We have some of the top bars in Edinburgh here that you might like to go to during the Festival or indeed at any time of the year. If you want to add one to the list then just add it in the comments section below (and do tell us why!)Â
The month of August is a busy time of year for the Scottish capital, as wide-eyed and open-mouthed tourists descend on the capital for the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.Â
The city’s population doubles in size, so that’s twice as many people looking for somewhere to have a quiet drink.Â
The drinks trend has now developed similar aspects to that of the ‘foodie trend’. Guests now really care about the ingredients that make up their favourite concoction.
The trend of drinking less, but drinking better is beginning to capture people’s attention.
Here are some tips on where you can get a top quality beverage served by a professional bartender:
Bramble: Literally the best bar in Britain as it won the accolade in the recent Top 50 Cocktail Bars list here.  Venture down the Queen Street venue’s mysterious but welcoming staircase to experience cocktails like you’ve never experienced before…Â
16A Queen Street, EH2 1JE
http://www.bramblebar.co.uk/
Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society may seem like a special member’s club, which it is, but one of the most special things about this club is that anyone can visit their wonderful ground floor bar. Now in its 35th year, the SMWS must be doing something right with their exceptional array of the finest single cask whiskies money can buy. Oh, and their whisky cocktails aren’t half bad either. Check out their fantastic array of single cask whiskies and cocktails at the SMWS Fringe pop-up bar at George Square and receive a code for £15 off membership…
28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JX
Panda & Sons: The magnificent Panda… anyone who knows the Edinburgh going out scene will vouch for this local favourite. Disguised as an old school barbershop on the outside, you then proceed through a bookcase (you read that right) to enter the venue, where you’ll be greeted by charming staff and some of the most imaginative drinks in the world…Â
79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF
http://pandaandsons.com/
The Permit Room: A fantastic late-night cocktail bar with seriously good drinks hidden beneath the kitchen of Dishoom. Open until 3am.
3a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD http://www.dishoom.com/permitroom/Â
The Bon Vivant: Tucked away from the crowds on the hidden gem that is Thistle Street, The Bon V serves expertly made cocktails that will keep you coming back for more.
51 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY
http://bonvivantedinburgh.co.uk/
The Devil’s Advocate: This bar was also in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars at number 18.  Visit if you want a great drink in a unique venue. Consistently flawless cocktails.
9 Advocate’s Cl, EH1 1ND
http://devilsadvocateedinburgh.co.uk/
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
