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10 Edinburgh Breweries That Never F-Ale to Impress Us!

So there I was, thinking I’d only explore one, perhaps two breweries because, let’s be honest, how different can beers be, eh? Fast forward, and I’m eight breweries deep, with a grin plastered on my face so wide you’d have thought I’d won the lottery.

And in a way, I suppose I had a beer lottery, if you will, because those breweries are SO GREAT! I’m not talking about some run-of-the-mill, grab-it-off-the-supermarket-shelf kinda beer.

Nah, these are Edinburgh’s best breweries that have been perfecting while the rest of us were busy figuring out if it’s pronounced “scone” like “gone” or “scone” like “bone.” No exaggerations here, BTW, so follow along!

Barney’s Beer 

Website: http://barneysbeer.co.uk/ 

Address: 1 Summerhall Pl, Newington

Contact details: +44 131 322 0131

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

Barney’s Beer is like stumbling upon a friend’s secret beer stash, if your friend happens to be a brewing genius. This spot is chock-a-block with interesting, delicious brews that’ll satisfy any palate.

You’ll find everything from crisp lagers to voluptuous stouts, each with a unique twist that’s pure Barney’s. Expect to encounter their flagship Volcano IPA, the refreshingly tart Red Rye, and even a Beetroot Berliner Weisse that’s as intriguing as it sounds.

Now, Barney’s isn’t just about the beer; it’s about the experience. Walk through their doors, and you might get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the magic in action with their on-site tours.

Pro tip: Always ask the staff for their latest small-batch special—they tend to experiment, and you might just discover your new favorite before the rest of the thirsty crowd catches on. 

And keep an eye on their event calendar; they love to pair great beer with awesome local music.

Bellfield Brewery 

Website: https://www.bellfieldbrewery.com/ 

Address: 46 Stanley Pl.

Contact details: +44 131 656 9390

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday and Thursday – 2:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 2:30 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM

Cost: £-££

Bellfield Brewery is a godsend for gluten-free beer lovers, but let’s be clear: their brews are so good, you’d never guess they’re GF. The lineup here features steadfast classics alongside exciting seasonal releases.

Think crisp Pilsners, hoppy IPAs, and even some gluten-free stout action that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about beer without the gluten. 

Now, for those looking to delve deeper, their brewery tours offer an insightful peek into their dedicated gluten-free process—and yes, samples are included, because what’s a tour without a taste?

Pro tip: Don’t walk out without trying their Bohemian Pilsner—it’s like the love child of traditional Czech brewing and Scottish ingenuity.

And if you’ve got a non-beer lover in tow, fret not; their selection of alternative libations means everyone leaves happy.

Moonwake Beer Co. 

Website: http://www.moonwakebeer.com/ 

Address: 6A Tower St, Leith

Contact details: +44 131 553 6995

Operating hours: 

  • Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM

Cost: £-££

Moonwake Beer Co., nestled over in Tower Street, is your go-to for waterfront sipping in Leith. With a name that means ‘the reflection of the moon on the water’, their philosophy is all about balance and reflection in their brewing process.

Expect a variety of styles, from your dependable ales and lagers to trendy New England IPAs and rich porters, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of Leith’s docks. Their taproom has a real vibe—think nautical but nice—with great views.

They’re also big on their community, often collaborating with local businesses and artists to create a space that’s more than just a brewery; it’s a slice of the local culture.

Pro tip: Make sure you hit up their taproom on a sunny day for the ultimate Edinburgh beer experience and try their flagship IPA—it’s as crisp and invigorating as that sea breeze.

Also, don’t miss Moonwake’s Lunarpalooza which is an epic beer fest under the stars.

Campervan Brewery Tap Room 

Website: https://www.campervanbrewery.com/ 

Address: Bonnington Business Centre, 112 Jane St.

Contact details: +44 131 553 3373

Operating hours: 

  • Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM

Cost: £-££

Campervan got you covered with an ever-rotating selection from hoppy pales to dark and stormy stouts, and even some funky sours that’ll pucker you up in the best way.

The standout has to be their Leith Juice Orange Session IPA, giving you those tropical vibes without needing to leave Scotland. Their taproom is more than just a pit stop, too; it’s a community hub where you can relax, and revel in the laid-back atmosphere.

The Campervan crew offers brewery tours that give beer buffs the lowdown on their craft while serving up pints that taste all the better for knowing the journey they’ve made from grain to glass.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to keep an ear to the ground for their special events—they’re known for throwing a shindig that pairs their top-notch beers with some killer local food trucks, making for a perfect day out.

Brulo 

Website: https://www.brulobeer.com/ 

Address: 65 Haymarket Terrace

Contact details: +44 131 610 0625

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

Brulo is a newcomer that’s quickly making waves with its unique approach to craft beer. They specialize in mixed fermentation and barrel-aged beers, so you’re always in for a unique sip.

