Summer Barbecues in Edinburgh Pubs

Edinburgh pubs offering barbecues, barbecues in Edinburgh, beer gardens


There's nothing like a barbecue to make you feel like summer's finally arrived.  But we all dread drawing up the guest list, sending out the invites and buying in the meat just to have mother nature suddenly rain down upon us yet again.

The alternative?  Go out to barbie on the spur of the moment as you'd go out to eat.  More and more Edinburgh establishments are now offering regular barbecues in courtyards, on patios and in beer gardens.

All you have to do is show up!

The Sheep Heid Inn

In a fabulous location overlooking Arthur’s Seat, The historic Sheep Heid Inn offers a great barbecue throughout the summer months ‘come rain or shine’.   Says the Edinburgh & Leith Pub Guide “If any pub deserves to be made into a national shrine, then this is it…”  The Heid’s barbies offer the usual fare such as sausages and kebabs, plus more exotic options like venison and ostrich burgers.
 

The Pear Tree, 38 West Nicholson Street

The ever-busy Pear Tree has a charming walled beer garden in which to soak up the rays.  It has picnic tables, atmospheric lighting, a characterful cobbled yard and outside, bottle-only bar. Throughout the summer the Pear Tree hosts local bands several nights a week.

Regular barbecues start from the beginning of May till the end of September, midday till dusk, whenever the sun makes an appearance. Chicken, steaks, burgers, kebabs and at least one veggie option are on offer.
 

The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street, Lane

Tucked away down a quiet cobbled alleyway, the Outhouse holds great value ‘party’ barbecues on a Sunday once a month.  It has live DJ’s and a great, laid-back atmosphere.  A selection of grilled meats is available and burgers are ‘free’ (though entry costs £2).   The beer garden is large and has plenty of seating.
 

Castle Rock Hostel, 15 Johnstone Terrace

With a stunning location directly beneath the castle, the Castle Rock has a sunny, leafy terrace on which weekly barbecues are held (weather permitting).  The vibe is relaxing, the company of the various globetrotting travellers is entertaining and you’ll love the views!
 

Tailor’s Hall Hotel

Tailors Hall is set in a historic brick building just 500m. from the castle. The hotel bar – the famous Three Sisters - opens onto a lovely cobbled courtyard where barbecues are held during the summer months.

 

Smart City Hostel, 50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh

Centrally located (just off the Royal Mile) Smart City aim to have a barbecue most evenings (weather allowing) during the summer months.  The attractive courtyard is a real suntrap and the atmosphere is cosmopolitan and lively.  They offer Aberdeen Angus beefburgers, Cumberland sausages and marinated pork steaks.

 

Khublai Khan Mongolian Barbecue, Assembly Street, Leith

Khublai is based on Mongolian warriors’ practice of cooking their meal on an upturned shield over a fire.   You put together your own ingredients by filling your bowl from a selection of fresh vegetables on a base of rice, beansprouts, noodles or tofu.  You then add your choice of meat or seafood including such novelties as venison, wild boar, ostrich, springbok, zebra, kangaroo and shark. You then take your selection to a huge open barbeque where it’s cooked. Ok it's not outdoors - but sometimes it rains!
 

Have YOUR Say

Does your favourite hostelry also offer barbecues in the summer?  Leave a comment below.