The King’s Wark
36 The Shore
The history here spans smugglers and royalty. Dating back to the 14th century, the building was originally designed as a storehouse and armoury for James I before taking a turn as a plague house and then wine merchant. Now, the pub is all about real ales and fresh seafood.

The Lioness Of Leith
21-25 Duke Street
A great neighbourhood bar whether you’re after a quiet afternoon pint, a slap-up burger meal or late-night margaritas. Old arcade games and neon art add to the vibe, with candles flickering on stripped-wood tables. If you’re hungry, choose from nineteen different burgers (including six veggie options) with fries.

Nauticus
142 Duke Street
A dark and sultry spot even in the daytime, Nauticus is unapologetically sophisticated: no screens or gimmicks, just really good cocktails and a wall of whisky. Drinks are inspired by Leith’s maritime trading history, from spice routes to the whisky boom, with a real commitment to championing Scottish producers. It’s worth charting a course here.

The Roseleaf
23-24 Sandport Place
Leith’s friendliest pub? It’s certainly a strong contender. The Roseleaf is a brilliant all-day hangout with a tasty and pun-tastic bar food menu. Think big burgers, truffled macaroni cheese or steak frîtes with skin-on chips. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly venue but staff will happily brew you up a potent cocktail served in a teapot.

Teuchter's Landing
1a Dock Place
This unpretentious, good-looking bar has local beers on tap including Paolozzi lager and Moonwake IPA, which is brewed just a few yards away. Outside is a generous riverside beer garden and heat lamps, with warming mugs of stovies and a particularly fine whisky range to keep you nice and snug if the weather turns. 

Three Marys
63-65 Henderson Street
With dark floral décor, stained-glass windows and plush velvet seating, Three Marys is a lot lovelier than your average city boozer. Better still, the cocktails are cracking, the local beer selection is strong and there’s frequent live music by local jazz bands. Charcuterie and cheese platters are an ideal accompaniment to an evening in this neighbourhood favourite.

Also try... The Port O’Leith for a messy but good-natured night out, The Shore Bar for a quiet pint in a beautiful wood-panelled bar, or The Brass Monkey for a burger and the pub quiz. 

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.