The Devil's Advocate

Victorian Vaults of Advocate's Close

Tucked away up the narrow, stepped Advocate's Close in Edinburgh's Old Town, The Devil's Advocate occupies a soaring Victorian pump house, its raw stone walls and exposed brick beams evoking the industrial past of this historic thoroughfare. The space unfolds across multiple levels, with a lively bar below and a mezzanine dining area overhead, where candlelit booths invite intimate gatherings. This hidden gem draws from the shadowy allure of the closes—those vertigo-inducing alleys once echoing with the cries of 'gardyloo'—transforming a forgotten industrial relic into a vibrant haven just steps from the Royal Mile.

Whisky Wonderland Behind the Bar

At the heart of the venue stands a 300-strong whisky shelf, showcasing Scottish malts like the award-winning Ardbeg Uigeadail alongside world rarities. Award-winning bartenders craft dexterous cocktails, such as the House of Advocates with genever, lavender, blueberry, basil, and bitters, blending mixology mastery with Scotland's liquid gold. A curated wine list and craft beers complement the spirits, making the bar a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts seeking both classics and inventive pours in an unmatched setting.

Seasonal Scottish Fare Elevated

The kitchen celebrates hyper-local, seasonal ingredients in a modern bistro style, with menus that shift to highlight Scotland's bounty. Starters might feature black haggis with celeriac purée and crispy leeks, or whisky-cured salmon with horseradish aioli. Mains spotlight dishes like glazed pork belly with Southeast Asian slaw, chargrilled butternut squash with rose harissa, or premium steaks from master butchers, paired simply with skinny fries or fine beans. Desserts, such as pecan cake with pear and cinnamon ice cream, provide a sweet finale to the hearty, produce-driven plates.

Buzzing Atmosphere in Historic Depths

The interior hums with energy, bare brick and raw wood softened by candlelight and cosy nooks, while an outdoor terrace offers al fresco seating evoking Robert Louis Stevenson tales under the night sky. During peak hours, the mezzanine fills with locals and visitors, the air thick with chatter and the clink of glasses. This Bon Vivant Group outpost blends the grit of Old Town heritage with contemporary flair, creating a space where history meets hedonism.

Legacy of Craft and Innovation

Since opening in 2013, The Devil's Advocate has earned acclaim for its bartenders' prowess and influential status among global bars. Named among the world's top gastropubs, it holds true to Scottish traditions while pushing boundaries in flavor and presentation. The pump house's lofty vaults amplify the sensory experience, from the peaty whisper of whiskies to the sizzle of grill-charred meats, cementing its role as an essential Old Town anchor.