Reviews of Cask Smugglers. (Pub) in Edinburgh (Edinburgh).

Cask Smugglers

336 Reviews

168 Comments

Pub

Cocktail bar

Waverley Mall Rooftop, 3 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Cask Smugglers, Pub in Edinburgh (Edinburgh)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Cask Smugglers

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Cask Smugglers

T. A. A. o. A. A.

The domes are a unique dining experience, like 7 conservatories on top of Waverly Shopping centre with the lights of the Balmoral Hotel, the Scott monument, and Edinburgh castle within view. Meat & Cheese board for £35 is a bit high but is filling. It is cold so keep your coat on

B. I.

One of the best bars in town! The secret dome experience was exceptional. We were greeted by a host and taken to our dome where we were looked after & made to feel at home. The views were unbelievable also which was an added bonus. After our dome experience we stayed for a drink in the main bar where service was quick and efficient and again the staff were highly friendly!! Would fully recommend this place and will be back again soon!

M. M.

If you haven't eaten in Lichen at Cask Smugglers yet, you should. I went last night for the first time. The weather was so lovely we were able to sit outside in their new wine bar area overlooking Edinburgh's most iconic sites. Super comfy seats, flame heaters when the sun went down, excellent service and a very impressive wine list. I eat out a lot, and to be honest I never expect that everything I am served up will be excellent, but lichen hit the spot every time. We were a party of 6 so we ordered one of everything, and then some more. The plates are small but not so small you can't share, in fact it's probably the best sharing menu I've ever seen, there has clearly been a LOT of thought and effort put into everything. All the ingredients were of a high quality, really fresh and tasty, including the sauces that accompanied each dish, were freshly made. The menu has had a lot of thought put into it too, there really is something to suit everyone. I would give a shout out for the cauliflower, so many fail at getting that right, the steak was excellent quality and the tacos were the tastiest - oh and the broth with the mussels was excellent. I'm really impressed with Lichen, I would urge anyone who likes their food to try it. Whoever is pulling it all together clearly knows their stuff and the quality of the food and wine is right up there with the best of restaurants, the service was magic too. I ate in Gordon Ramsay's new place the week before and they could learn a thing or two from Lichen, like flavour. I couldn't even eat the starter there it was so drowned in soy, and the Caesar salad I ordered was wet damp and had 2 anchovies in it. They did not charge for the inedible starter but made a point of telling me the chef said it was fine. My expectations were low tbh, but I didn't think it would be that bad... So a big shout out for Lichen, great food, superb wine and excellent service, and don't forget the views - they were pretty spectacular too....

C. O.

Ordered food and cocktails, service very fast & server very friendly. The quality of the food and drinks are top notch, we will be back!

L. B.

Arrived in Edinburgh for the weekend and this was our first stop! Bit of a shaky start with our booking, but then Josie (I think) stepped in and all was well. Her customer service skills were fab and we were soon settled into one of the domes. They are lovely! Cosy, warm, very well decorated and with a lovely view all around of Edinburgh. The food was delicious! A very tasty cheese & charcuterie platter and a lovely afternoon tea with the most amazing doughnuts & cinnamon buns which we very quickly demolished. Hot chocolates all around and as it got dark the domes sparkle with fairy lights and the city lights up….a fab experience which I would throughly recommend ⭐️

G. F.

A lovely space right in the centre of Edinburgh - I met with friends and we enjoyed a few drinks here. The cocktail menu is quite innovative - I loved the tequila and watermelon one I ordered. The pizzas we had were fresh and flavourful, at a great price. We left because the music was quite loud and made chatting difficult, but it would be a great place for pre-drinks.

