Sandy Bell's

Really enjoyed this small bar just a bit outside the most crowded areas. Bartender was friendly as were several patrons. Did not feel filled with tourists, other than us. Live music in back area of bar was playing at about 1500 hours. Best option we found for live folk music while in town. Well worth wandering around the neighborhood. Looked like very limited food menu.

The bar tender was great at finding us a new Whiskey to try based on flavors we liked from past Whiskey. The music was very beautiful. The atmosphere was a mix of local pub, and mature neighborhood university.

Love this place! Despite being in the very city center, it’s full of locals and its super socializing atmosphere. Also, they have live bands playing every day (or almost). I especially enjoy those zz-top-like band with guitars and flute.

If you like a lot of personal space, this pub probably isn't for you. If you are happy to forego that in favourite of an electric and friendly atmosphere, then Sandy Bell's is a perfect choice. This relatively small bar is overflowing with character. It has a great musical theme to it and the traditional music which is play live regularly here is always top tier. The service is always provided in a friendly fashion, and despite how busy it can be, the staff always do a great job of getting everyone served quickly.

Great welcoming, friendly,knowledgeable bar staff. Took his recommendations on whiskey's to get & we were very pleased. Good trad session. Brilliant atmosphere. Only serve drinks not food.

Good atmosphere and good down to earth bartenders. Helps that it's small. Surprised to find a place with actual humanity so close to the tourist area. Speaking as a tourist, to be fair. I want to recommend but also don't want to recommend so it doesn't get flooded with people 😆

Authentic Scottish experience with amazing live music from local bands. The bartenders are lovely and give great recommendations for whisky and beers. We had a marvelous time singing and dancing there

The staff were lovely! Happy to help you choose something to drink and try them out first. This bar has a nice vibe just a short walk away from the royal mile.

Great local bar! Bartenders were great. The local guys in guitar playing requests made it great. Go here!

Will definitely be back. Great food big pours, amazing music and ambiance. Felt like a local. Btw they hug alot here.

Great place for local live folk music and a pint. Go early because it gets crowded. The place is tiny but the ale is cold. There is a bar dog. He's adorable. There is very little sitting so be prepared to stand. The bartenders are friendly and give great service.

Great Scottish folk music! Very friendly crowd! Good cheap drinks as well! Must come in Edinburgh!

This place was the only crowded bar on the block, and for good reason.... The staff was extremely friendly but the best part of all was the live music when they have nightly apparently. We were able to listen to a four part band play for a few hours and it was amazing. If I were to name one critique it would be it closes down relatively early, around midnight or so.

I came to Edinburgh for a few days on a solo trip. This pub was recommended to me by a tour guide as more of a "local" joint. I ended up coming back to the Sandy Bells every night of my trip, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my experience in Edinburgh. Everyone at the pub is so friendly and welcoming and the music is authentic, lively and just all around wonderful.

Traditional music and drinks in this pub attract tourists and regulars alike. The bar staff is capable and outgoing. Traditional Scottish music plays regularly. A terrific evening out!

I stumbled into this traditional (Irish? Celtic?) pub - I was pleasantly surprised with the no background music but still atmosphere feel of this pub. It is not for everyone, the patrons leave you well alone but acknowledge you. The music is occasionally provided from the back, by musicians just drinking and giving a tune. Different. they have the usual lager fare, but also Budvar and Corona. Plenty of Whisky to get here. An outstanding unmissable feature is the dark arch in the middle of the pub.

The legendary Sandy Bell's is a must stop when in Edinburgh. Experience Scottish and Celtic folk music in this casual and traditional pub that has been part of the town for almost a century. Nice selection of Scottish and Japanese whiskies and beers. Enjoy your beverage with scrumptious steak pie while watching musicians drink and gather informally to share their talents. Bottom line: Stop by and discover why Sandy Bell's is known as the "Whisky Merchants" & "Home of World Renowned Folk Music".

As usual for a Saturday night, there was a trio of folk musicians that enhanced the atmosphere, which was pretty good and welcoming. The barman service was almost non-existent (no eye contact, no acknowledging the punters ...basically no service unless you wave in front of his face) Good whisky & beers selection and nice crowd too. Good place for Celtic Folk music lovers.

A great venue for folk evenings, with the distinct possibility that the next time you see the band in the corner they might actually be somebody - so enjoy the music! Drinks are numerous and not overly expensive, the pub itself is traditional and always full to the rafters at weekend and even most week day evenings. The vibe in Sandy Bells is almost like that of a really great house party in somebody elses house - carefree and uninhibited. Fantastic fun over all.,

If you love folk music, you will love Sandy Bells. The world famous folk pub offers a warm atmosphere and folk music every night. Smallish in size, this cosy pub is the perfect antidote to the cold harsh Scottish weather outside! For me the best aspect of this pub is that musicians, young and old come together and play long into the night. It's brilliant that strangers with a love of folk music can just come together and play some of the best folk music on offer in Edinburgh! Drinks might be slightly costly, but when you are slowly drinking your pint listening to the quality of the folk music on offer you won't be complaining!

