When the weather’s on your side in Edinburgh, there’s no better feeling than grabbing a drink outdoors. The city just comes alive — cobbled streets buzzing, the air filled with chatter, and terraces full of people making the most of it. Even on cooler days, a good outdoor spot with a bit of shelter or heating can turn a casual pint into something special.
Edinburgh’s alfresco scene has plenty to offer, from rooftop bars with skyline views to leafy terraces tucked away in local neighbourhoods. Whether you’re a local looking for your next go-to or a tourist hoping to drink in (literally) the city’s atmosphere, these are the places that deliver on great drinks, great vibes, and that unmistakable Edinburgh charm.
Let’s get started!
Black Ivy – Bruntsfield’s Neighbourhood Gem
If you’re after style without the stuffiness, our terrace at Black Ivy is the place to be. Tucked in Bruntsfield, overlooking the green stretch of Bruntsfield Links, it’s got that mix of neighbourhood comfort and city energy that keeps people coming back.
We’ve built our outdoor space to work year-round — think heated seats, cosy blankets, and greenery that makes you forget you’re minutes from the hustle of the city centre. The terrace is just as inviting on a sunny afternoon with an Aperol Spritz as it is on a crisp evening under the fairy lights with a glass of red.
Our drinks list covers the full spectrum: signature cocktails, carefully chosen wines, craft beers, and refreshing no-alcohol options. Pair them with brunch, linger over afternoon pints, or stay late for cocktails under the stars. And because we believe in local luxury for less, you get all of that without paying silly prices.
1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Perched high above the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street, the 1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is one of those spots where the journey up is as exciting as the first sip. As soon as you step onto the terrace, you’re greeted with a panoramic sweep of the city, crowned by a direct, uninterrupted view of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a backdrop that makes every drink feel just a little bit more special.
This is the kind of place that rewards slow afternoons and golden-hour meet-ups. Arrive just before sunset and you’ll see the city bathed in a warm glow, with the castle turning an even deeper shade of stone against the sky. It’s an unbeatable moment to enjoy one of their Johnnie Walker-inspired cocktails — the Black Ruby Tonic is a favourite, blending fruity sweetness with a subtle whisky warmth. If whisky’s not your style, you’re still spoiled for choice with a menu that includes carefully curated wines, craft beers, and refreshing mocktails.
The vibe is stylish but not intimidating, making it equally suited for an after-work drink, a pre-dinner date spot, or a mid-sightseeing break. And while the views may steal the show, the service here is just as memorable — friendly, attentive, and full of recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
Cold Town House
Cold Town House sits right in the beating heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, with the looming silhouette of Edinburgh Castle so close it feels almost touchable. The building itself is a converted church, which gives the interiors a striking, vaulted grandeur, but the real magic is upstairs on the rooftop terrace. From here, the castle dominates the skyline, and the energy of the Grassmarket spills up to meet you.
This is a place that doesn’t do things halfway. They brew their own beer on-site in the downstairs microbrewery, so the pints you’re sipping are as fresh as they come. Their Cold Town Lager is a crisp, refreshing choice that pairs perfectly with their food menu — which, by the way, is anchored by wood-fired pizzas that have become something of a local obsession.
On a summer evening, the terrace fills with a lively mix of locals, students, and visitors, all leaning into the buzz that makes this part of the city so alive. And if the weather turns — it is Edinburgh, after all — the inside is just as inviting, with cosy booths and that warm hum of conversation you only get in a well-loved pub. Whether you’re here for a quick pint or an all-night session, Cold Town House delivers.
The Blackbird
Tucked away on Leven Street in Bruntsfield, The Blackbird has perfected the art of the small but mighty beer garden. It’s not sprawling, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality. The outdoor space bursts with colour, framed by leafy planters and lit by strings of fairy lights that make the place glow after dark. It’s the kind of setting that makes you want to linger long after your first drink.
The drinks menu leans heavily into cocktails, and they do them brilliantly, bold, playful creations that arrive as little works of art. Think fresh fruit garnishes, colourful syrups, and just the right balance of sweetness and kick. Food is served street-style, so you can graze on loaded fries, bao buns, or crispy chicken while you sip.
It’s a favourite with Edinburgh locals for a reason: the atmosphere is relaxed but lively, the staff are genuinely friendly, and it’s just far enough from the tourist crowds to feel like a hidden gem. If you’re staying in Bruntsfield, this is a must-stop! And if you’re not, it’s worth the short walk from the city centre.
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
If you’re a beer lover, BrewDog DogHouse isn’t just a bar, it’s a little slice of heaven. Located in the city centre, this hotel-bar hybrid comes with a rooftop terrace that’s made for long sessions, complete with a fire pit to keep the chill at bay when the Scottish air turns brisk. It’s a setup that lets you enjoy fresh air and great beer year-round.
Inside, the décor is all BrewDog attitude, industrial chic with neon signs, exposed brick, and a soundtrack that’s always a bit louder than your average pub. The tap list is a craft beer enthusiast’s dream, with a rotating selection of BrewDog classics and seasonal specials. And yes, the rumours are true: there are beer taps in some of the hotel rooms.
The outdoor terrace is a great perch for people-watching, and it’s fully dog-friendly, so your four-legged pal can join in on the fun (with their own water bowl, of course). Add in a menu of indulgent comfort food — think loaded fries, big burgers, and plenty of veggie options and you’ve got the perfect place to while away an afternoon.
Make Black Ivy Your First Stop
If you’re planning a day (or night) of outdoor drinks in Edinburgh, we’d love to be your starting point. Black Ivy is one of those places that’s easy to settle into, whether it’s your first stop, your last, or the only one you make all day.
Our heated terrace means you don’t have to cross your fingers for good weather, and our drinks list has something for everyone. From crisp wines to creative cocktails and refreshing mocktails, there’s plenty to choose from — all served with a side of Bruntsfield charm!
Come for brunch, swing by for an afternoon pint, or linger into the evening as the fairy lights glow. We’re a spot where locals, visitors, and even a few four-legged friends feel right at home.
So if you’re in the mood for a drink outdoors, pop by and see us — we’ll have a table waiting!