S. B.

Mixed bag. For positives, the seating areas look nice with some great views above the station. I think we were in the cocktail bar area. The first thing that put me off though was that the indoor music in our area was so obscenely loud, my group of friends could barely hear each other, making conversation extremely challenging. It was clear the establishment was going for the "clubbers before the club" crowd, at least in our section. I think they could achieve that without the music being so obnoxious though. The other criticism I have is with the condition of the men's toilets. They were pretty grim. Poorly lit in areas, awkward layout, didn't look clean, and were in poor condition. I noticed one cubicle didn't even have toilet paper as it looked like the entire toilet paper holder had been ripped out at some point, and never fixed. Overall, I'd say give it a go, but not on a Friday or Saturday evening if you plan to have conversations with friends. Also the outdoor seating seems a little more relaxed, so that might work too.

C. T.

Struggled to find using the Google Maps app. Glad to have found it eventually. Choice was limited- admittedly we had a late lunch and you can't penalise anyone for being popular! We had an amazing cauliflower soup with some nice home made bread followed by a nice cake. Great food, nice setting and good customer service. Not many vegan restaurants about. This place will hopefully pick up the custom to do well. You don't need to be vegan to appreciate good food in good settings.

D. A.

Pizza here is must. Genuinely one of the best ever, which I must admit did take me by a positive suprise. Added to super friendly staff and decent drinks selection and chilled atmosphere. Don't let the sci-fi punny food names deceive... The Philip j fries with parmesan were excellent too.

R. C.

Gorgeous cocktail bar tucked away on the top of Waverley Mall. Super friendly staff who know their way around a good drink. Such a nice date spot, and the DJs in the evening had us dancing!

E. G.

Great place, great cocktails, excellent service would comeback for sure

B. M.

Great bar right in the centre of town. Very friendly staff and a good selection of drinks. The DJ added to the vibrant atmosphere and the food was much better than most cocktail bars. Will certainly be back to try out the domes!

H. M.

Went here to start of my partner’s birthday celebrations. Loved the ambiance, charcuterie, and cocktails, but the dome was boiling at the time we chose to go at so we were quite warm and uncomfortable. The drinks did take some time to arrive aswell. Overall, would definitely go back but when it’s rather cooler and darker.

L. M.

Happened to stumble across this trendy restaurant/bar whilst finishing up shopping on Prince's Street. With current COVID-19 restrictions we were lucky to get a table without booking. The staff were excellent - very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Our waiter offered his opinions on good drinks options which we appreciated! The food, provided by Pizza Geeks, was also excellent - the dough was delicious and fluffy and didn't leave you feeling bloated and sluggish. We also tried the Mac & Cheese bites - it was like a party in my mouth and rich, creamy cheese was the guest of honour. Not disappointed in the slightest. I would happily visit here again ☺️

H. S.

Nice place to hang out just outside waverly train station. Its quieter during the day but boy it does light up on weekends not to mention friday nights. Good staff n drinks, but I wouldnt recommend the pizza here. The best thing on the menu was chips🤣, which they obviously had to discontinue as they "dont have the fryer anymore" I am told.

L. L.

Had THE BEST time in the dome on Saturday! A weekend away for 14 girls and this was the absolute highlight! The staff were utterly brilliant and went above and beyond for us so HUGE thank you to them!!

G. C.

Had a lovely relaxing afternoon at the Secret Domes. We had the charcuterie board it was delicious all local produce. The customer service was brilliant.Thank you!

S. S.

Not really a fan of here, it is what it is a bar up town. Whilst the service is great, the choice og drink quite good it's just not for me at all. Thanks.

S. H.

Stopped in here for a rest on our self-guided walking tour and were not disappointed. Great views of the city skyline and the Scott Monument a stones throw away. Perfectly set up to enjoy a socially distances Tennent's larger in the open air during the pandemic. The parmesan chips we ordered were brilliant and had the cheese spread all throughout (not just on the tipe like every other place that does cheesy chips!).

S. D.

This is still a hidden gem even though it's quite central. I spent Hogmanay 2019 in there with my friends and had an amazing party with DJ. The venue is lovely and the staff couldn't be more accommodating! They reply to Insta messages very quick if I ever have questions. Recommend to try their food. It's delicious! Please keep this up team Cask Smugglers!

a. s. (.