Sandy Bells is a friendly and inviting pub on Forrest Road which offers fairly priced drinks, great service and a comfortable atmosphere. It's certainly not an 'old man' pub, but it's not really a student pub. Instead it's mainly middle aged people enjoying an afterwork drink with their friends. The pub's main selling point is its folk music which is often live. They actively encourage a variety of local talents to come and entertain the audience with their songs. Apparantly it gets pretty busy on these evenings so you'll have to get there quite early in order to get a seat. The drinks are well priced with most pints costing less than £3 and the staff are efficient at dealing with the queues. Whether you're into folk music or not it's a great place to have a relaxing drink with friends.

Everyone loves a bit of folk music now and again, no matter how old or young you are, which is why this place is so popular. It's in a pretty handy location, for starters. Being right next to uni, it gets its fair share of students and staff, but being right across the street from an irish bar means that doesn't attract the chavvier or tourist types. Throw in the usual gents of a certain age that frequent any traditional bar, and that sums up the sorts of people you'll find in here. This is a great place to go for a few quiet drinks when you want somewhere with a bit of atmosphere, but don't want to pay as much for drinks as you would at the Jazz Bar further down the street. I have to be honest, it's a bit shabby. It smells as if the smoking ban never existed, the loos aren't great and the house wine's definitely not worth what you pay for it, but it's somehow still great.

I came to Sandy Bell's for the first time about 8 years ago and have gone back multiple times since with friends or on my own whenever I'm in Edinburgh. It's fairly small bit has a good selection of drinks to choose from with some nice bartenders fairly happy to recommend something if one asks. It can get pretty crowded but the setting and decor of the bar makes it more homey than anything else. Most patrons are older and tend to be local, which is great since it's quieter than most of the other newer pubs. The food is pretty good too. Really though, I come here for the music :) It's always great to see a bunch of strangers or friends getting together to plan folk music. There are some deviations sometimes but most it is folk. All-in-all, it's a lively place that generates its own buzz full of local flavors :)

Went on a Monday night to hear the live folk music--absolutely loved it! Sandy Bell's has an atmosphere fitting to the music that pours out of it; you feel right at home grabbing a whisky and settling down to hear familiar Irish and Scottish tunes. And speaking of whisky--they've got a great lineup across the back wall! The people here are mostly of the older local sort, so it's a bit of a quieter spot than some other, newer places. I love this place though--everyone is friendly, the food is good, and the music is heavenly (or at least on Monday night). A little tight for space, but definitely even worth standing around just to soak in the musicians' fun. Have plans of going in again as often as possible for some more live folk!

Very cool pub. Friendly bartenders, live trad music, great selection of whisky. Also a solid location. The only downside is that it's small and tends to get very crowded.

Sandy Bell's is best known for its nightly session; a lot of sessions can descend into chaos with a surfeit of guitars and squeezeboxes, but on the night we went everything was very nicely balanced. The bouzouki and flautist were especially good and they had a solid bunch of tunes (not just Irish ones) in their noggins. There's also a chess board high up on a ledge round the corner in a small nook; you have to ask at the bar for the box of pieces and the clock. The pieces come in a sticky plastic box that has clearly been baptised in beer many times but they themselves are clean, and the nice big kind you can properly plonk down on the board. For the first time ever, I beat my brother (then for the second and third time. Perhaps I had an unfair advantage in that I was only drinking water and he was trying out the whisky stock...) and the lad at the bar was thrilled to entertain some chess players. Apparently they used to have a chess club but most of the players got barred, so he hasn't seen chess going on for a while! In terms of its interior and atmosphere, it's a fairly standard pub; not much different from what I expect from the word "pub", although my brother was reasonably impressed with the range of whiskies on offer. The highlight for me was a copy of "Brecht On Theatre" on the bookshelves! Now there's something you don't see every day... So: chess, session, and Brecht lift this above the average pub for me. Nice one, Sandy's.

Get yourself down to Sandy Bell's if you haven't made the trip. I rarely visit but really should make the trip more often. The close quarters, informal live music and rich heritage make it an Edinburgh institution. The bar itself is large for a small pub, so there's not such much fighting for attention as you might expect given it's usually pretty busy - that said, some of the bar flies may well have been in residence since the place opened. Music is main attraction. Sandy Bell's features in the folk and acoustic education of many a well established performer. Its name is dropped into musicians' interviews, city profiles and histories of Scottish music. I shall keep this review short: as I say it's quite a wee place and you'd be better off visiting rather than reading more from me.

