The Barologist, Leith
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
A characterful pub and cocktail bar on Commercial Street in Leith, The Barologist pairs inventive drinks with cosy, themed interiors and a compact private dining room for events. Expect a wide cocktail list, rustic plates and conversational service in a venue that mixes industrial fittings with quirky scientific curiosities—a social hub suited to relaxed nights out, small celebrations and cocktail-focused evenings.
A brief summary to The Barologist
- 23 Commercial St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 6JA, GB
- +441315549999
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-12 am
Local tips
- If you want a printed image on a cocktail or a particular novelty serve, ask the bartender—some of the theatrical drinks need a little extra time.
- Book the private room in advance for groups of 10–35; capacities are limited and event slots can fill on weekends.
- Evenings can get lively—choose midweek or earlier slots for a quieter table and easier conversation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Barologist location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Barologist
A place built around curiosity and conviviality
The Barologist occupies a corner of Commercial Street in Leith where warm lighting, dark timber and exposed brick combine to create an intimate, slightly theatrical atmosphere. Shelved curiosities, vintage glassware and carefully arranged props give the rooms a cabinet-of-wonders feel; the overall mood falls somewhere between a neighbourhood pub and a cocktail den, with layered textures and details that reward slow exploration.Drinks, craft and a few surprises
Central to the Barologist’s personality is its emphasis on cocktails alongside a broad selection of ales and spirits. Cocktails are presented with flourish—sometimes with printed latte-art toppers or playful theatrics—and the menu balances classics with inventive house creations. For beer and whisky fans there are sensible options too, and the bar’s approach is to encourage tasting and conversation rather than formal tasting rituals.Food that complements the bar programme
The kitchen produces hearty, well-seasoned plates designed to sit beside drinks: elevated pub fare rather than formal dining. Expect sharing portions, rustic starters and comfort-led mains that pair well with cocktails or a pint. The food service rhythm is casual and reliable, intended to keep groups happy through an evening rather than to stage a formal, multi-course meal.Rooms for gatherings and private moments
Beyond the main bar area there’s a compact private room available for hires and small events; the space keeps the same decorative character but offers a more contained setting for celebrations or business socials. The venue’s layout encourages small-group conversations and offers pockets of seating by the bar, window bays and near the fireplace, creating opportunities for both lively groups and quieter couples.Character, staff and seasonal vibe
The Barologist trades on personality: the interior styling, the theatrical approach to some drinks and a staff culture that tends towards friendly, playful service. Seasonal touches—cozier lighting and a warmer menu in colder months, lighter cocktails and open-window chatter in summer—mean the venue adapts to the calendar while holding onto a dependable Leith character.Practical notes for visitors
The footprint is compact, with closely arranged seating that encourages sociability; acoustics vary with crowd size, so evenings can lean lively. The Barologist is positioned to serve local residents and visitors to Leith alike, offering an accessible, mid-priced experience that blends casual dining and cocktail-focused nightlife.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.2 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Robert Burns Statue
0.3 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Queen Victoria Statue
0.6 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Forth Lock
1.4 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Leith East Breakwater Lighthouse
1.8 km
Historic maritime beacon guiding ships into Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Docks since 1876, now a cherished symbol of nautical heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.6 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.6 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
2.6 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.7 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.7 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.8 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.8 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.8 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.8 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
Unmissable attractions to see
Teuchters Landing
0.1 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
Shore
0.1 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
The King's Wark
0.1 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
Leith Citadel
0.2 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.2 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Leith
0.3 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
Trinity House Maritime Museum
0.5 km
Explore Leith’s seafaring legacy in an elegant Georgian townhouse, home to a remarkable collection of maritime treasures and stories.
The Leith Mural
0.5 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.6 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
Ocean Terminal
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
0.6 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
0.7 km
Explore the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, a floating palace rich with royal history and stunning waterfront views.
Leith Links
0.8 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.8 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
Fishmarket Square
1.5 km
Historic Fishmarket Square in Newhaven, Edinburgh, where maritime heritage meets vibrant community life by the Firth of Forth.
Essential places to dine
Domenico's
0.0 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.0 km
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The Kitchin
0.1 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.1 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Heron
0.2 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Fishers
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.2 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Tapa
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
The Walnut
1.7 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
2.2 km
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Down The Hatch Edinburgh
2.2 km
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L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
2.3 km
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Fhior
2.3 km
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Educated Flea
2.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ScotClans
0.1 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.2 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
Destined for Home
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.4 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Georgian Antiques
0.6 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
Build-A-Bear
0.6 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
The Leith collective
0.6 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
0.6 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Britannia Gift Shop
0.7 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.7 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Wee Leith Shop
1.4 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Planet.A Boutique
1.9 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
2.0 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
2.1 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
2.3 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Barologist
0.0 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
Malt & Hops
0.1 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
Three Marys
0.2 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
The Vine Bar
0.5 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Smoke & Mirrors
0.6 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.6 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.7 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
The Street
2.4 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
Nightcap
2.7 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.7 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.8 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Cask
2.9 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
Bramble Bar
2.9 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.9 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Grand Cru
3.0 km
Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Quirky
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