One of my fave bars in edinburgh - the staff are so friendly and service is brilliant, our drinks and food came quickly and were amazing! I highly recommend the cocktails here!

A. P.

We sat on the terrace and had cider - staff was nice! Even offered some water for our doggie ☺️

M.

Very friendly service and excellent food! Very nice to enjoy the evening sun and music!

A. H.

The view is amazing, inside the domes are cute and cozy but the service was very poor

l. m.

Good beer centrally located. No food available though apparently chef had a funeral must have been sudden as order had already been taken

C. D.

Wicked cocktails and pizza menu. Trendy and geeky with super service

N. T.

Really good service and great vegan options. Lovely terrace area with plenty of light and sunshine

R. H.

Really cool spot for outdoor drinks in the city centre. Indoors is also lovely but we were lucky with a sunny day so outside was buzzing. Robyn in particular made our experience amazing and was so quick, friendly and patient with our large group - thank you Robyn!!! x

D. S.

Favourite place to get a drink in Edinburgh. Always get atleast one drink everytime I visit

T. S.

Had a great time 👍, decent food, staff are lovely and wonderful views over the Edinburgh skyline

P. R.

One of my favourite bars in town - such a great atmosphere, the staff could not have been more helpful or friendly! The Domes and the bar itself, 5* all round 🌟

P. S.

I really like this spot. Can be a good place to wind down and enjoy a pint or more.

D. C.

Very attentive staff, great night with the missus, special thanks to Caitlin, Brodie and Alex 👍👍👍

E. M.

What a fun place to be in a Saturday evening after shopping. Flavoursome fries, fun & friendly staff and gorgeous cocktails. Outside after lockdown with live music watching the sun go down and the lights come up. Doesn't get much better than this. Thanks guys.

A. T.

Great old fashioned and zombie, live music, friendly staff and atmosphere!

C. S.

They really go over and above, very attentive. High quality drinks, ordered many times throughout lockdown (I do not have great cocktail making skills!) and they're consistently fantastic. Highly recommend

L. I.

Such a pretty place, great experience good vibes for a great evening

D. D.

Quite a nice, open spaced pub with lovely music and some great selection of beers and spirits. Its located centrally and so has a nice appeal to both locals and travellers. Open till late

R. O.

honestly, a bit chavy. underwhelming considering from the photos & reviews i expected a bit more upscale rooftop/cocktail bar. also, they messed up our order with the wrong drinks and did nothing to remedy it. would see the appeal for a lash w friends after work, but would be disappointed to come here for a date night.

D. L.

I was in on Friday night and the place is so good. Love the whole experience. Great bar with great drinks and a great vibe. They had a great bar tender called Harry that made my non binary partner the best french martini they've ever had. Well done guys no prejudice, we felt so comfortable to just be us.

C. M.

Opened during The Fringe (August) 2019, this bar has become truly one of the best in Edinburgh rapidly. Great live music, fantastic drinks menu, home of the incredible Peruvian restaurant and fantastic views of the city skyline. However the staff here are the real winners when it comes to this venue. They are friendly, helpful and truly some of the most interesting and welcoming people you shall ever meet. Also #dugsinpubs as a movement has a lot to thank this place for as they are a massive supporter and some of the regular dogs here are great to see around the bar. Cask Smugglers is a must visit for everyone in the city whether you would like to attend one of their busy live music nights and events or simply enjoy a quiet drink in a great atmosphere.

L. K.

Great night, and the drinks were good too

D. R.

Great cocktails! Lovely staff and they know so much about cocktails and whiskey. Great place for a drink with friends after work with amazing food too. I had the best time during NYE party!

J. D.

Frustratingly, this could’ve been better. Aesthetically, a very lovely looking bar. Drinks were nice, though expensive, central Edinburgh (as to be expected). Service seemed off, and unwelcoming and slow. Shame. Flattened the atmosphere for me unfortunately. Would try again.

c.

