Bar
Bramble Bar & Lounge
A walk-in cocktail bar on Queen Street in the New Town, open every night from 4pm until 1am, with sister bars across Edinburgh.
1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
The rooftop bar of the Johnnie Walker whisky experience on Princes Street, serving cocktails and Scottish-inspired food with views of the castle and Old Town.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop whisky and cocktail bar
- Area
- West End, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- johnniewalker.com
Good to know
- Rooftop terrace
- Castle views
- Lift access
- Accessible toilets
- Whisky shop
Why we recommend it
The 1820 Rooftop Bar crowns Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the whisky brand's visitor experience at 145 Princes Street, at the western end of Edinburgh's main shopping street. It is a place for a drink with a view, looking across Princes Street Gardens to Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline.
The bar serves cocktails along with Scottish-inspired food with a contemporary twist, artisanal coffee and lunches, so it works at any time of day rather than only as a late-night spot. Tables can be booked through the 1820 Rooftop Bar dining page on the website, which also lists the menus. Booking is sensible for sunset and at weekends, when the views are most in demand.
The building also houses the Johnnie Walker experience itself, with whisky tastings and tours such as the Signature Experience, A Journey of Flavour, as well as a shop selling rare and limited-edition whiskies, a fill-your-own-bottle service and bottle engraving. Combining a tour with a drink upstairs makes for a full afternoon or evening. The attraction promotes itself as a five-star visitor attraction.
The rooftop bar is open seven days a week, but hours can vary, so check the online listing before you go. The shop is open from 10am to midnight Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 8.30pm on Sunday. The venue applies a Challenge 25 policy, so anyone who looks under 25 must show valid photo ID to drink. Accessibility is good, with lift access, accessible toilets and low-height tables.
The bar suits couples, groups of friends and anyone wanting a memorable view with their drink, and it is a good introduction to Scotch for visitors who are not yet whisky drinkers. The location is easy to reach: it is around 15 minutes' walk from both Waverley and Haymarket stations, and about 30 minutes from the airport by tram or Airlink bus. From here, the West End, Charlotte Square and George Street are a few minutes' walk away, and the castle is just across the gardens. Dinner at Contini on George Street or one of the West End's restaurants pairs naturally with a drink here.
1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street FAQs
Do you need to book the 1820 Rooftop Bar?
Tables can be booked online through the 1820 Rooftop Bar dining page; booking is sensible for weekends and sunset.
When is the rooftop bar open?
It is open seven days a week, but hours can vary, so check the online listing.
What can you see from the bar?
The bar has views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.
Is there an ID policy?
Yes. A Challenge 25 policy applies, so anyone who looks under 25 must show valid photo ID.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. There is lift access, accessible toilets and low-height tables.
Can you do a whisky tour too?
Yes. The building hosts whisky tastings including the Signature Experience, A Journey of Flavour.
Where is it?
It is at 145 Princes Street, EH2 4BL, about 15 minutes' walk from Waverley and Haymarket stations.
Does it serve food?
Yes, it serves Scottish-inspired food, lunches and artisanal coffee as well as cocktails.