2 Best Bars in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

The headquarters of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, housed in a handsome four-story Georgian building, is a wonderful spot to explore their bespoke collection of over 500 exclusive single malts. Book a ground-floor table and let one of the knowledgeable bartenders guide you or gather a group for a tasting experience. The food menu showcases excellent Scottish steaks and seafood, which can be paired with one of their bizarrely named malts such as "Riding a Duck Bareback Up Mount Etna." At the end of the evening, you may get the chance to tour the lovely members' rooms upstairs. 

First opening its doors in 1749, Malt & Hops has a fine waterfront location and serves microbrewery cask ales—with a selection good enough to be endorsed by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale). It also has an open fire, regular live music, and a resident ghost.