Cask Smugglers — Rooftop Cocktail Bar & Secret Domes, Edinburgh

A rooftop with a citywide outlook

Cask Smugglers occupies the rooftop of Waverley Mall on Princes Street, giving the venue a clear outlook across Edinburgh’s Old Town and skyline. The terrace and heated domes are elevated just enough to frame vistas of castle silhouettes, the ridgeline of the old town and Arthur’s Seat beyond; the setting changes dramatically from sunlit afternoons to crisp, illuminated evenings.

Interior character and notable features

Inside, the bar blends industrial touches with comfortable seating — long counters for social drinkers, booths for small groups and decorative lighting that keeps the atmosphere warm as the temperature drops. The rooftop adds an outdoor layer: a mix of open-air tables and the now-famous heated private domes — insulated, glazed pods that seat small parties and offer a more intimate, sheltered experience without losing the view.

Drinks, kitchen and culinary notes

The bar’s focus is on cocktails, whisky and a wide selection of spirits alongside beers and wines. The kitchen specialises in small plates and Peruvian-influenced snack dishes designed for sharing; these concise, bold-flavoured plates pair with cocktails or a glass of wine and are aimed at complementing a relaxed, social drinking experience rather than a full formal meal.

Ambience through the seasons

Cask Smugglers adapts well to Edinburgh’s changeable weather. On clear days the terrace is a bright suntrap; when it’s colder or wet, the heated domes and sheltered areas make the rooftop usable for much of the year. Lighting, background music and the hum of Princes Street combine to make evenings feel buzzy yet approachable — lively for groups and cosy for couples in a dome.

Social touches and what to expect on site

The venue mixes casual service with moments of theatre from the bar — inventive cocktails, slushie serves and seasonal specials are common. Domes often come with extras such as soft furnishings and in-situ speakers; large tables and communal seating suit groups, while quieter corners allow for a more private conversation. The rooftop’s layout balances open terrace tables and sheltered pods so different party sizes can find an appropriate space.

Practical character and local context

Located adjacent to Waverley Station, this rooftop sits at the commercial heart of Princes Street and forms part of the cluster of rooftop bars in central Edinburgh. The setting is urban and busy, informed by passing city traffic, station arrivals and the continuous movement of shoppers and theatregoers. While compact in footprint, the rooftop’s design maximises views and variety of experiences — from lively bar service to the novelty of the heated domes for special occasions.