Fantastic views of the city, Excellent food (lack of peruvian food in the city so this fills the gap and more!) Cocktails are great with the bar team being very knowledgeable, friendly and always up for creating something to your taste. fun music at the weekend and events happening monthly. Definitely one of the best new bars around edinburgh and right in the centre!

A. C.

My absolute favourite spot in Edinburgh, location is amazing so central. Staff were lovely, so friendly and made some banging cocktails on the spot. Also tried some Peruvian food for the first time it was phenomenal. Will most certainly be a regular at this spot. Live music at the weekend and the views across to Arthurs seat and the Old Town are unreal!

L. D.

Ali and Lauren were so welcoming and provided amazing service, they were both so down to earth and easy to chat to and made the experience so delightful. Cocktails were amazing and the Guinness was one of the best I've had in Edinburgh (speaking as an Irish woman) would 100% recommend popping in for one

R. S.

Excellent service. Reasonably priced. Good atmosphere. You need to get there fairly early to get a table during busy periods

E. S.

I love this place!! Missed our train so wanted somewhere to wait that was not over packed and could sit. Walked around the corner and found this gem!!!! The staff are the best and they are super helpful and lovely. They do the best cocktails and food and the place is really cool. Defiantly go here if you get the chance. You will not be disappointed!

E. O.

If you haven't already, get yourself down to Cask Smugglers, they have a really great selection of whiskeys as well as some great cocktails. Myself and some friends celebrated New Years Eve there and it was brilliant. From the staff, the service, the interiors, presentation of drinks not to mention private viewing of the fireworks from the castle, the over all experience had in Cask Smugglers was 10/10. Highly recommended.

E. G.

Good atmosphere, fairly loud. Great central location and views over Waverley station to the old town. My friend reserved two tables and when we arrived there had been barrels reserved with only 3 stools - for a big group. Also not enough places to put coats and scarves etc. Would be better having more normal chairs and tables and more booths.

D. M.

We've spent a few nights in Cask Smugglers since moving back to Edinburgh and its really quickly become a great regular meeting spot for us. The staff in particular are really friendly, chatty and informative with their drinks knowledge and service of cocktails. Highly recommend for a visit.

M. M.

The waitress Diana was wonderful!! She is really friendly and her service was perfect! We were there having a coffee and the pub is also okay with good views to the river and stuff. Me and my friend hardly recommend to go there!!

A. W.

Staff were very welcoming and super friendly. Made the atmosphere very welcoming and made me feel very comfortable and safe x

B. W.

Great cocktails, awesome music. Slightly awkward to get through, however ask for them instead of Gin Edinburgh at the front entrance!

M. C.

I have had a few great nights with friends in here. Such a good atmosphere at the weekend but even good vibes during the week. I would highly recommend a visit. All the bar staff were lovely especially Sonny, thank you 😁.

B. S.

Fab place with lots of yummy food choices.

S. B.

Good food and drinks, nice atmosphere and excellent staff. Very pleased with my meal here!

D. B.

Great bar, excellent choice of beers. Cocktail menu is brilliant. Live music was great. The manager guy was attentive to all our needs.. Will be back for sure.

C. M.

Amazing atmosphere and place, cocktails are gorgeous and definitely try the Peruvian food! Staff are lovely and live music is great fun. Favourite spot in the city centre - Little hidden gem. Love it

T. S.

Was not busy at the time I was there ,seam to just be set up equipment. But a good place to see the Sykes of Edinburgh castle and a sunny spot to enjoy in the evening

D. O.

Edinburgh’s latest hotspot! Superb atmosphere and incredible views across the city. Great cocktail menu, live music and such lovely staff - a must if out in Edin city centre! You won’t be disappointed.

L. O.

Good bloody mary, best we've had. Nice setting outdoor seating and good music

J. A.

Nice food , friendly staff , Very clean

e. m.

