Sandy Bells in Edinburgh, City of

My mate took me here a few years ago and we always go back when we are back in town. Great old boozer. Best Guinness in town as well.

Belle découverte pour ce petit pub d'Édimbourg situé dans le vieux centre. Nous sommes tombés sur une live session avec violoniste et guitariste : un super moment. Bon choix de bières

Friends recommended Sandy Bell's to us. We were not disappointed. We enjoyed the local musicians playing around a booth table and giving the place an outstandingly wonderful vibe. Go there!

Came in for a quick drink service was fast, friendly and 1st class. Went back again and made some friends. This is my go to pub for a drink.I would highly recommend this place to anyone. All the staff are excellent, no faults.

다양한 종류의 맥주와 위스키를 즐길 수 있는 곳이다. 간단히 요기거리할 수 있는 음식들도 있는데 고기파이가 아주 맛이 좋다. 가게는 작은 편이지만 자유로운 분위기에 맥주가 술술 들어가는 곳~~

We had a reservation at a nearby restaurant so came in for a quick drink. Excellent friendly service again. Sat in the corner with a couple of very friendly dogs on their blankets - presume they belonged there! Nice open fire so very cosy.

伝統的なスコットランドの音楽を聴きながら、美味しいお酒が飲めます。友人とワイワイ過ごすのにもおすすめ。

Foi achado sem indicação de ninguém, apenas procurando por pubs com cultura local. Ao fundo do bar, músicos se reúnem para tocar músicas típicas da região. Dependendo do horário, fica complicado conseguir uma mesa ou achar um cantinho pra ficar, porque lá é pequeno e apertado. O pub é frequentado por artistas e escritores locais.

Mycket trevlig pub med bra utbud av dryck. Levande musik, riktigt bra sådan. Husdjur verkar tillåtet då det var tre hundar där. Ett ställe som verkade populärt hos lokalbefolkningen.

We stopped in for the live music on a Monday evening and the place was hopping with energy. We enjoyed the music - traditional fiddle with percussion and other instruments - very enjoyable evening.

Nos lo pasamos de lujo. El lugar tiene mucho encanto, el servicio es bueno, y los músicos en su esquinita tocando y cantando le dan una atmósfera que hay que vivir para describir

Always great to come back here - I must try to visit outwith the period of the Festival. Had my usual steak and black pudding pie with a couple of bottles of Crabbie's Green Ginger. Unfortunately the folk session that lunchtime was delayed and I couldn't wait.

Um bar de ambiente muito agradável e com uma variedade muito grande de cervejas da região. Bom para conversar com pessoas de diferentes países. Recomendo!

We had a great time here. The selection os whiskey and beer is great. The bar staff are terrific and fun. Celtic bands and musicians play various Scottish pieces and it was a great time. One of the best pubs.

This place was just steps away from our AirB&B so we stopped in one night on our way back. We could hear the music several times on our way back and are huge fans of traditional Irish music. The pints were good, the locals were friendly, and the music was awesome.

Wir waren hier zweimal auf einen gin tonic, immmer live music, gemütlich, freundlich, alle haben Spass, kein Stress. Für mich der beste Pub. Nicht verpassen....

Beroende på vilka som spelar för kvällen kan upplevelsen variera. När jag var här spelade en helt otroligt bra grupp om runt åtta personer med flöjter, trumma, skotsk säckpipa med mera. Stället är litet och du kan bara få något litet uppvärmt att äta, så är någon annanstans före och kom hit för en pint och musiken.

Went early to scope out the territory at Sandy Bells about 6:30 PM. Allan, a wonderful blues guitar player, was playing with a older Irish mandolin player (whose name escapes me) and later joined by a piano player and a woman with shakers keeping time. Allan has that Dylan/Lead Belly style of folk blues that we love. The group played for about 2 1/2 hours and rocked the place. Allan was the lead-in to the traditional fiddlers and mandolin players who started playing around 10. He’s a talented guitar player/singer and we had an intimate performance. We chatted with Allan and the musicians and their friend, drank a few beers and had the kind of experience we come to Scotland for. Thanks to Sandy Bells for the live music!

