Cask Smugglers — Rooftop Cocktail Bar & Secret Domes, Edinburgh
A lively Princes Street rooftop bar with panoramic Old Town views, Peruvian small plates and cosy heated domes for intimate cityside nights.
Perched atop Waverley Mall on Princes Street, Cask Smugglers is a lively rooftop cocktail bar known for its panoramic Old Town views, heated private domes, creative cocktails and a compact menu of Peruvian-inspired small plates. A mix of industrial interiors and outdoor terrace seating makes it a flexible spot for sunset drinks, group get-togethers or a cosy night in one of the domes.
A brief summary to Cask
- Waverley Mall Rooftop, 3 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH1 1BQ, GB
- +441315570129
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-1 am
- Thursday 11 am-1 am
- Friday 11 am-1 am
- Saturday 11 am-1 am
- Sunday 11 am-1 am
Local tips
- Book a heated dome in advance for groups or romantic evenings—domes provide shelter and their own ambience, especially in cooler months.
- Try Peruvian-inspired small plates to share rather than a full mains course; they pair well with the cocktail-led menu.
- Arrive before sunset for the best combination of daylight views and city lights as the skyline shifts after dark.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train + Walk
Mode: Train to Edinburgh Waverley station; Travel time: 0–10 minutes from station concourse to rooftop access area; Constraints: rooftop accessed via indoor mall routes and stair/escalator or lifts which may be busy during peak travel times and festivals; Price: cost equals your rail fare (varies by origin) — no extra rooftop surcharge for entry, though dome bookings or table reservations may carry fees.
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City Bus + Short Walk
Mode: Local city bus to central Princes Street stops; Travel time: 10–25 minutes depending on origin within the city; Constraints: frequent services but buses and stops can be busy during daytime and festival periods; Price: standard single-ride fares apply for local buses (pay by contactless card or city ticketing system).
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Taxi / Ride-hail
Mode: Licensed taxi or ride-hail to central Princes Street drop-off; Travel time: 5–20 minutes from most central districts depending on traffic; Constraints: short walk from drop-off to rooftop entrance, and traffic/congestion can extend journey time during peak hours or festivals; Price: typical short central trip fares range from approximately £4–£12 depending on distance and demand.
Cask location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cask
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nightlife
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Group Friendly
