon. Sláinte Robert
    Written September 3, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 2, 2020
  • Alan1960
    19 contributions
    Fantastic Bar in Edinburgh!
    Went for a couple of pre meal drinks this afternoon. Fantastic welcome and great selection of drinks. For a relatively small establishment they have applied the COVID rules sensibly and well. Extremely friendly owners who appreciated our custom and engaged well. We will be back soon and recommend to others.
    Alan, this is just brilliant, thank you! Although we try hard to keep people as safe as possible while still making them feel welcome, its difficult to gauge how well we're doing. This is why reviews like this mean so much to us and I appreciate you taking the time to write it. Sláinte. Robert
    Written September 3, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 25, 2020
  • Gary63_10
    Hua Hin, Thailand96 contributions
    Wonderful Bar
    We dropped in by accident whilst on a walk around the city and was greeted very warmly, they was able to find us a small safe space to sit for a while. Robert behind the bar has an impressive collection of Scottish malts from all different areas, and seems very knowledgeable. All the Covid cleaning systems are carried out very well and we will certainly be visiting again, thoroughly recommended.
    Hi Gary. Great to meet you and thank you so much for the excellent review. It means a lot to us that people feel safe when they visit it and hopefully we'll see you again soon. Sláinte Robert
    Written September 13, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 11, 2020
  • Bucksvoyager
    344 contributions
    Great pub
    I dropped in for a mid-afternoon pint on a very wet and windy day. It was very cosy sitting in front of the fire. The bar staff were very friendly and the beer was well kept. I would recommend this pub if, like me, you need a break from shopping the length of George Street, or if you just want a good pint in an old-fashioned pub.
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 16, 2020
  • Sinkie
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom3 contributions
    Return visit
    My wife and I returned for another visit, having been impressed with how well they dealt with current COVID requirements, on a previous day out. Everything is so well managed, explained and enforced that we felt really comfortable to visit the pub again. Cleaning is constant, when people vacated a table, though cleaning of toilets including door handles etc.. It's not a big pub, but gives a real feel for how traditional pubs used to be. The service is first class, choice of drinks great, and interaction between the staff and visitors couldn't be better. When we were asked our names we were introduced to another person in the pub at a near by table which immediately gets that sort of "my local" feeling. Can't fault the pub in any way and will continue to visit as it's important to make sure these classic pubs survive the current "new normal" which we will face for some time to come. They were apparently well known for live music before lockdown so can't wait to sample it when we get back to normal and support what is a great wee Scottish Pub.
    Visited September 2020
    Written September 25, 2020
  • Rabsteedman
    Dunfermline, United Kingdom48 contributions
    Social
    Robert and team well ready for opening. Premises were spotless all staff attentive and catering for the customer needs. So glad this gem of a bar is opened. Recommend a drink here to chase away the Covid blues x
    Thanks Rab, we really appreciate the great review. I especially like the last sentence you wrote, as we're keen to create an atmosphere where people can escape from the 'new normal' while still feeling safe and comfortable. Your comments are really appreciated. Sláinte Robert
    Written September 3, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 17, 2020
  • Ciara Devlin
    Norfolk, United Kingdom1 contribution
    A delightful hideaway in the alleyway!
    Lovely little quaint pub, such friendly greeting from a young bar maid saying ‘come in from the rain’ then delightful service from what seems like a family run business if not then close colleagues. Lovely little seating and cosy setting & fire places. Told us to hang up our coats to dry and we played dominos and drank delicious red wine- went in by accident and would now recommend to anyone visiting the area & look forward to going again!
    Visited June 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 3, 2021
  • Paul C
    Wrexham, United Kingdom218 contributions
    What a great find!!
    Found this bar by accident while walking on a Thursday afternoon and what a great little bar it is. It's only small but that's in it's favour. A good selection of beer on the bar with Belhaven Best my personal choice, and if your a whiskey lover then you'll be spoilt for choice here! My wife and I stayed here a couple of hours before moving on, a real shame we found it on our last day in Edinburgh. Thistle Street Bar is well worth seeking out and as we were leaving they were just setting up for the evenings live music. I absolutely recommend.
    Hi P4ULC74. We’re delighted that you and your wife dropped by and enjoyed your experience at the Thistle. Thank you for that and for giving us a five from five rating plus a really amazing review, it means so much to the team. If you’re ever back in Edinburgh again please visit us. Sláinte
    Written July 19, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2022
    Written July 17, 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

4.5
142 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
20
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
3

Hannah C
12 contributions
Jun 2023
This is hands down my favorite pub/bar I have ever visited, and I've been to thousands. The people were so friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcome as well as handwriting a long list of other pubs and landmarks to visit based on our interests. The live music was also great and not just your typical pub classics (though those were great too). The building itself is also beautiful and while it is wee, it's bright and airy with plenty of room and all of the classic furnishings you hope to see. I truly cannot wait to come back for many more visits!
Written July 6, 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.
Hi Hannah. What can I say? Such a brilliant review, thank you so much! We’re really delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope the information we gave you proved useful during your stay. Please come back and see us again some time. Sláinte Robert
Written July 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

