17 best pubs and bars in Scotland according to Good Pub Guide 2021 - including 4 in Edinburgh

The Good Pub Guide has released its highly-anticipated list of the top 5,000 pubs for food and drink in the UK.

Included are the 17 best pubs in the whole of Scotland, including four in Edinburgh, from traditional haunts in cities to quaint watering holes in seaside villages.

After a devastating year for establishments across the country, pub-goers will be hopeful that 2021 is more normal, so they can enjoy the very best quality food and drink that Scotland has to offer.

You can purchase the book, currently priced at £12.65, on Amazon.

So without further ado, here are the best pubs in Scotland, according to the Good Pub Guide.

Applecross Inn, ApplecrossShore St, Applecross, Strathcarron IV54 8LR

This friendly pub is perfect for those travelling on the scenic North Coast 500, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

But be warned, it’s a popular spot and the pub is always busy with tourists - so book your meal or stay well in advance.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Isolated pub on famously scenic route on west coast, with particularly friendly welcome, real ales and good seafood.”

Open 11am-11.30pm; 11am-midnight Sat; 12.30-11 Sun, two-course evening meal £25.00, www.applecrossinn.co.uk

The Abbotsford, Edinburgh

3-5 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR

If a period-style pub is your thing, look no further than Abbotsford in Edinburgh.

Popular with locals as well as tourists, the lavish Edwardian interior provides an inviting atmosphere, and there’s a great choice of real ales.

The Good Pub Guide says: “The atmosphere of this handsome bar in the centre of Edinburgh is invitingly lively. Little changes here, which is just how the wide mix of local customers like it.”

Open 11-11; 11am-midnight Fri, Sat, two-course evening meal £21.00, www.theabbotsford.com

The Bow Bar, Edinburgh

80 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH

This cosy wee pub does what all good watering holes are supposed to, keeping you warm while offering a variety of tasty beers, real ales and malts.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Cosy, enjoyably unpretentious pub with an excellent choice

of well kept beers. Strong on traditional values, this is an honest pub and a bastion of simple stand-up drinking.”

Open 12-midnight, www.thebowbar.co.uk

Guildford Arms, Edinburgh

1 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA

You can’t go wrong with a visit to this Victorian-style haunt, with its friendly, casual atmosphere and comforting pub grub.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Busy and friendly with spectacular Victorian décor, a marvellous range of real ales and good food. This is an easy-going, much loved bar with splendid Victorian décor.”

Open 11-11; 11am-midnight Thurs-Sat, two-course evening meal £20.00, www.guildfordarms.com

Kays Bar, Edinburgh

39 Jamaica St, Edinburgh EH3 6HF

Another Victorian pub, this welcoming spot is slightly off the beaten track and is as cosy as it is good value.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Cosy, enjoyably chatty backstreet pub with good value lunchtime food and an excellent choice of well kept beers. A friendly little backstreet pub, it’s surprisingly untouristy.”

Open 11am-midnight; 11am-1am Fri, Sat; 12.30-11 Sun, www.kaysbar.co.uk

The Ship Inn, Elie

The Toft, Elie, Leven KY9 1DT

Ask any local in the quaint coastal town of Elie, and they’ll recommend a trip to The Ship which is famous for its spectacular sea views, good food and attractive boat-themed bar.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Busy seaside inn with stunning outlook, bustling bar, two-level dining rooms, tasty food and seats on the terrace. The position of this pub is really special.”

Open 10.30am-11pm, Mon-Thurs, Sun; 10.30am-midnight Fri, Sat, two-course evening meal £25.00, www.shipinn.scot

Bon Accord, Glasgow

153 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA

A traditional pub, Bon Accord is usually packed with locals and tourists alike. As well as great value, tasty grub there’s a huge choice of drinks, with hundreds of malt whiskies alone.

The Good Pub Guide says: “Remarkable choice of drinks, a good welcome and bargain food. This traditional, often bustling bar has several linked rooms.”

Open 11-11 Mon; 11-midnight; 12.30-11, two-course evening meal £14.00, www.bonaccordpub.com

The Bonnie Badger, Gullane

Main St, Gullane EH31 2AB

This famously good inn is owned by Michelin chef Tom Kitchin, so you can expect the food to be of another level. The welcoming spot also has an attractive terraced garden area.