Tres años después de la última vez, y todavía los mismos músicos se animan a tocar, interactuar con los clientes o permitir que se tome una foto. Muchos críticos llaman a este lugar una institución, pero es por eso que falla, porque no tienen que intentarlo.

This old pub is a must visit when in Edinburgh.Music of fiddles and accordions feet tapping whilst having a drink with friends,close to Scottish Museum.Good beer

If you're looking to experience Scottish Folk Music in an authentic pub atmosphere, look no further, this is the place !

Used to come here when I was younger but it's turned into a horrible tourist trap. The musicians are full of themselves. Don't bother going.

Este es un pequeño pub en el centro de la ciudad de Edimburgo. Hay una clientela muy regular y, a pesar de que las opciones para la cerveza no son enormes en comparación con otros pubs de la ciudad, la variedad de whisky es aceptable. El ambiente es muy auténtico y genuino y, a menudo, hay improvisaciones de músicos locales que tocan al final del pub, justo antes de los baños. De todos modos, no te puedes perder la actuación porque el lugar es pequeño. No soy un cliente habitual, sin embargo, suelo ir de vez en cuando y siempre disfruto del carácter de este lugar. Totalmente recomendado.

Existem lugares no mundo em que a música é tradicional, espontânea, amorosa. No Rio, temos o BipBip, em Brasilia temos o Grao. Em Edimburgo, o Sandy Bell’s é a versão local para o bar tradicional com excelentes músicos cheios de amor pela arte. Imperdível a visita.

Sandy Bells es simplemente una institución. No es el pub más grande de la ciudad, pero sí puede ser uno de los más animados. Con una gran selección de bebidas y una decoración interesante, puedes pasear por tu cuenta y ser absorbido por la atmósfera. Si lo haces bien, te entretendrán algunos de los músicos más conocidos de la ciudad. Todo en un pub maravillosamente único.

We had a Jura and enjoyed stories. The Bar Keep was lovely and it was a good start to a day of tourism activities. We received lots of helpful advice and enjoyed the ambiance.

Really enjoyed this pub .Great staff, great atmosphere and excellent folk music at 9.30 . Definitely worth a visit for the proper traditional pub fan .

Visited with friends and sure enough, some folks started playing fiddles and guitars. Great drinks, lovely staff and worth a visit. Friendly staff and great ales!

Ha sido un par de años ya estaba aquí pero fue genial estar mal de nuevo. Tenía un par de botellas de Crabbies Ginger Ale con un budín negro tarta haggis y qué más puedo decir? ?

Must be the best pub in Scotland great service beers and atmosphere.we called after a fringe show and had a local pie and a very good beer there was a small corner with musicians coming and going a great atmosphere.

Per una full scottish experience, questo è il pub perfetto!

Fuimos tres veces porque era muy buena.

Me he alojado aquí dos veces, he llegado a Edimburgo y me encantó las dos veces. La música siempre es auténtica, y que siempre cumplen con personas estupendas (el hecho de que yo pida sentarse en escaños vacíos en su mesa facilita que! ). Llegar temprano si quieres un asiento.

comme décrit auparavant, nous avons eu le plaisir d'assister à un début de soirée en musique, très sympathique. Au premier abord, les serveurs ne semblaient pas très chaleureux mais finalement de bon conseil! surtout quand nous avons demandé à goûter un whisky et qu'il a fallu choisir dans la longue liste. La serveuse a pris quelques instants pour deviner nos goûts et nous a servi un whisky adapté à nos envies. Nous avons aussi goûté des "pies" , très bons!

Lieu typique d'Edimbourg. Ce soir là musique et ambiance festive ! Un lieu incontournable... dans une ambiance typique

Hemos estado aquí varias veces antes y sabía qué esperar. Habrá increíble música folklórica en el fondo, una gran selección de bebidas, especialmente de whiskies y personal hospitalario. Las críticas menos agradable aquí diciendo cosas sobre sólo si eres un regular son basura. Es obvio que será lleno los viernes y sábados por la noche. Pero siempre hay un ambiente acogedor. Me gustaría decir que no ser respetuoso, es un elegante bar de vinos y no tiene argumentos. Siempre alcanza mis expectativas porque sé qué esperar.

