Edinburgh’s Best Sports Bars: Your Ultimate Guide to Game Day
Welcome to Edinburgh, a city steeped in history, culture, and a passionate love for sport! Whether you’re a die-hard Hearts or Hibs fan, a follower of the Scottish national teams, or simply looking to catch a major international tournament, Edinburgh has a fantastic array of sports bars to suit every fan. As a local, I know that finding the perfect spot can make all the difference – it’s not just about the screens, but the atmosphere, the pints, and the hearty Scottish grub that goes with it. So, grab your scarf, and let’s dive into the best places to soak up the sporting action in Auld Reekie.
The Heart of the Action: Understanding Edinburgh’s Sporting Soul
Before we get to the bars, it’s crucial to understand Edinburgh’s unique sporting landscape. Football (soccer) reigns supreme, with the fierce rivalry between Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibs) dominating the city’s passion. Tynecastle Park and Easter Road are the hallowed grounds, and on match days, the city buzzes with an electric energy. Beyond football, rugby is also incredibly popular, especially when Scotland is playing at Murrayfield Stadium. You’ll find plenty of bars showing Six Nations matches with a fervent following. And of course, no one misses the major events like the World Cup, Euros, or even a good dose of Formula 1 or tennis.
Top-Tier Sports Bars in Edinburgh: A Local’s Picks
Here are some of my personal favourite haunts, each offering a slightly different vibe but all guaranteed to deliver on game day.
The Scholars Pub
Located in the bustling Grassmarket area, The Scholars Pub is a classic choice for sports fans. Its prime location means it’s easily accessible, and it boasts a friendly atmosphere. They have a good number of screens spread across different areas, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the action. The pub offers a decent selection of beers on tap, including local ales, and their food menu is hearty pub fare – perfect for fuelling your cheers. It’s particularly popular during major football and rugby events, and the staff are generally good at accommodating different game requests.
The Makars’ Court (Wetherspoon)**
While Wetherspoon pubs can be found across the UK, The Makars’ Court on Lothian Road offers a surprisingly good experience for sports viewing. It’s known for its affordable drinks and food, which is a big draw for many. They usually have several screens showing a variety of sports. It can get busy, especially during popular matches, so arriving early is advisable. The advantage of a Wetherspoon is consistency and price, making it a reliable option if you’re on a budget or just want a straightforward place to watch the game.
The Friars (Wetherspoon)
Another Wetherspoon option, The Friars, located in the heart of the city centre, is a solid choice. Similar to The Makars’ Court, it offers budget-friendly options and multiple screens. Its central location makes it convenient for shoppers or tourists looking for a place to relax and catch a match. They often have a good selection of real ales, adding to the traditional pub feel. It’s a no-frills, dependable spot.
The Caley Picture House (Wetherspoon)
Situated near Haymarket Station, The Caley Picture House is a grand old building that offers a unique setting for watching sports. It’s another Wetherspoon establishment, so expect the usual affordable prices and a wide range of drinks. The spacious interior means it can accommodate larger groups, and the multiple screens are well-positioned. It’s a convenient stop if you’re travelling to or from Haymarket.
The Fountain**
The Fountain, located on Fountainbridge, is a popular pub that often shows live sports. It has a good reputation for its atmosphere and friendly staff. While not exclusively a sports bar, it makes a concerted effort to show major games, particularly football and rugby. They have a decent selection of drinks and a varied food menu. It’s a good option if you want a lively pub atmosphere without it being overwhelmingly focused on just one sport.
The Regent**
The Regent, situated on the corner of London Road and Easter Road, is a fantastic spot, especially for Hibs fans given its proximity to Easter Road stadium. This pub has a real local feel and is incredibly popular on match days for Hibernian FC. Expect a passionate crowd and a lively atmosphere. They show all the major games and have a good range of beers. If you want to experience the raw passion of Edinburgh football support, especially for Hibs, this is the place to be. Even when it’s not a match day, it’s a great local pub with a strong community feel.
The Voila**
Located on the Royal Mile, The Voila is a bit of a hidden gem for sports fans. While it’s also a popular spot for live music and drinks, they do put on major sporting events. It’s a more intimate setting than some of the larger pubs, which can be appealing if you prefer a less crowded, more focused viewing experience. Their drink selection is good, and the staff are usually accommodating. It’s a good shout if you’re exploring the Old Town and want to catch a game.