I've frequented my fair share of pubs in Edinburgh. I have to admit, Sandy Bells is one of the more quaint and homey thus far. The outside façade is fantastic, because it doesn't tend to draw in a whole lot of tourist (just those that read quite a bit on the cities they visit). As a result, you'll get your patrons traditional to a folk music pub: old man, artistic musician and intrigued listeners. The music is great with a real jam session type feel. There is no stage, the musicians just sit around a table playing, drinking and chatting as if they are in their own world. The drink selection is all right with three rotating taps and standards such as Tennents and Caledonia Best. The only reason I only gave three stars is the cramped space and lack of seating. The bathrooms weren't too clean either, but then again, it's a traditional pub. That's not much of an issue. *When you go in be sure to look up. There is some fantastic moulding and a great wooden archway diving the front and back of the pub.

Had one of our best nights in Edinburgh at Sandy Bell's. Was one of the places recommended to us by our waitress at Angels With Bagpipes restaurant. She said they would be playing local Scottish music, and they were! Little string band inside, and it was awesome! It was also packed! Obviously the locals love the place too! We stood at the bar, and eventually made friends with one of the locals, Paul, discussing American/UK politics and while we didn't see eye to eye on much, we got along great, and had interesting discussions! We saw that they actually had Patron Cafe XO at the bar, and I wanted to buy a round of shots (Mini Guinness) and I was told by Paul, that the bartender, Tom, would tell me that they "Don't make cocktails here", when I said we just needed the Cafe XO and a little cream on top, or milk in a pinch. So I called Tom over, and told him what I needed, and he looked at me with a frown and said "we don't make cocktails here" and we all laughed out loud at Paul's accuracy! But Tom reluctantly got me my shots, and even the milk to go in them! Long story short, great bar with great locals, and great local pub music! Make sure you go and ask Tom for a.... Beer... or a shot... No cocktails!

Folk music central, I am rather fond of this pub. Attracting a selection of clientele in a student dominant area is a challenge. This place manages to do it, and retain it's traditional character. You don't come here for the bar. You come here for the music. It's stuffy, cramped and the stain glass windows give it a finishing touch. The bands vary but in both occasions I have been here, this folk music has produced enough merriness and great atmosphere.

Folk music fun times. This bar never seems to care how many people they let squeeze in and an impromptu ceilidh is always on the cards. A proper Edinburgh institution this place has incredible acts playing- watch out for anyone folky doing a gig at the nearby Liquid Rooms, there is no doubt that the after party will be here! Unfortunately Sandy Bells is one of the places that has suffered under the smoking ban. A thick fog of smoke helped to hide the sweaty scent which now dominates the room. Take my advice and get a few beers and ales in you- that way your sense of smell my lessen and you can really enjoy yourself!

A proper pub. Traditional, Scottish and stuffy. Regulars consist mainly of older men and musicians, basically your usual Folk music crowd. When you're on your way to the toilet you see a mass of musical instruments and dreadlocks like it's some kind of Irish film (I don't know the one I mean but it was definitely like a film) while the band in the corner plays well in it's rather untidy settings. Everything being friendly and reasonably priced I'm not surprised it's always as busy as it is.

I got the Steak and Ale Pie, along with an Ossian. The pie was surprisingly good! It is very tasty! The crust was nice and flaky. The meat was fresh and delicious. The Ossian was actually recommended by the bartender. Excellent choice. I don't normally like hoppy drinks, but it went well with the pie. The bartender is really friendly, and place is nice and relaxed on the inside.

Where other pubs in Edinburgh are famed for their history, this place is musical history in the making. you just never know when you are listening and enjoying your pint, how famous the singers will become. And if theyre not going to be famous, they still entertain me. good traditional pub. good atmosphere and good beer.

The tradition music that makes Sandy Bell's famous is indeed fantasticbasically, the fuss is over a few musicians sitting around a back table, having a jam session. There is no sense that the music is for show, as the musicians barely acknowledge their rapt audience. The only drawback to the informal gig is just how popular it is. Imagine being in the front row of the pit at a big-name concert: the crowd swells and surges, and you fight for every free inch of personal space and breathing room that you can claim. Okay, so it's not hardly that bad, but on busy nights it is often the case that those patrons near the front of the bar cannot ever hear the music, which is being played at the back of the bar, even though the distance is less than 20 feet. So, IF you can manage to get near back, you will be treated to a truly authentic range of traditional Scottish music. Also, to be fair, I should mention that the service from the bar staff is some of the warmest around, and prices are fair, considering the popularity of the place. In all, very worth a visit, but you may wish to sharpen your elbows.

