The Piper's Rest, Edinburgh

Tucked away just off the Royal Mile on Hunters Square. Narrow interior that opens out to the rear as described below. Keg only selection.

Centrally located just off the Royal Mile, a narrow cafe bar much deeper than it looks as it goes back a fair way. The counter and some higher seating forms the front part with lower seating in a corridor like area, then at the rear is a wider area set up for dining. Eight keg taps on two horseshoes serve a standard range of lager, Guinness and ciders, there’s a small, for a Scottish bar, range of malts. Decor consists of cask ends inscribed with the names of various distilleries and a few “witty” sayings on beams. The front has pictures of a Scottish nature while the small rear section has photos of Scottish sporting, acting and music heroes and heroines as well as tartan upholstery and antler light fittings. Notices and menus are written in a central belt / Scots dialect, eg “scran” and “swally” (food and drink). Live music is advertised seven nights a week. The toilets, obviously labelled lassies and lads, had a recording of a Billy Connolly show playing. Priced and outwardly looking posh but a touch down market and naturally aimed at tourists.

Had super low expectations for this place - expecting a tourist pub just off the royal mile. Storm Eyown raging in the evening and checking social media of various pubs to see what might be open. This had a live feed - and the band looked great - a folk/trad combo putting on a real show. Slightly surreal to arrive 20 minutes later and see them in the flesh. With lack of options on a Friday night, this was Grassmarket Packed but the narrow pub does go back a long way, where it was a bit more comfortable. If you are looking for live music - I can recommend based on our experience.

Official site of The Piper's Rest - thepipersrest.co.uk

Official site of The Piper's Rest - thepipersrest.co.uk