Edinburgh Pub Guide: The Albanach

The Albanach

The Albanach occupies a key location in Edinburgh's Old Town, where Cockburn Street joins the Royal Mile. Nearby Fleshmarket Close leads down steeply to Waverley Station, while nearly opposite you can wander past the Tron and into Hunter Square.

Pub Signs

The Albanach used to be called the EH1 Cafe Bar, presumably named after the first half of its postcode. The change to The Albanach is clearly designed to play to the sense of heritage that comes with a Gaelic name: Albanach translates as Scottish.

The Gaelic theme is carried through to the bold lettering vertically up the corner of the pub: bàr uisge-beatha. This translates as water of life and is the generally accepted origin of the word whisky.

View from the Rear of the Pub During the Festival

Inside you find a bright and clean establishment with plenty of tables and seating, all in a light wood that complements the light wood of the floor.

A number of well kept real ales are on offer, as are a very large selection of malt whiskies. Food is served from a menu with a Scottish theme. The location and ambience make this a very popular pub with visitors to the city as well as those living and working here.

Inside the Albanach