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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Gary Armstrong

Edinburgh's top-rated bar is Scottish pub with bagpipes people 200 miles away make their 'local'

People often say Edinburgh has some of the best pubs and bars in the world - and it's hard to argue with them.

Our nightlife is one of the capital's major selling points. Whether it be during the Fringe, for Hogmanay or just to experience that unique Scottish welcome, tourists flock from around the globe to enjoy a pint and rub shoulders with locals in one of our fine drinking dens.

And we cater to all tastes too - from high end cocktail and wine bars to old school neighbourhood boozers, there's something for everyone, in all corners of the city.

READ MORE - Edinburgh Zoo hits back on TripAdvisor after tourist creeped out by 'staff in dark glasses'

But, if TripAdvisor reviews are anything to go by, the top Edinburgh drinking spot is a tourist favourite.

Of the 447 reviews left on the travel website, 388 have given The Piper's Rest the full five stars.

Self-described as a 'hame fae hame', this very Scottish pub, situated just off the Royal Mile, caters for happy couples, families or groups on a night out, dogs and even 'the lone wanderer'.

On the food front, diners can expect Scottish fare found 'in your granny's kitchen', while live music, 'a mixture of Scottish tunes and upbeat covers', brings in the crowds.

Inside The Piper's Rest (Facebook - thepipersrest)

Why do people rate this place so highly? According to feedback, it's all about the atmosphere.

One review says: "Staff were super friendly, food was superb (haggis, neeps and tatties and sausage and mash were divine) and a brilliant atmosphere with live music. Felt like a truly Scottish experience."

Another visitor said: "Amazing food, amazing service and amazing atmosphere. Will definitely be returning if we’re ever back in Edinburgh!

"Absolute Scottish gem with a real quirky take on pub grub and a cosy, traditional scene. If you don’t go you’re missing out!"

Of course, the patriotic pub would certainly be one to visit on a Scottish holiday, with one tourist having enjoyed the St Andrew's Day celebrations.

The Piper's Rest is found just off the Royal Mile (Facebook - thepipersrest)

They said: "Had a fabulous night at The Piper's Rest on Tuesday night to celebrate St Andrew's Day.

"Staff were great, the food was really excellent with a friendly service and the one-off entertainment laid on for the night was fantastic - an insight into some of the more "interesting" poems and songs of The Bard, brilliant.

"Bagpipes and a singer to round the night off. Will definitely be back."

Perhaps surprisingly, kids also seem to enjoy this place too, thanks to some uniquely Scottish dishes on the food menu.

One review, hailing The Piper's Rest as 'the very best', said: "So our first family trip to Scotland couldn't have gone better, especially once we came across this gem of a place.

"Having been to the zoo with the kids, we were ready to chill and sample some proper Scottish "scran"

"We ordered the Haggis Tower, the Frying Scotsman burger, another burger, two kids meals (perfect size) and Battered Mars Bars (omg). All of the food was fantastic, our first time eating haggis and we are converted."

And another review in particular sums up the appeal of this pub beyond Edinburgh, with one visitor, from Yorkshire, claiming they travel over 200 miles just to make The Piper's Rest their 'local'.

They said: "Probably the friendliest pub in Edinburgh, the bar staff here are so welcoming and nothing is too much trouble for them.

"Food is faultless, good portions and really tasty, and the drinks got us drunk without bankrupting us, which was a very nice surprise!

"It’s cosy, friendly, inexpensive, fun and relaxing - best pub in Edinburgh by miles!"

Have you spent a night at The Piper's Rest? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments!

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