Unless you're a regular I wouldn't bother. Service atrocious and treated with contempt. Far better pubs in area. Won't be back.

Lovely atmosphere and folk music every night. Quite busy sometimes, but worth it even if you have to stand up.

We went there in the early evening. It was full with local people and tourists, but we managed to find a place at the bar to have some pints and a pie which was really good. There were some musicians in the back of the pub, but they were not playing at that time. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was great, it was authentic pub feel, friendly staff, too.

There're lots of pubs in Edinburgh but, this one could be the greatest we visited. We were able to listen live music (real Scottish one), enjoy lovely drinks and you can bring your dog if you want. I have to say, it was really lovely have had the chance to watch a Border Collie waiting for his owner to finish his beer and then continue their. It's quite a small place, but you can feel yourself very comfortable.

Personale giovane e molto disponibile, tipico locale scozzese dove concludere una bella giornata davanti ad una birra o un bicchiere di Scotch Whisky! prezzi onestissimi ad esempio mezza pinta di birra ad 1 pound e 90 pence! per pagare con la carta sul conto totale c'è una commissione di 60 pence.

Everything you could hope for in a Scottish pub. The atmosphere is completely authentic, the service great, and it is within walking distance of Greyfriars. The trad sessions don't start until late but you should arrive early to get a seat.

Very small low key local pub. Friendly environment but at times too loud to hear the music. Also the musician...

Fuimos a Campanas de arena después de la cena en Edimburgo para unos tragos y música tradicional. Los músicos eran excelentes y el pub estaba lleno de gente y unos pocos turistas también, pero la gente hizo que los turistas sentir como en casa y...

Fantástico lugar para escuchar la música local. Los camareros del conocimiento en completo de whisky, ginebra y cerveza. Un lugar que sin duda retern cada vez que estoy en la ciudad.

Local en el que puedes escuchar música folk escocesa en vivo. Lo de ver a los músicos tocar es otra historia, ya que el pub no es muy grande y se suele llenar. Además, puedes disfrutar de la música degustando algunas de las cervezas que ofrecen o, sobre todo, alguno de los muchos whiskies que tiene en su carta. Creo que llegué a contar más de 50, clasificados por su procedencia, y de todos los precios; desde 4 ó 5 libras, a 33, pasando por whiskies de 10 - 12 libras...

Este foi um dos melhores PUB's que conheci, com musica todos os dias e local e frequentado por moradores de Edimburgo e é muito fácil encontrar artistas conhecidos e escritores, excelente musica e bom serviço, sempre cheio como todos os PUB's mas acho que é uma visita obrigatória.

Realmente disfruté mi visita a este pequeño pub. Fuimos durante el festival y estaba completamente lleno, pero nos las arreglamos para conseguir una mesa en la esquina. Todos recogieron un whisky de lo que era bastante una impresionante selección y escucharon una sesión folk en la parte trasera de la habitación. Estuvimos allí por mucho tiempo, pero yo estaba sin duda calentada por el ambiente amable, acogedor entorno y música (y el whisky! ). Esperamos volver de nuevo la próxima vez que esté en Edimburgo.

Ale paraíso tranquilo durante el día, lejos de la prisa de la ciudad, con una gran selección de whisky demasiado

Popped in here last night for a couple of quick pints. Decent bar, friendly staff, nice atmosphere, live music and a great selection of beers. What more could you ask for ?

Κλασσική βρετανική pub, με ζωντανή παραδοσιακή σκωτσέζικη μουσική. Χώρος ζεστός και φιλόξενος, με πολύ θόρυβο (όπως αρμόζει σε μία pub), καλές τιμές και χαμογελαστούς bar tenders. Αξίζει μία επίσκεψη.

One of our favs. Tiny local pub with music sessions in the back. Loved it. The bartenders are friendly and this place is authentic.

