With the Edinburgh Festival kicking off today, we take a look at the best bars in which to meet friends before or after shows.
Picture: Kaleidoscope whisky bar, www.smws.com/kaleidoscope
News to make any whisky fan rejoice, the refurbishment of the stunning queen street property of the SMWS has seen the creation of this excellent new whisky bar, which opened earlier this year.
The Society releases a new selection of its rare single cask single malt whiskies every month, which will provide the bar an excitingly transient menu, with new options to explore on a regular basis.
A limited range of specially selected rare proprietary whiskies will also be available at the bar making this an ideal spot to wind down after a show.
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Le Di-Vin, situated beside La P’tite Folie restaurant in the heart of the city, has featured in The Sunday Times top 25 wine bars in the UK and is home to a range selection of wine sourced from countries including France, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Chile, Argentina and Patagonia USA, which are all sold by the bottle or glass, making it perfect for a relaxing glass or two before a show.
The cosy bar also offers a selection of food including platters of cheese, charcuterie, smoked fish, terrines, and salads - perfect for a quick bite if you're in a hurry to catch the next show.
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Those gin fans lucky enough to have already been to the Glasgow venue will know just how good this bar is. The idea couldn’t be simpler: choose from a range of hundreds of gins – all broken down into their respective categories in their menus – choose your mixer, and then simply pick a garnish.
The endless combinations make this a place you’ll want to come back to again and again. Don’t worry if your not decisive, the experienced staff are on hand to help you pick a gin that will suit you. So just sit back, relax and enjoy a G&T before a busy night at the Fringe.
Picture: Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen
Now firm favourites on the craft beer scene, Innis & Gunn opened up on Lothian Road in 2015.
Serving a range of the brand's beers, it's an ideal place to catch up with friends and discuss what shows you'd like to see.
Anyone wanting a bite to eat will be glad to know that traditional pub grub with a hoppy twist is served all day.
Think IPA battered fish, a rarebit sauce infused with the original brew and Spicy Innis & Gunn Session IPA infused prawn and avocado ceviche.
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Blending together the unlikely combination of traditional Edinburgh drinking den and Polynesian paradise, the Auld Reekie Tiki Bar is a themed pub offering a bit of tropical escapism.
There’s quirky bamboo decor, classic rum tiki cocktails and plenty of room to dance the night away. Arrange to meet after any late night show as it's open till 3am.
