The Very Best Pubs In Scotland

There’s no doubt about it; our country is chock-full of charming, traditional boozers and stylishly cool haunts that serve up all manner of lagers, ales and whiskies. But which one’s are a notch above the rest? To help you figure out where to go for your next drink, we’ve put together a list of all the city’s top watering holes: from trendy Leith digs to quirky characters in Edinburgh, here are Scotland’s best pubs.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 16th December 2024




Perth: Sandeman Perth

Nestled in the historic Sandeman Library, Sandeman Perth offers an extensive selection of food and drinks to cater to everyone. As Perth's premier destination for live sports, they have multiple TVs and large screens throughout the venue, guaranteeing you won't miss any of the action with Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and even NFL Game Pass.

Aberdeen: O'Neill's

Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, O'Neill's is the bustling boozer that's coming out on top. Whether you fancy a casual beer and a burger, lively evening watching the sports fixtures or night on the tiles dancing to live music, they've got you covered.

Bearsden: The Station

From a regular smartphone quiz to live sport on screens dotted throughout the venue, The Station in Bearsden already has you covered for entertainment. But when you get peckish? Add on menus covering everything from fish and chip feasts served alongside scampi, chip shop curry sauce, tartare sauce, bread and butter, and your choice of peas on a platter, to classic chicken tikka masalas.

The Triplekirks Aberdeen

One of the most loved boozers in town, Triplekirks Aberdeen is a bar and nightclub housed in a stunning converted Victorian church. With a massive selection of affordable beers, spirits, ciders, wines, cocktails and delicious pub grub, they've got it all. Want more? They've also got tons of HD screens showing the latest in sport, plus a weekly quiz for all your brainy pals.

Kilmarnock: First Edition

This wholesome boozer can be found in the heart of Kilmarnock, fronting wooden furnishings and glossy TVs where you can catch live spots. There's also a darts board at First Edition, where you'll find regulars having a game and sinking ice-cold pints. And on the menu? Plenty of pub grub, of course, in the from of loaded nachos, bacon and cheese toasties and buttermilk chicken wraps. 

Paisley: The Bull Inn

Situated right in the centre of Paisley, The Bull Inn is a charming boozer decked out in traditional decor - think exposed wooden beams on the walls and ceiling alongside cosy armchairs and leather booths to relax on. 

They've got several HD screens to watch live sport on, showing both Sky and TNT. Plus, they offer brilliant real ales and 50% off cocktails - sold by the glass or pitcher.

Balloch: Tullie Inn

Found on the edge of Loch Lomond, surrounded by Scottish countryside, Tullie Inn is a welcoming Balloch pub that's the ideal escape. Think 13 beautifully refurbished rooms, nearby country walks, and Balloch Country Park and Castle nearby - as well as food ranging from steak and venison pie to hand-battered fish and chips and heritage Sunday roasts.

Better yet, find all this only 30 minutes from Glasgow.

Arrochar: Village Inn

Promising stunning views of  the Arrochar Alps and Loch Long, the Village Inn is a charming pub found in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Expect wooden beams running through the venue, decorated with pretty fairy lights and rustic furniture.

They serve a wide variety of local ales, fine wines and whiskies at the bar, with a tasty menu to match. Think spicy chicken burgers, three cheese mushroom bruschetta and sumptuous Sunday roasts.

Aberdeen: Slains Castle

Set inside an old church and inspired by Dracula, there's a frighteningly good time in store for all who enter Slains in Aberdeen. Sit among gothic architecture and eclectic decorations while sipping on sinful sips like the blue rum-based Loki and sweet Humility which contains raspberry vodka and strawberry puree. Sink your teeth into affordable small plates and sharing platters including a foot-long mound of nachos. 

Edinburgh: The White Hart Inn

Hailed as one of the oldest pubs in Scotland, The White Hart packs oodles of charm. In line with its traditional boozer stylings, this historic Edinburgh spot is well-known for its hearty menu of winter warmer classics, as well as its impressive selection of whiskies, real ales and lagers.