Pequeño pub con música tradicional atestado de gente local y turistas muy recomendable.Carta extensa de whiskies, cuyo camarero conoce muy bien y te recomienda según tus gustos. Todo un acierto!

Real Scottish and Irish folk music in a casual environment. The longest whisky menu I've seen, and the bartenders will help figure out the right one for you. The prices are good, and the music is free. As a visitor and now a resident of Edinburgh, I've new friends here. Most highly recommended.

Es un local relativamente pequeño pero con mucho ambiente. A partir de las 7:00 pm gente toca y canta de manera informal. Divertido. Ideal para una cerveza y algo de piqueo.

This pub is known for having live traditional music and it did not disappoint. While this does draw in tourists the pub has retained an authentic feel and the crowd was probably split 50/50 between Scots and tourists.

Trovato grazie alla lonely planet, ci ha subito conquistato. Musica dal vivo ogni giorno. Capita di trovare violini arpe e mandolini, il tutto fra gente vera che lo frequenta come se fosse una seconda casa. Peccato non aver trovato la Pie... era finita!

We had heard that the Edinburgh traditional music scene was not what it once was but you could still hear music nightly at Sandy Bells. So we were very glad to find out that the pub was a 15 minute walk from the Royal Mile. We were not disappointed. Sandy Bells is a cozy, small pub with a local ambiance. Despite its crowd of regulars, we felt welcome and comfortable. The pub has a fine selection of beers from smaller Scottish breweries. The music session started around 8:30pm and was of a high quality. We had a great time. However, the pub is small and if you want to listen to the music comfortably, get there early.

Great wee place , popped in with friends on Saturday nite music us gd and its very busy we didn't stay long as it was very crowded with no seats left ! Would have liked to have stayed longer , will try another time .

This is a true Edinburgh institution on the folk scene. Great and friendly staff who clearly have a passion in the product! Very knowledgeable about the huge range of Whisky. A great selection of beers and Whisky. Live music every night with no charge. I was there on a Wednesday night and the session was great. A mixed crowd of tourist and local's all mixing together.

What a fabulous traditional bar! Great range of beers, with an engaging vibe. Folk musicians playing in the back room area enhance the overall experience.

What a GREAT place. Full of locals and their pets. The bar staff are warm and gracious and the guests/regulars are friendly and engaging. Stay for drinks and music - this is a very neat place.

Arrived here around 8pm. Very quiet, just us, some regulars and the amazing kilt-wearing bartender. We had a great time with lovely beers and top whiskey tips. Around 9.15pm the place started to get crowded and without noticing it the live music started in the back. It sounded really good from a far but because of the joint being crammed we didn't get to see/hear a lot of if. However, had nice chats with other guests. Great place!

We visited this pub for some beers after dinner. The place was absolutely packed full of locals enjoying an evening pint. My wife and I loved the fact that there was nothing remotely touristy about the pub. The best part was the group of local musicians playing folk music between pints. There was no formal stage and the artists were literally seated between the rest of the clientele and playing music between drinks (which we thought was wonderful).Would definitely recommend this place for the live music and non-touristy 'feel'.

Buen sitio para tomar una benida mientras escuchas una auténtica canción escocesa o celta. Lugar para gente de allí y no para turistas y eso hace que gane en autenticidad. Esta justo en un lateral del cementerio donde el perro bobby. Los precios son normales y el lugar es acogedor.

I'd been looking forward to this evening at this famous pub. The company was excellent, the staff superb, the music session was everything expected ... until late in the night when the owner cursed a young musician who asked if his Dad could play the banjo sitting against the wall. The surprised young gentleman quickly apologized for offending the owner and again a wrath of profanity spewed forth. Soon the whistle player gave his crude remarks ... and right before an out and out brawl opened up, the bartender mended the scene with the owner disappearing. Of course, it is Scotland ... and a pub :) But in all due respects, the pub owner pulled the plug on an otherwise, awesome evening of music, spirits, and newfound friends. Yup, I'd go again and see what the night brings ... I had a blast.

First visit to Sandy Bells and yes its a pub full of Character. Beer was first rate and a pleasant evening was had by all. The music side was . erm well ah , ........ ok maybe had I not gone to the toilet and squeezed past, I might of missed the gig. Lovely pub worth a revisit.