The Thirsty Camel**
The Thirsty Camel, on Rose Street, is a lively bar known for its friendly atmosphere and good selection of drinks. While it caters to a broad audience, it often shows major sporting events, particularly football. It’s a great place to go with a group of friends for a relaxed evening watching the game. The staff are usually up for putting on specific matches, and the vibe is generally very welcoming.
Bar 50**
Bar 50, located on the Cowgate, is a popular student and backpacker bar that also screens a lot of sports. Given its location in the heart of the city’s nightlife district, it can get very busy and lively. They often have special offers on drinks, making it an affordable option. If you’re looking for a young, energetic crowd to watch the game with, Bar 50 is a good bet. They’re usually pretty good at showing a wide variety of sports.
The Bongo Club (Live Music Venue with Screens)
While primarily known as a renowned live music venue, The Bongo Club on the Cowgate occasionally screens major sporting events, especially those with a large following. This is more of an ‘event’ experience, often advertised in advance. If you’re looking for something a bit different, with a potentially larger crowd gathered for a specific match, this could be an interesting option. Keep an eye on their listings!
Insider Tips for the Ultimate Edinburgh Sports Bar Experience
Watching sports in Edinburgh is an experience, and here are a few tips to make yours even better:
- Book Ahead: For major derby matches (Hearts vs. Hibs), international rugby games, or cup finals, popular pubs get packed *very* early. If you can, call ahead and see if they take bookings or have reserved areas.
- Arrive Early: Even if you can’t book, aim to arrive at least an hour before kick-off (or the start of the event) to secure a good spot with a decent view of a screen.
- Know Your Local: If you’re a fan of a specific team, consider visiting a pub known for supporting them. For example, Hearts fans might gravitate towards pubs in Gorgie, while Hibs fans will find their spiritual home around Easter Road.
- Check Listings: Many bars will advertise which games they are showing on their social media pages (Facebook, Twitter). Give your chosen venue a quick check on the day.
- Embrace the Atmosphere: Edinburgh is passionate about its sports. Whether your team wins or loses, enjoy the camaraderie and the shared experience. It’s all part of the fun!
- Fuel Up: Most sports bars offer hearty pub grub. From fish and chips to pies and burgers, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a pint and a game. Check out dropt.beer for some inspiration on great pairings or to learn more about craft beers that complement pub food.
- Explore Beyond the Obvious: While the big names are great, don’t be afraid to wander into smaller, local pubs in neighbourhoods like Stockbridge, Morningside, or Leith. You might find a hidden gem with a dedicated local following for sports.
The Importance of a Good Pint
No sports bar experience is complete without a good drink. Edinburgh has a thriving craft beer scene, and many sports bars offer a decent selection of local ales and lagers. If you’re interested in learning more about craft beers or finding unique brews to enjoy, I highly recommend checking out dropt.beer’s shop. They have a fantastic selection that can elevate your game day experience. For more insights into the world of beer and brewing, their insights and news blog is an invaluable resource.
Neighbourhoods and Their Sporting Vibes
Grassmarket: A historic and lively area, the Grassmarket has several pubs that show sports, often attracting a mix of locals and tourists. The Scholars Pub is a standout here.
Cowgate: Known for its student and backpacker scene, bars like Bar 50 and The Bongo Club (for events) offer a more youthful and energetic vibe, often with cheaper drinks.
Easter Road/Leith: This is Hibs territory. The Regent is the heart of it, offering an authentic, passionate experience for Hibs fans, but also welcoming to neutral fans wanting to soak up the atmosphere.
Haymarket: With its proximity to the station and Murrayfield (though a bit of a walk), Haymarket pubs like The Caley Picture House are convenient for travellers and often show a good range of sports.
City Centre (Princes Street/George Street): You’ll find more mainstream options here, including Wetherspoon pubs like The Makars’ Court and The Friars, which offer reliable and affordable viewing.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Unique Viewing Experiences
Sometimes, you want more than just a pub. Keep an eye out for special event screenings at larger venues or community centres during major tournaments. These often have a fantastic buzz and can be a unique way to experience a big game with a huge crowd.
Edinburgh’s spirit is as vibrant as its sporting passion. Whether you’re here for the rugby, the football, or any other major event, you’re sure to find a welcoming pub with a roaring crowd and a cold pint waiting for you. So, next time you’re in the city and the game is on, you know exactly where to head. Enjoy the match!