On tap, you’ll usually find a rotating selection that pushes the envelope, like their beloved sour ales and robust stouts. They’re all about small batches here, so each visit could be a whole new beer adventure.

For those interested in the nitty-gritty of beer-making, Brulo offers insightful brewery tours that go deep into the techniques of their craft.

Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye out for their bottle releases. These guys love to experiment, and grabbing a limited-edition bottle could mean bragging rights with your beer-loving buddies.

Rose Street Brewery 

Website: https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/ 

Address: 55-57 Rose St.

Contact details: +44 131 220 1227

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM

Cost: £-££

Rose Street Brewery offers a dizzying array of beers that include traditional ales, innovative craft concoctions, and everything in between. Expect to come across brews like their signature Nicholson’s Pale Ale, along with some of their seasonal specialties.

Tours here are more informal, often led by the brewers themselves, which gives you a chance to ask all those beer-making questions you’ve been brewing.

Moreover, they’re big on atmosphere, with a pub that’s as friendly as it is historical. Expect hearty Scottish fare to pair with your pint too.

Pro tip: They’re famous for their cask ales. If you spot one, definitely give it a go to taste some authentic Scottish brewing craft.

Cold Town Beer 

Website: https://coldtownbeer.com/ 

Address: 8-10 Dunedin St.

Contact details: +44 131 221 9978

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

Cold Town is a rooftop bar experience with some seriously good views over Edinburgh Castle. Their beer roster is impressive, featuring staples like their Vienna Lager and Post Modern IPA, plus seasonal brews that take advantage of local ingredients.

The place is all about celebrating Edinburgh, with each beer telling a part of the city’s story. You’d be hard-pressed to find a cooler spot to sip a brew, especially with their rooftop bar.

While they don’t offer traditional brewery tours, their open-plan brewery allows you to see the brewing in action from your table. It’s like a live beer-making demo with every visit.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their website for limited editions to taste their unique brews.

Pilot 

Website: http://pilotbeer.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 4B Stewartfield

Contact details: +44 131 561 4267

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Cost: £-££

Pilot Brewery is on the unconventional side of brewing, and that’s putting it mildly. They love to throw a curveball with offerings like their Super Sub Session IPA, Ip Apricot, or a Cocoa Morello that perfectly balances beer and chocolate notes.

The vibe at Pilot’s facility is quirky and unapologetically playful. What’s more, their limited releases can be wild, so you can be adventurous and try whatever new thing they’ve got on tap. 

Pro tip: Pilot doesn’t currently offer regular tours, but they make up for it with their engaging social media presence, where they often share behind-the-scenes looks and brewing details. So, follow them on Instagram to keep up with the fun.

Vault City Brewing 

Website: http://www.vaultcity.co.uk/ 

Address: Unit 2, A1 Industrial Estate, Sir Harry Lauder Rd.

Contact details: +44 131 609 0009

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5:30 PM

Cost: £-££

Vault City Brewing is a real game changer and if you’re into bold, fruity, and tangy flavors, this place is like a treasure chest. They’ve got everything from sour IPAs to session sours, each crafted with real fruit and a whole lot of passion. 

The ‘Session Sours’ are perfect for those dipping their toes into sours for the first time, while the more adventurous might reach for something like their ‘Iron Brew Sour,’ which is as Scottish as it gets.

The brewery has a laid-back vibe, where the focus is firmly on enjoying quality brews. While they don’t run formal tours every day, they are more than happy to chat about their brewing process if you ask.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their ‘Fruited or Vegan Sours’; they’re constantly changing, and each is more surprising than the last. Also, keep an eye on their online store for exclusive releases that sell out fast.

Newbarns Brewery and Taproom 

Website: http://newbarnsbrewery.com/ 

Address: 13 Jane St.

Contact details: +44 131 554 4363

Operating hours: 

  • Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
  • Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
  • Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM

Cost: £-££

Newbarns Brewery and Taproom is the kind of place where simplicity meets sophistication in craft brewing. They stick to a few styles but do them exceptionally well.

Expect beautifully crafted lagers, oat lagers, and pale ales that focus on high-quality ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques. Their oat lager, in particular, has a following all its own thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and subtle flavors.

The taproom is minimalistic and cool. Now, although Newbarns doesn’t offer a full-blown tour, the open layout lets you get a peek at the brewing equipment while you sip, and the staff is always keen to share insights into their process.

Pro tip: Make sure you keep tabs on their limited-edition releases. They often collaborate with other brewers, resulting in some uniquely delightful brews that are definitely worth a try.

And yes, getting there early is often a good idea, as these specials do fly off the taps pretty quickly.

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