Buen lugar para empaparse de la esencia de Edimburgo, tomando unas pintas y escuchando música diversa. Los fines de semana está muy concurrido, así que si quieres ver a los músicos tienes que hacerte un hueco al fondo del bar, que es donde se acomodan para tocar diversos instrumentos e incluso ir intercambiándolos para deleitarnos con buena música escocesa.

This was a nice pub that several different musicians show up and have "jam sessions" where they play and sing with the patrons drink beer and whiskey!! Loved this pub!! My favorite in Edinburgh!!

Sandy Bells reputation is built on live folk music, so how did it do?During the hour and a half we were there, they managed a total of 6 tunes. The sour faced fiddler spent more time putting up signs warning you not to film and not to use flash, telling her fellow musicians about last nights gig and going out for a smoke than actually playing. With so little music, conversation is going to break out, but oh no, that's not acceptable, it was putting off the musicians.Good selection of ales and whiskey, but don't expect to hear much music on a Sunday evening.

Very cool place! It's very small, cozy and friendly which just adds to the atmosphere! I don't know if the musicians were being paid or not but it felt as if it was a group of friends sitting together for a jam session! Hope this pub stays this way! See you on my next visit!

Looking for great local traditional Scottish music? Sandy Bells is your place! Daily, locals come to jam at this fun and relaxed pub. Depending on the day or time of day, you can hear relaxing or rousing tunes from musicians from all over the UK! You'll meet regulars, locals and visitors alike in this cozy, friendly spot. It is a must for those who love local's scenes and music!

Great little pub but, at least the night we were there, the music was sparse, the pub noisy and crowded. The musicians were excellent but took a long time between pieces

Ho trascorso una serata molto tranquilla in questo pub ascoltando musica live con gente del posto gustando una buona birra ed un whisky. Atmosfera calda ed accogliente.

ist das Sandy Bells. Trotz viel dunklem Holz in der Einrichtung ist es recht hell, ohne dabei die Stimmung zu verlieren. Die Einrichtung hat sehr viel Liebe zum Detail. Die Preise sind moderat. Super netter Service verbunden mit einheimischem Publikum und spontanen Musik Sessions am Klavier. Für mich ein echtes Juwel.

There is no other place like Sandy Bell's in Edinburgh where you instantly connect with the locals - the bar staff are the best - the music is exhilarating and you don't want to leave. Just the best of craic

Stopped by for a few pints before dinner. I immediately felt like I had walked into my favorite local pub. The bar keeps were funny and engaging and a local guy Duncan was a riot. Tried a Joker IPA @ 5% and a Dark Island @ 4.6. The Dark Island had a real smokey flavor like one would expect. The Scotch selection was really good, but what do I know. I am used to the US. The worst Scotch selection in Edinburgh is better than anything I have seen back home. I did not stick around for the Gaelic music as I had to eat before the Pints of good Ales overtook me, but I will be back.

Lots of interest in his pub, music and singing and interesting characters. I especially like it when Charlie was on the bar he will be well retired now.

Enjoyable music and drinks. Lots of people with character, i.e. in need of a shave or hair cut but this pub has character so why not fill it up with people with character.

Proper pub for a few drinks with friends or on your own, afternoon or evening. If you like folk music this can be a great place to go. Very small place but friendly staff and clientele.

A nice place for a beer or a whisky together with a local audience. Large variety of brews and whiskies. Live folk music in evenings/nights. Can get overcrowded.

We found seating for two at probably the most tightly-packed small venue in the city in an early evening. Great place if you don't mind waiting for a seat pr doing without one. LOVELY BAR STAFF.

We came here as a bunch of single travellers because we had heard of the live music there. Indeed, at around 9 pm the old ladies and gents started playing traditional folk music, but they did this for themselves and not for tourists. So you'll really get an insight into this nice Scottish cosiness.Only downside: we got kicked out at around 1:30 am (Tuesday night) and had to look for another bar ! Also, you shouldn't come here with a large group. We were 7 and had some trouble getting everyone seated.

