Sandy Bell's — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I think you could travel the world and never find a pub you'll love as much as Bell's. There's a magic to it that I felt in 2019 at my first visit to Sandy Bell's, and was thrilled to see it was still here when I returned in 2024. The live music may draw you in, and if not that then the whisky selection, or maybe the recommendations from other pubs around town (Bell's was already on my list to return to, but other pubs had recommended checking them out).

Ultimately what brings you back repeatedly are the people. And they are just marvelous. One of the bartenders, Jo, a woman with a heart of absolute gold offered such a warm welcome that I knew my instinct to return was right. We had such a fun time with her and the regulars that my companion I had dragged with me to Scotland said he didn't even need to do anything more on the trip, all of his hopes for Scotland had been exceeded already by having such a fun time in this little pub.

It sounds trite to say this because I'm sure almost everyone wants this on a vacation: to not feel like a tourist but actually live and breathe a city so much that you feel like you reside there. What's lovely about Sandy Bell's is that when you're in there you really feel Edinburgh pulsing in your veins. There are many locals there, as well as enough tourists that if you're visiting you won't feel like you've disrupted a private event.

The clientele seems to be made up of a variety of folks: musicians, students, bartenders themselves, professionals, tourists, locals. Such a variety that you can always find someone to talk to.

And if the guests won't talk to you, the bartenders often will. Although they look like they have a great time themselves they do indeed run a tight ship.

Overall, if you're the type who loves a good pub, you can't miss this...

This was my first visit to Edinburgh, and this place was recommended by our tour guide for local music. I was really looking forward to it, and as soon as I walked in it seemed I had found the right place. It was crowded with locals having fun, there was no place to sit. I walked up to the bar and the bartender just glared at me. I smiled and asked for a drink and he said he had no idea what I was saying, gave me a hard time from the first. Finally after repeating myself four times, he claimed he understood me. I asked if there would be any music this evening, since I didn't see a stage anywhere, and as I said, it was quite crowded. He scoffed and pointed in a vague direction and said what do you think they are doing here?? Another customer walked up at that moment and smiled and asked if I was stupid?!!! I didn't understand this hostility towards a paying customer, maybe there are bad feelings towards Americans? This bartender and his buddy made me feel embarrassed and small for the crime of ordering a drink and asking a question. Was it because I was a woman traveling alone? I just don't know, I finished my drink quickly and left, and no music was played. Will never go back. I am sure there must be places kinder to tourists in this beautiful city. I will also inform my tour company so they don't send unwanted foreigners for this man to...

Well we went here after our friend spotted they do live music. So after an amazing meal at Fishers in the city we headed over. The first thing you notice is that the bar staff are keen to play by the rules and ensure mask wearing is kept on at the appropriate time. Seating is recommended. It's strange times though, so we must comply. Well done staff. Anyway the bar is narrow but stretches back and allows plenty of customers to enjoy the bar and music. With an excellent selection of drinks available it is clear the bar specialises in whiskey. They are all located in a logical order for the officiando to browse, Speyside together, Islay's together etc etc. An amazing choice and not too expensive unless you are after an 18 year old whiskey then the price rise naturally. The charm and wit of the bar staff really made our evening when we visited. Sarah added value to our night and looked after the 4 of us, ensuring we always had a drink in hand. The live music kept us entertained as subtle background music and added to the evening atmosphere. Would I go back here of course, good beer, whiskey and interaction with the bar staff made for a long and...