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Best pop-up bars in Edinburgh this August

From secret gin gardens to bespoke cocktail pop-ups, you'll not go thirsty this Fringe
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Best pop-up bars in Edinburgh this August

From secret gin gardens to bespoke cocktail pop-ups, you'll not go thirsty this Fringe

Performers from across the globe aspire to be part of the world's largest arts festival in Edinburgh every August. They're not the only ones: drinks brands and bars also strive to get a piece of the action, opening pop-up watering holes across the city during the festival. Visit secret gin gardens, browse the work of young Scottish artists while sipping cocktails or get involved in whisky tasting sessions on a canal boat trip while eating Scotch eggs – whatever your bag, here's a few of our top tips.

Caorunn's Gin Garden
Caorunn, the handcrafted gin of the Scottish Highlands, have launched a gin garden based in Hotel du Vin's courtyard for the Edinburgh Festival. Visitors can enjoy a selection of cocktails, including Garden Mojitos and Caorunn's take on the classic French 75. Relax in a retreat of orchard apple trees and browse artwork from a selection of young Scottish artists.
Hotel du Vin, until 31 Aug

The A Club
Arbikie return to Edinburgh with their pop-up live music venue and cocktail bar, The A Club. Set in Merchants' Hall, the bar features some of the top names in jazz, folk and rock music, including Ali Affleck, Glasgow funk band Charlotte Marshall and Scottish trad artist, Ryan Young. The A Club offers friendly table service as well as gin and vodka cocktails.
Merchants' Hall, until 27 Aug

Daffy's Gin Terrace
The chic Hotel G&V have turned their outdoor bar into Daffy's Gin Terrace for the month of the festival. The Edinburgh-based copper pot gin distillers are serving their signature D&T's as well as G&Bees Spritz cocktails – a concoction which combines Daffy's Gin, apricot brandy, orange blossom, soda and home-grown honey from G&V's rooftop beehives.
G&V Royal Mile Hotel, until 31 Aug

Whisky on Water
Indulge in a spot of whisky tasting on the Scotch Egg Club's riverboat journey along the Union Canal. Try six different Dewar's drams and cocktails, each paired with cheese, chocolate, scotch eggs and more.
Lochrin Belle, until 27 Aug (not 14, 21, 26)

Tanqueray's Secret Gin Garden
The car park at 56 North has again been transformed into a secret gin garden from Tanqueray Gin. The secluded terrace serves gin and whisky cocktails and is only open for the duration of the Fringe. As they don't take bookings in the garden, visitors are recommended to reserve a table in the restaurant itself and head to the secret garden before or after their meal.
56 North, until 18 Aug

Bramble x Custom Lane
Those wanting a break from the festival can wander down to Leith where one of Edinburgh's most popular cocktail bars have opened a pop-up at Custom Lane beside local coffee producers, Williams & Johnson. The bar is only open on the weekends and offers bespoke Bramble cocktails as well as a selection of quality craft beers.
Custom Lane, until 28 Aug (Fri–Sun only)

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