I’m a whisky brand ambassador for Monkey Shoulder, the 100% malt whisky brand that’s made for mixing. It’s my job to shout about our nation’s spirit to anyone who’ll listen. It’s a job that takes me all over the country, and since 2020, I’ve noticed a drastic change in the hospitality landscape. South of the border, an average of 50 pubs are closing per month in the last year, and in Scotland 5% of venues didn’t reopen following lockdown. Around half cut their hours and an estimated 10% of remaining hospitality sites are facing closure. 

Can you imagine not going down to your local with your mates? Doesn’t bear thinking about. We need the buzz of a random night out or the comfort of a familiar bar. So how can you help? Simple – try new bars, restaurants or even just a different cocktail than your usual. 

If you’re not sure how or where to start, you don’t have to look far. I jumped on the Monkey Shoulder motorbike and toured all over Scotland on my Random Adventure To Interview Local Legends (aka Speed RAILL), visiting some of the best bars I know, talking to some of the best bartenders you’ll ever meet and letting them show off their favourite drinks. Not only can you read about them here but you can check them out on my YouTube channel ‘SpeedRAILL’ or on my Instagram @_the_moto_monkey.

In this series, I’ll point you towards some of my favourite watering holes across Scotland. To kick things off, here are two of the finest drinking establishments in Edinburgh. Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole, has a wide range of incredible independent bars, restaurants and music venues. Keep your eyes peeled for my next round of recommendations in future issues.

Bramble 

Bramble, which sits below a tailor on the corner of Hanover and Queen Street, is one of the industry’s favourite haunts. There’s a reason it’s been in operation for 16 years; it offers low lighting, fantastic service, hip-hop beats and a generous customer ethos. And there are few venues in Edinburgh where you can guarantee that you’ll be served by and drink alongside the best bartenders in the country.

Cocktail Geeks 

The Cocktail Geeks brand began its life as a series of themed pop-ups around the city. They’ve since established a permanent residence on Market Street. Whether you love Harry Potter, Stranger Things or Jurassic Park, your fandom will be catered for here by the menu’s constantly changing pop culture theme. Even the staff’s uniforms and décor change, so you’ll never be bored by a visit to the Geeks. Fantastic service, hospitality and drinks.

Visit drinkaware for the facts around responsible alcohol consumption.