Bennets Bar

Bennets Bar at 8 Leven Street in Tollcross is an Edwardian pub beside the King's Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland, noted for its original mirrors, etched glass and listed mahogany fittings. The interior is one of the best-preserved examples of a late Victorian and Edwardian drinking room in the city, and it is a popular pre-theatre stop for audiences at the King's Theatre next door as well as for locals living in Tollcross and Bruntsfield.

The crowd is a mix of theatregoers, regulars, students and visitors seeking a traditional pub. The age range is broad, and the atmosphere is elegant and traditional rather than lively or youthful. There is no dress code; casual and smart-casual clothing are both common, and many theatregoers come dressed for a night out. Music is not a feature, so the soundscape is conversation and the clink of glasses, which suits visitors who want to appreciate the interior.

The drinks programme centres on a long list of malt whiskies, cask ales and the usual range of pub drinks. A pint of beer typically costs about £5.50 to £7.50 (roughly $7 to $10), and a dram of whisky starts from about £5 (about $7). The bar's whisky selection is the main draw for visitors who want to sample Scottish malts in a setting with some historic character. Opening is generally daily, typically from about 11am until midnight or 1am, with weekend evenings the busiest.

There is no cover charge. Reservations are not generally needed for drinks, but the bar can become crowded before curtain-up at the King's Theatre, so arriving early gives the best chance of a seat. Weekday afternoons and early evenings are the calmest times to look at the mirrors and woodwork. Leven Street is a short walk from Lothian Road and the Usher Hall, and the area has a number of other pubs and restaurants, which makes Bennets Bar easy to combine with dinner or a show.