Kay’s Bar — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

From the moment we walked into The Keys Bar, something felt off. The bartender looked us up and down and muttered something to the effect of, “Should be an interesting night,” with a smirk that said more than the words did. It wasn’t welcoming—it was coded, dismissive, and frankly, discriminatory.

Throughout the night, the vibe didn’t improve. Whether it was uncomfortable stares, condescending service, or the way our presence clearly made certain staff or patrons uneasy, it was obvious we weren’t genuinely welcome. It’s 2025—this kind of subtle exclusion shouldn’t still be a thing, especially in hospitality.

We didn’t come in loud or wild—we just came to enjoy a drink. But instead of a good time, we left feeling judged and unwelcome. If The Keys Bar wants to be taken seriously as a place for everyone, they need to do better. Being inclusive isn’t a trend—it’s the...

I have been meaning to try this pub for years when I was working nearby and it was closed due to Covid, so I made an effort to do so over Easter and I wasn't disappointed.

It was like stepping back in time in the nicest of ways. A quaint, clean pub with well-kept ales, a real coal fire, fresh sandwiches, dog friendly with a selection of newspapers to read.

This is clearly a popular local pub in a wealthy enclave of Edinburgh with prices to match. You can expect to pay £5.60 for a pint of real ale and £7 for Beavertown lager.

This pub has been crowned by CAMRA for its ales and is worth seeking out if you want to enjoy a quiet drink in quaint surroundings with friendly locals.

Highly...

A singular authentic pub with a local clientele and an olde worldwide feel. This bar never gets too busy, and is full of authentic beers and locals, or those Edinburghers who have discovered its charm. Old barrels are on display, there is a real coal fire and a scuttle, and to the rear is a small room comprising three more tables which include the availability of board games.

You can tell this is a really old building because the stone frame around the window in this rear is 2 ft thick and is covered with an old velvet cushion on the sill. Plenty space for sitting.

A beautifully ornate pub tucked away in a forgotten place and time, and...