Best Scottish Pubs 2023: Here are the 16 best pubs in Scotland's eight cities according to online reviews - from Inverness to Edinburgh
Whatever Scottish city you happen to be in, you can be sure of a warm welcome in these drinking establishments.
From local boozers and sports pubs, to fashionable cocktail and gin bars, there’s no doubt that the humble pub is very much part of the Scottish urban landscape.
It’s not just about a place to have a quick pint or glass of wine – pubs are often the centre of their community, offering affordable food and non-alcoholic drink options.
And in a time of soaring bills, they provide a warm venue for quizzes, book clubs and special events.
So we thought we’d have a look at the best two pubs in each of our cities – including Dunfermline, which was awarded city status last year as part of Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee celebrations.
Here are which pubs made the grade according to Tripadvisor – and what reviewers loved about them.
And in a time of soaring bills, they provide a warm venue for quizzes, book clubs and special events.
5. Inverness - The Walrus And Corkscrew
According to Tripadvisor reviewers, The Walrus And Corkscrew is the best pub in Inverness - sitting on Church Street in the Highland capital. Specialising in wine (as the name would suggest), grahamg602019 was one of many happy customers, explaining: "Found this place online searching for a dog friendly food option. Exceeded all expectations. Small cosy place, booking advisable, fantastic wine with great advice from the staff. Cheese and meat platters and bread were wonderful. Could not fault it." Photo: Google Maps
6. Inverness - Lauders
The second best-reviewed bar in Inverness is traditional pub Lauders, on Church Street. Many of its fans praise the staff, including kaitlynsZ1973GY who said: "I went out for a couple drinks last night with a few of my friends there was a great atmosphere and the staff were lovely. I was served almost immediately and the girl who served me was wonderful." Photo: Google Maps
7. Perth - Brewdog Perth
The owners may attract controversy, but Perth's branch of BrewDog is the city's most highly-praised bar and earns rave reviews for both its pizza and beer. Tripadvisor user tulland said: "What a friendly little bar. When all others were shut, they were an oasis of good beer, super service and an appetising pizza selection. Best to book, as it was busy even on a Monday evening." Photo: Google Maps
8. Perth - Dutch & Pablo's Gentlemans Tailor
Following the recent trend for secret and quirky 'speakeasy' bars, Dutch & Pablo's Gentlemans Tailor is Perth's second best-reviewed pub. Voyage781114 said: "You can’t get more of a quirky experience than a visit to this excellent speakeasy. Perfectly well done, we started to seriously doubt ourselves as we approached, and it was a real joy to discover what lay inside. Comfortable, incredibly cool, and with a barman who really knew his stuff too. Top notch." Photo: Dutch & Pablo's Gentlemans Tailor