There’s no denying it, visits from the sun are intermittent at best in the UK. But that’s even more reason to have a plan in place for those days when the clouds part and you get the chance to soak up some rays.
What better way to relax and enjoy the sunshine than to head for one of Edinburgh’s beer gardens to enjoy a cool cocktail or an ice-cold beer? Here’s a list of some of our favourite destinations for days when you want nothing more than to chill out with friends and quench your thirst.
Conveniently located close to Edinburgh University, The Pear Tree is a firm favourite amongst students and locals alike. With its beautiful cobbled courtyard, there is plenty of room to sit and enjoy a refreshing drink this summer. This enclosed garden is a lovely secluded place to relax and unwind without having to head out from the city centre.
If you find yourself thirsty in Edinburgh New Town look no further than The Cumberland Bar. With the sun shining this summer, there is no place better to sit out than the Cumberland’s spacious beer garden complete with wooden seating and plenty of trees for shade. If the weather gets a little chilly, you can always retire indoors to their beautiful wood panelled restaurant.
The Three Sisters is an Irish-themed bar nestled beside the Cowgate building in Edinburgh Old Town. It is the perfect place for sports lovers to enjoy a beer in the sunshine, thanks to the large television screens fixed to the walls of the large courtyard. At other times of the year, you can also catch some of the highlights from the Fringe festival screened here.
The pub’s name relates to the three MacKinnon sisters who were popular performers in the 1740s. The bar entertains thousands every year with an amazing ambience and is a go-to place for those who want to guarantee a great atmosphere.
When the temperature rises you may well decide it’s time to head for water. Take advantage of the summer warmth with a visit to the beautiful waters of Leith. At The Leith Beer company is just a 20 minute drive from Quartermile’s luxury apartments and offers both beautiful river views and gourmet food.
Winner of the 2013 Scottish Style Award, The Blackbird is a must-visit for its craft beers, tasty food and live music – not to mention its beautiful beer garden. With a drinks list packed with refreshing cocktails, summer is definitely the time to visit. Just be careful to drink responsibly so that you aren’t caught out by the cobbled streets as you make the walk back to Quartermile.
Previously home to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary studies, this beautiful building has been reborn as Summerhall – Edinburgh’s coolest cultural hub and home to Its own brewery, library and exhibition space.
The courtyard at the centre of the tangle of buildings is extremely popular place to visit due to its fabulous location and popular restaurant - the Royal Dick bar.
There are a whole host of bars at Summerhall with exceptional outdoor spaces ready to enjoy on sunny evenings and warm weekends, all just a stroll away from Quartermile in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Wherever you choose to take the weight off your legs and enjoy a drink this summer, you’ll want to be within easy reach of home. If you are looking to make the move to the heart of Edinburgh, why not take a tour of Quartermile’s luxury apartments now at www.qmile.com.