James S
3 contributions
May 2023
Best pub atmosphere in Edinburgh. Good beer and good company. We were there for live music, which was lively and a great way to finish our trip to Edinburgh.
Written May 23, 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.
Hi jhsulli2 Thank you for the lovely review, it’s much appreciated. We’re delighted you the atmosphere and the live music and are really glad we helped to make your trip to Edinburgh memorable. Please visit us again when you’re back in town. Sláinte Robert & Dorothy Shepherd
Written May 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ArthurGrun
Tetbury, UK74 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Almost opposite the apartment we were using while in Edinburgh, this is the kind of "drinkers" bar I personally miss in England. Compact, spotlessly clean, wonderful bar staff and NO FOOD. Instead you have to make your own conversation, or join in with the friendly locals, and enjoy well kept beers and of course a wide range of whiskies. On each visit we found a wonderful atmosphere and loved every minute. Perfect watering hole for those who hanker after a real pub.
Written May 19, 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.
Hi Arthur Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, we really appreciate it. What you’ve described is exactly what we’re aiming to achieve so we’re delighted that you’ve commented on it, especially the cleanliness which we’re very proud of. Our son, Michael, is our manager and, along with our small team of bartenders, strive to make sure our customers are made to feel welcome so they’ll be really pleased that they got a mention. Thank you so much and please visit us again the next time you’re in Edinburgh. Sláinte 🥃 Robert & Dorothy Shepherd
Written May 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

C H
4 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Real good neighborhood pub. Excellent atmosphere. Homey and cozy. The beer selection was good. Wife loved the gin and tonic.
Written May 3, 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.
Hi C1140NIch Thank you so much for the lovely review. We’re delighted you enjoyed the atmosphere at the Thistle and your wife enjoyed the gin. Please drop by again the next time you’re both in town. Sláinte Robert & Dorothy Shepherd
Written May 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Graham
Kirkcaldy, UK1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
My new favourite pub ever. We just popped in for a quick drink before going elsewhere for a meal we had booked but the Thistle Street bar impressed us so much that we returned as soon as we finished our meal. The incredibly friendly and knowledgeable couple that run it made us feel very welcome and the drinks were great. Can’t wait to go back
Written April 23, 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.
Hi Backpacker52559 Apologies for the slow response. Thank you so much for giving us such a glowing review, my wife and I really appreciate it. We’re delighted that you felt welcomed and enjoyed our hospitality and hope you’ll come and visit us again when you return to Edinburgh. Sláinte Robert & Dorothy Shepherd
Written May 29, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Scot957
Edinburgh, UK66 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Great friendly service especially from the lady serving us, very patient and friendly like the old fashioned service we used to get in Edinburgh bars! Sadly we didn’t try the array of Whisky on offer but we did try a few beers and some wine, all excellent, and a couple of packet of crisps to make it a great experience! Have loved this bar for many years and it’s still got the friendly Edinburgh vibe, great Scottish banter at its best! Maybe a few pies and quiche from the Edinburgh based ‘Pie Dolly` on sale would go down well. 😋
Written December 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.
Hi Scot957 Thank you so much for taking the time to give us such a brilliant review, we really appreciate it. We’re glad you mentioned the ‘old fashioned service’ as that’s something we really try to focus on and my wife Dorothy, who served you, is delighted with such a kind comment so thank you again for that. Your comment about the pies is a valuable one as we tend to sell pies during the Six Nations but not really at any other time so will take that on board. Here’s wishing you a guid New Year and all the very best for 2023. Sláinte 🥃
Written December 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jsmud
UK143 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Just the best of Scottish hospitality. We spent a great afternoon here, enjoying a few drinks and soaking up the atmosphere. Great, friendly service. Brilliant banter with the other customers. The kind of pub that makes us miss Scotland.
Written December 22, 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 jsmud Thank you so much for the excellent review, we really appreciate it. Here’s wishing you a guid New Year and all the best for 2023. Sláinte 🥃
Written December 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

medicalmarinara
Boston, MA124 contributions
Dec 2022
My friends and I loved this pub. It is on an unassuming quiet street close to Prince Street and was serving a mix of locals and tourists. They do have live folk music there fairly often as well. They have tons of whiskeys and great Scottish beers. The staff in there was very friendly and gave great recommendations of other spots throughout the city. Definitely stop in here for a drink or two.
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.
Hi Medicalmarinara Thank you so much for giving us such a brilliant review, it’s very much appreciated. We’re delighted you enjoyed your visit to the Thistle and glad you had a great time in Edinburgh. Here’s wishing you all the very best for 2023. Sláinte 🥃
Written December 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Al45
Nice, France41 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Visited for a pre-dinner beer with our Edinburgh hosts and didn’t want to leave. Will definitely be back on our next visit.
Written October 26, 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. Thank you so much for giving us a five from five rating and for the wonderful comment, we really appreciate it. We’re delighted to hear that you’ll visit us again next time you’re in Edinburgh. Until then, sláinte 🥃
Written October 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SharonJT67
Durham, UK5,168 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
A well overdue trip to the tattoo had us staying nearby & whilst out on a wander we happened upon this fabulous little bar, quite compact but a good array of ales, wines & spirits & well worth a visit, we’ve been to Edinburgh multiple times & never been in here, it’s got to be one of my best finds now, loved the decor, the Thistly cider & the craic!
Written August 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.
Hi Sharon. We hope you enjoyed your visit to the Tattoo. Thank you for giving us a top rating and also for the wonderful recommendation, it’s much appreciated. Please visit us again the next time you’re in Edinburgh. Sláinte
Written August 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 137
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Thistle Street Bar (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Thistle Street Bar

Thistle Street Bar is open:
  • Sun - Sun 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Tue - Wed 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Thu - Thu 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM



Thistle Street Bar Information

Excellent Reviews116
Very Good Reviews20
Thistle Street Bar Photos40