A bar tucked down Advocate's Close off the High Street with a Victorian pump-house setting, a long whisky and cocktail list, and views of the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens from the upper level. Food is available until late evening.
The Devil's Advocate occupies a former Victorian pump house at the bottom of Advocate's Close, a steep stairway running between the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland. The address is 9 Advocate's Close, EH1 1ND, and the narrow approach is part of the appeal: visitors descend from the High Street into a stone-and-brick interior that feels removed from the tourist bustle above. The crowd is a mix of after-work professionals, couples on dates, and visitors staying in the Old Town, generally aged mid-twenties and up. There is no formal dress code; smart-casual is typical, and the room is dim and candlelit enough that nobody looks out of place in jeans.
The drinks programme is the draw. The bar is known for a long list of cocktails, with prices of about £11 to £15 (~$15 to $20), alongside a large selection of Scotch whiskies, with drams starting from around £5 (~$7). Beer drinkers can expect pints in the £5.50 to £7.50 range (~$7 to $10), and a kitchen serves food until late evening, so the venue works as a dinner stop as well as a late drink. Music is background rather than a feature, which keeps conversation easy.
The bar opens daily from midday until late, typically around 1am. Weeknights are calmer and suit a quiet cocktail; Friday and Saturday evenings fill quickly, particularly during the August Fringe and the festive season. There is no cover charge. Reservations are worth considering for groups, especially for dining on weekend evenings, since walk-in space can be limited once the small rooms fill. Bottle service is not part of the offer; this is a seated cocktail and whisky bar rather than a nightclub.
The upper level offers views across to the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens, which makes the early evening, around sunset, a favourite time to arrive. The location is a few minutes' walk from the Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral and the Scottish Parliament-side attractions, so it slots easily into an evening of Old Town wandering. The steps and the multi-level layout mean it is worth checking ahead on access needs. Visitors comparing Old Town options will find it more polished and cocktail-led than the traditional ale pubs nearby.
| Price | Pint of beer £5.50-£7.50 (~$7-$10); dram of whisky from £5 (~$7); Cocktails £11-£15 (~$15-$20) |
|---|---|
| Cover | No cover |
| Hours | Open daily from midday until late, typically 1am; kitchen until late evening |
| Address | 9 Advocate's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND |
Good to know
- Signature
- Cocktails and a large whisky list in a former Victorian pump house, reached by stairs down from the Royal Mile
Location
9 Advocate's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
55.9503, -3.1916 View on map
Highlights
- Victorian pump-house interior at the foot of Advocate's Close
- Long cocktail list and extensive Scotch whisky selection
- Upper-level views of the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens
- Food served until late evening with no cover charge
Tips for visiting
- Arrive near sunset for the best view from the upper level.
- Book ahead for groups on Friday and Saturday evenings and during the Fringe.
- Expect to pay about £11-£15 for a cocktail and from £5 for a dram of whisky.
- Allow time for the steep stairs of Advocate's Close on the way down and back up.
- Weeknights are the quietest for a relaxed conversation.
When to visit
Early evening around sunset for the views, or a weeknight for a quieter visit. Weekends and festival periods are busiest.
Accessibility
Access is via the steep stairs of Advocate's Close and the venue has several levels, so wheelchair access is likely to be difficult; visitors with mobility needs should contact the venue beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cover charge at The Devil's Advocate?
No. Entry is free and the venue operates as a bar and restaurant rather than a ticketed club.
Where is The Devil's Advocate?
It is at 9 Advocate's Close, EH1 1ND, reached by stairs from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town.
Does it serve food?
Yes. Food is available until late evening, so it works for dinner as well as late drinks.
Is it good for whisky?
Yes. It is known for a large whisky list alongside cocktails, with drams from about £5.