Unfortunately we were only here quite early in the evening, so before the music started. Tiny bar but with lots of atmosphere. Not the sort of place for wine, though. Definitely recommend.

We found this spot too late - our last night in Edinburgh. Amazing traditional jam session, typical crowded atmosphere but what you want and expect for that kind of thing. Friendly service and a couple of resident dogs which warmed our hearts. Definitely spending more time here on our next trip.

After walking by and visiting a few pretentious bars it was great finding Sandy Bells a good honest authentic pub.Friendly staff and locals great choice of Whiskey and beer reasonably priced and a wood burning fire which was welcome on a cold January afternoon.Returned in the evening to listen to locals playing folk music which was brilliant and had a haggis toastie which was delicious.One of my highlights whilst visiting Edinburgh.

This place is an institution. Quality beer and whiskey. A friendly welcome.....and the music. Random selections of musicians who roll up at night to jam together in a variety of folk songs. If you are looking for authentic folk music in Edinburgh and quality beers then this is your place.

Always enjoyed a pint in Sandy Bells, the music of course probably the best in Scotland, but I had never tried the pies! What a surprise! I tried the chicken and mushroom. The delicious pastry was full and deep with a slightly oriental taste. There are others on offer, stake and ale, lamb/mango and the black pudding from Stornoway sounds very interesting. Not only this, if your lucky there is a Billy Connoly lookalike works behind the bar

Zwar nicht direkt in der Innenstadt gelegen (in der Nähe der Bobby Statue) aber jeden Schritt wert!Ein kleiner uriger Pub in dem sich gegen 21:30 eine Horde älterer Herren und Damen mit Instrumenten einfindet und irgendwann anfängt Folk drauf los zu spielen! Nichts ist gespielt oder extra für den Tourismus gemacht...man spürt, dass alle aus Leidenschaft dort sind und einfach gerne zusammen Musik machen!Klasse!!!!

Been visiting this pub for many years on and off - it remains a wee gem in Edinburgh. Good beer, good staff and great craic.

live music all afternoon, sit by the wood burning stove with a malt whisky or real ale, friendly drinkers, great homemade pies, great history and fab place to hear live music. what's not to like.

A great find on a damp, dark wintry day. Wonderful small bar. Comfortable, friendly characterful with a good range of beer and whiskey

I love to hear music when I'm traveling and was looking for something local. The night I came there were about 5 musicians playing Scottish folk (even a bagpipe) in the back of the pub. The music was wonderful but the musicians are crammed in the back in a small space and if you are not right next to them it is very hard to hear (as everyone in the pub is talking). It really seemed like a huge shame to me, and almost rude to the musicians but that's just me. Someone I met in the pub told me if you're a purist that the Royal Oak is also a good place to hear music, but they don't have music every night unlike this pub. Definitely one of the highlights of my visit.

A great pub with a great atmosphere. Musicians regularly play which makes it a good place to drink your favourite whisky.

Sandy Bells is a great place to have a drink and to listen to local folk music. Every day different people play together and it feels very familiar. Easy to talk to other local people and to have a great evening.

My daughter and son took me to Sandy Bell's for my 67th birthday celebration when we visited Edniburgh in August, 2015. I loved everything about this pub....the atmosphere, the people, the service and the music!!

Went here on Sunday night. Great pub. Very good gantry of whisky and open mic folk music in back. Wonderful old atmosphere. An institution

Great pub, if you want to enjoy your early evening after work.The live music they have is great, classic and not to loud. The bar is small and cozy, the staff is extremely friendly and provides excellent service. It is always full but all guests are considered and chatty and nice. Great atmosphere at all times.

Hadn't been in Sandy Bells for ages and arranged to meet friends there on a sunday late afternoon. Although renovated slightly lost none of its' atmosphere. Music with fiddlers etc great and seemed to just happen as musicians arrived and left. Well stocked bar, great staff and mixed crowd, well worth a visit

Has been around for a long time and is a bit of an institution. Great atmosphere. Good folk groups. Nice pint. Excellent staff and clientele.