Favourite bar in Edinburgh!! Cool vibes with a crazy range of whiskey based cocktails in an incredible location. A must if you are visiting Edinburgh and want to be at the heart of the city. We will be back...

J. D.

Lovely outdoor area, live music and friendly atmosphere, good place to stop and sit for a drink and enjoy the city

r. g.

Great bar with a wide variety of drinks on the menu. Food is top draw along with very friendly staff. The GM seems a great bloke too.

C. L.

I was in with David Lyall (see earlier review) on Friday night and it seems to be a quite magnificent bar. I got chatting with the GM I think his name is Niall Cowie and he is a great guy. Would totally recommend it to friends.

C. H.

Great wee spot in the centre of the music. The Peruvian food is a nice change from typical bar food, and the staff are great craic. So many different takes on a few classic cocktails

S. R.

Great experience but best to pre-book.

T. C.

We were just in the bar at the back never had food although it smelt yummy 😋 it was booked up but the bar was good drinks were reasonable fantastic views

S. K.

Great cocktails, staff are amazing and so are the views of the old town. Would really recommend the food too, Nothing else like it in Scotland

J. L. S.

Great cocktails and lovely view of old town. The Peruvian food is really tasty too. Would definitely recommend

S. W.

Tasty cocktails and very good service

C. S.

It was outside and the sun was out for a bit and we had a drink and looked at our beautiful buildings. It was a good day .we will be back

Ó. D.

Beautiful cocktails, stunning views of the Old Town, and genuinely funny and welcoming staff! Perfect wee spot that I can't recommend more!

M. B.

Fabulous place with incredible staff and their house gin is the best I've ever tried

T. B.

Nice design and delicious pizza!

a. p.

The drinks are ok, the bar is modern, the staff was overstrained.

S. C.

Best Boozy Brunch in Edinburgh - great spot, great views, and really good food. Highly recommend!

H. M.

Lovely time at Cask Smugglers, great atmosphere, great staff, great drinks, great music.. What else do you need?! Great Peruvian food.. Got that too 😊

J. R.

Friendly, welcoming and knowledgable staff, amazing cocktail menu, very well managed - 100% worth a visit.

B. R.

Nice selection of beers and spirit, friendly staff and good, atmosphere

C. M.

The attendants are unable to be anything but sweet. Just like their cocktails. I recommend the place. Show up y'all🤭

F. A.

One of my Favourite places, not just in Edinburgh, period.

C. L.

Great food and lovely staff but the atmosphere was lacking.

K. B.

Good food. Slow on taking the orders. Pizza was amazing

G. C.

Amazing place. Friendly staff, great food and great drinks! Best place in Edinburgh for a few drinks and great views

s. R.

Top spot at waverley and much bigger than you'd think from looking from the outside. Also slinging pizza geeks pizzas which are fantastic, get the brave heart.

J. A.

Lovely service.. Especially by the Australian lassie.. Absolutely top notch place to sit, relax and soak in the views.

N. D.

Lovely bar with live music and a fantastic selection of drinks! Would recommend to anyone living in or visiting Edinburgh :)

J. R.

Loved it..staff amazing and one 9f best pizzas

M. B.

Nice environment. Food okay. Drinks poor quality and expensive. Mk.

M. C.

Had a wonderful time on their social distancing patio. Staff are wonderful and super understanding. Would definitely recommend

A. E.

Hellish place, staff lovely and even had the time of day to explain the story of the drink titles to us! Will definitely be back, love it!!

S. B.

Great pub always has a good atmosphere, the staff are always on good form and make an unreal mojito

J. W.

Great atmosphere and quality service

C. D.

Top quality food, cocktails, great staff and amazing view. Best spot town

S. D.

We had takeaway pints, good quality and the cups has lids

O. N.

Pretty good but pretty pricey for what it is, just nicely garnished drinks

D. D.

Staff were amazing, really attentive and nothing was too much trouble.

