Edinburgh Pub Guide: Bannerman's Bar

Bannerman's Bar

Bannerman's Bar sits in a location that illustrates perfectly the three dimensional nature of Edinburgh's geography. Located on Cowgate, a street with a reputation for late night revelry, Bannerman's Bar abuts the point at which South Bridge crosses Cowgate. The tall buildings on the rising ground to both sides of Cowgate close it in, giving the impression of an almost tunnel-like route linking the two sides of Edinburgh's city centre.

Interior From Side Door Interior from Front

Bannerman's was once a fairly traditional pub selling real ales. The real ales are still there, but the banner on the outside proclaiming it to be a students' den shows it has made a conscious effort over the years to appeal to the younger market, those who come to Cowgate for its many clubs.

Decoration on Exterior Wall

Inside you find evidence of Bannerman's origins as a wine merchants cellar, with a warren of vaulted interconnected rooms all with stone flagged floors.

Address: 212 Cowgate, EH1 1NQ
Telephone: 0131 556 3254
Opening hours, normal: 12.00 noon to 1.00am
Opening hours, Sunday: 12.30pm to 1.00am
Real ales: Caledonian Deuchars IPA & 80/-; Guest beers
Whisky choice: A range of more than 60 malt whiskies is available
Cocktails: No
Hot drinks: Tea, coffees, hot chocolate
Food: Traditional pub snacks
Food service times: From opening time until 10.00pm daily
Music: There is live music 6 nights a week
Policy on children's access: No children's license
Disabled access: This is a 300 year old building and there are difficulties, but the pub is all on one level
Clientele: An eclectic mix including students and the 18-30s
Outdoor seating: No
Other attractions: Claims to have more live music than any other pub in the UK!
Features in: CAMRA's Edinburgh & SE Scotland Real Ale Guide (2004)
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