As brand ambassador for Monkey Shoulder, the 100% malt whisky 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, and since 2020 I’ve noticed a huge change in the landscape. Many venues failed to reopen after lockdown, some cut their hours and an estimated 10% of remaining hospitality sites are facing closure. 

We need the buzz of a random night out or the comfort of a familiar bar but how can you help? Simple – support your locals! This month I’m focusing on where you’ll receive the most gracious welcome, the cosiest atmosphere and cocktails that will warm the cockles of your heart. It’s another perfect opportunity to try new bars, restaurants or even just a different cocktail than your usual. 

To show my support, I jumped on the Monkey Shoulder motorbike and toured Scotland on my Random Adventure to Interview Local Legends (aka Speed RAILL), to visit some of the best bars I know, talk to some of the best bartenders you’ll ever meet and have them show off their favourite cocktails. Not only can you read about my encounters here, but you can check them out on my YouTube channel ‘SpeedRAILL’ or on my Instagram. 

In this article, I’ll point you towards some of my favourite hangouts across Scotland. To keep the party going, here are three of the best places to enjoy a drink or two in Edinburgh this winter. Edinburgh 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 and scan the QR code for videos of venues and more across Scotland.

The Last Word 

This cosy neuk is a short walk into Stockbridge, and it’s a great place to escape the noise of the city and indulge in a cocktail or a whisky by the open fireplace. With a wealth of cocktail and whisky knowledge, the team offer a welcoming as warm as the hearth. This is no mere pub; they carve their block ice with chainsaws! Dog-friendly, to boot, The Last Word – or Tee Dubs as it’s affectionately known to its regular patrons – is one of the top spots in Edinburgh year-round, but is especially enchanting in the colder months.

Devil’s Advocate 

On Advocates Close in a pump house from the 1800s lies Devil’s Advocate, a restaurant and bar where the food and cocktails are competing to see which can be more delicious. With a curated back bar, seasonal Scottish ingredients, and mixed drinks to help you kick your night off in style, Devil’s is a must-visit establishment. That said, it is in a VERY old part of the city, so prepare for a few steep stairs to venture there. It’s been said that you’re always walking uphill to go anywhere in Edinburgh – at least the steps’ll give you a helping hand.

Dragonfly 

Arguably Edinburgh’s oldest cocktail bar, Dragonfly is located just off Grassmarket. It re-established itself in 2018 under new ownership and thankfully it hasn’t lost any of its charm or skill behind the bar. The drinks are carefully curated by the in-house team ensuring there’s something for everyone, be it the novice drinker or the seasoned cocktail imbiber. It played host to the 2023 grand final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartending Championship, and one visit to the bar will tell you why. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and aren’t afraid to flex if you order off menu, although the amazing mixes they have to offer will give you little reason to.