B. c.

Nice place right on the hard of Edinburgh on the top of princes mall nice drinks nice view yes I would recommend for sure

S. G.

amazing bar, cocktails are banging, and the staff are great!! definitely be back!

A. M.

Staff were fantastic called in a couple of times while down in Edinburgh at the weekend for a stag do Will call again thanks to you all

A. R.

Such a great place! Amazing cocktails and food with a beaut view

D. P.

Fab had a great couple of hours in the cask smugglers with my wife will return if back in edinburgh cheers david and lesley from Newcastle

F. W.

Great range of cocktails, good atmosphere. Would recommend!

K. A.

Lovely staff, great cocktails

J. D.

Bar staff very friendly and helpful

D. S.

Great bar with friendly service and excellent range of drinks. Will be back.

d. m.

Service was good, covid restrictions clesr and all staff were helpful and friendly.

T. C.

Drinks and food was fine but service was disappointingly slow

G. W.

Great food, good atmosphere, decent prices. Will be back!

J. S.

Fun and vibrant, staff were very friendly and attentive

D. C.

Brilliant venue, fantastic atmosphere and happy staff. What more could you ask for!

N. B.

Great venue with an amazing selection of Whisk(e)y! Will be back

A. I.

Best half way house ever

R. G.

Nice cocktails, good food and reasonable prices

M. B.

Great time with a few drinks & live 🎶

j. T.

The place is well located but the beer offer was pretty limited

h. b.

Great bar with amazing cocktails, food and live music 👏🍻

C. M.

Lovely pop up place. Food nice.

A. G.

Great range of beers. Great view and very spacious.

S. K.

Nice, good food and great staff

C. D.

Drinks ok, typical Edinburgh prices.

a. f.

Great wee place nice food in the sun

n. r.

Great place for cocktails, food and a variety of music.

J. B.

Really decent gaf don't know why more people aren't visiting on a Friday night. Criminal!

N. H.

Good beers, nice view and friendly staff

C. P.

Ray Harryhausen exhibit truly amazing

M. D.

Lovely spot, great food, great people great music!

T. D.

Good cocktail selection and friendly staff

G. R.

Lovely bar and do handy for the train station

C.

Great service

M. D.

Excellent service and great cocktails.

m. p.

Good for a drink and a bite to eat

d. c.

Only been once but would recommend this place

I. S.

Great location, beers & food. 👍

K. M.

Little over priced however worth it

K. M.

Amazing service, amazing drinks 🥰🍸

B. A.

Good friendly staff and great service.

M. T.

Didnt stay long wouldn't allow kids

J. H.

Friendly staff great prices

S. Y.

Great place

W. B.

Nice 👍

P. W.

great music and drinks!

A. M.

Absolutely amazing bar

P. O.

Only visited most briefly

P. L.

Now called Edinburgh Gin

S. T.

007, would love it.😀

M. C.

Fab, fab, fab

g. f.

Great new bar

D. K.

Service slow.

A. H.

Good atmosphere

c. m.

Best views in edy

M. L.

Super smashing great

I. M.

Brill

M. S.

Nice place

M. D.

Quality bar

F. A.

So cold!!!!!!!!!

P. T.

(Translated) Good Spritz, live music, nice atmosphere (Original) Buon Spritz, musica live, bella atmosfera

K. R.

(Translated) Decent Italian style pizza. Good beer but little choice. Nice place. (Original) Przyzwoita pizza w stylu włoskim. Piwo dobre ale trochę mały wybór. Przyjemne miejsce.

n.

(Translated) Walnuts (Original) Noce

E. L.

(Translated) Perhaps not the right moment. For the rest, a good establishment (Original) Misschien niet het goede moment er geweest. Voor de rest wel goed establishment

E. S.

H. Q.

J. P.

(Translated) Nice pub to pilot (Original) Leuke kroeg om te pilsen

B. D.

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