Whiski Rooms — Whisky Bar, Bistro & Tasting Room, Edinburgh

4.5 (2134)

Cosy Old Town bistro and whisky bar with a specialist shop and daily tastings — over 300 whiskies and hearty Scottish cooking.

Set on North Bank Street beside The Mound, Whiski Rooms is an atmospheric Edinburgh bar, bistro and specialist whisky shop known for its long whisky list, daily tastings and hearty modern-Scottish menu. Warm leather seating, exposed brick and brass fittings give it a cosy, old‑town feel while a separate tasting room and off‑licence invite deeper exploration of single malts and rare bottles.

A brief summary to Whiski Rooms

4-7 N Bank St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP, GB
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-12 am
Tuesday 10 am-12 am
Wednesday 10 am-12 am
Thursday 10 am-12 am
Friday 10 am-12 am
Saturday 10 am-12 am
Sunday 10 am-12 am

Local tips

Book a table or a tasting in advance during festival season and winter evenings; the tasting room sessions often have limited capacity.
Ask staff for a whisky flight if you want to compare styles—ambassadors can match drams to savoury dishes or desserts.
Leave room for a traditional dessert with a whisky twist, like cranachan or sticky toffee with whisky sauce.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Getting There

Tram or Bus

Public tram or frequent city buses to the central Princes Street/Mound area; typical journey times from central railway stations are 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and service; expect high frequency but reduced service late at night and during major events; single fares typically cost around £1.80–£2.50 per trip paid by contactless or local travel card.
Taxi or Rideshare

Licensed taxi or rideshare from central Edinburgh locations takes approximately 5–12 minutes depending on traffic; fares commonly range from £4–£10 within the city centre and may increase during peak festival times or after midnight; vehicles drop off on nearby streets but note that kerbside space can be limited at busy times.
Walking from Old Town

A pleasant walk through the Old Town from the Royal Mile takes about 8–15 minutes on paved, mostly level streets with some steps near historic sections; suitable for most visitors but those with mobility needs should allow extra time as some approaches include cobbles and short flights of steps.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Information Boards

Whiski Rooms location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Whiski Rooms

A layered interior that feels distinctly Scottish

The Whiski Rooms occupies an intimate footprint near The Mound, where leather armchairs, dark timber and exposed brick are arranged to create small, comfortable pockets for conversation. Brass accents and a scattering of stag motifs nod to hunting‑lodge decor without tipping into pastiche, while low lighting and heavy curtains compress the ceiling height to deliver a quietly theatrical, winter‑friendly warmth.

A whisky focus with a full‑service bistro

The venue combines three linked functions: a full dining room offering modern takes on Scottish staples, a bar with cocktail and beer options, and a specialist off‑licence with hundreds of whiskies for sale. Shelves hold a wide range of malts and blends—arranged to encourage tasting and purchase—and the separate tasting room hosts led sessions pairing whisky with chocolate, cheese or guided flights.

Menu and pairings that centre local produce

The kitchen leans on regional suppliers: chargrilled steaks, Scotch pies, haggis reworked with contemporary touches, and seafood dishes such as cured salmon appear alongside vegetarian options. Plates are designed to play well with drams; dishes sometimes arrive with a whisky pairing suggestion, and sauces or finishing touches (whisky cream, whisky glaze) are used to echo the bar’s spirit focus.

The atmosphere through the year and during events

In quieter months the Rooms has a relaxed, fireside feel; during the festival season and cold evenings it becomes buzzy and warm as conversation and guided tastings fill the rooms. Lighting and acoustics are geared toward intimate gatherings rather than loud nightlife: you’ll find low conversational volumes, background jazz or folk, and a sense of ritual around tastings that makes them feel like small, convivial ceremonies.

Specialist service and retail offering

Beyond a restaurant and bar, the Whiski Rooms operates an adjoining retail space where rarer bottles and giftware are displayed. Staff often act as ambassadors—offering tastings before sale and curating flights in the tasting room—so the retail and tasting experience is woven into the dine‑in service rather than being entirely separate.

Practical character and visitor experience

The setting suits diners, whisky enthusiasts and groups seeking a guided tasting: seating ranges from snug booths to communal tables, and the overall scale is compact, meaning the space can feel lively when full. The mix of restaurant service, bar orders and scheduled tastings gives each visit a layered rhythm—meals, drams and shopping all coexist under one roof—so you can move from a relaxed dinner to a focused tasting without changing venue.