Small on size, big on character Sandy Bells commands a loyal clientele and there's not much room for anyone else. It's 'cosy' in more ways than one. Even so, the nightly traditional music sessions and warm chatter attract many defiant tourists squeezing in after walking up from Greyfriars Bobby. Once you find a space of your own you can really start to enjoy the pub's good points. There's lots of good beers on tap and the 'Malt of the moment' is always cheap and well chosen. The staff too, are highly skilled at remembering whose turn it is, so push in front of a regular at your peril!

Brilliant bar with traditional music every night of the week. It has been a regular haunt of mine for many years even before I lived in Edinburgh. The best nights for music are Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also a lovely session on Saturday afternoons. A mix of traditional scottish and irish tunes played over the various nights, also you never know what well know musicians might pop in for a tune as the quality of the weekend sessions is really high. Drink available - good selection of whisky and beers, also a range of other drams. It can get very busy at the weekends but it all adds to the atmosphere.

Quite simply my favourite pub in the world, which is a pretty brave claim considering the fact that Bells is pretty much a corridor with a bar attached. I does not serve food, its furnishings are nothing special, but what it does provide is the best atmosphere of any pub I have ever been to. It is rare that there is not a gang of musicians in the corned fiddling out an old Scottish balled. Other nights the chess enthusiasts of Edinburgh will gather to play games and take on new comers, all to the soundtrack of fine folk music. On the weekends the place is rammed, an rightly so as this place has genuine Celtic atmosphere, unlike the myriad of soulless shells in town that cover the walls in Gaelic and upholster the seats in tartan without managing to harness an ounce of the ambience that Bells has on its quietest nights. The best.

Great evening had in Sandy Bells after night at The Playhouse Cracking end to our evening with good banter and a great Atmosphere albeit the musicians were a little rude to a gentleman who was singing a traditional scottish sonnit in between their set Shame on you. Thanks guys for a great end to a great night in Edinburgh! Cheers J

This is a pub for people who love music, friendly people, chess, pints of beer, a working class pub, musicians, philosophers, lovers, poets, song writers, artists. I first went there in 1987 because of a folk music group called Jock Taimson's Bairns mentioned it on the back of their record album (yes, it is that old). I brought my daughter there in 1997 and my sister in 2004. It is time I return. Near Gray Friers Bobby in the near by close.

Fantastic bar, great selection of beers and whiskies, good mixture of tourists and locals. Traditional bar that before 5 or 6pm could be described as an old man's pub but in the evening has an eclectic mix. 'Folk music which is often live' - Often live? Is it ever anything other than live? There's no CD player so I'm not sure this comment works.Always live perhaps. 'Strangers with a love of folk music can just come together and play some of the best folk music on offer in Edinburgh' - yes, rarely is it 'strangers' despite what you might romantically think.

Small traditional pub for locals in Edinburgh. Always packed and standing room only. Inexpensive beers. Great acoustic Celtic music jams every evening. Didn't try the food. Be prepared to stand. No cover charge. Place has a neat vibe even though it is so small.

Ahhh, what a lovely little pub! It's small and drinks are fairly standard for the area but there's always a group of people jamming out and playing folk music. It's a really lively environment and everyone should go check it out for a change of pace.

I love this place for live folk music.

I went here with my wife on a recommendation from a Scotland tour guide. We were looking for a pub to listen to some music and this place hits the marks. It's a little small so it took some time to find a good spot but the atmosphere inside is great. The bartenders were very friendly and didn't mind dealing with some out of towners.

This pub is known the world over as the folk music pub of Edinburgh. With a long history of great and famous folkies having played, drunk and played again between its narrow, confined walls, this reputation is well founded. Unfortunately, one can't actually hear anything at all, due to the fact that this is a very popular pub with both locals and tourists. Despite the crush, it's a reliable place to find a happy, chatty bunch of people from all walks of life, and by the time you've walked from the front door to the toilets at the back, you've met everyone, and know the name of the man in the blue shirt by the door's dog. And that's what a good night out is all about, right?

Sandy Bell's bar, opposite Oddfellows, is a great place for a cheeky whiskey late at night. It is always full of locals ('full' not being difficult in this very narrow bar) and nearly always has a token fiddler ripping out some country tunes and loving every second of it. The wide range of whiskeys is definitely the main feature of this bar. Many consequently see it as more of a pub for the older man.

Great place to go if you like folk music. This pub has live folk sessions from about nine, or sometime after, every night. Have heard some really good music in here. The staff over the years have been really helpful. It's a very traditional pub, and has a brilliant atmosphere because of that.

Another Edinburgh institution. As others have said, anyone who is interested in folk music should make a point of coming here while they are in Edinburgh. It feels natural and unforced and visiting musicians are encouraged to join in. The friendly bar staff and the good range of whiskies is also an attraction, but really the music and the atmosphere alone are enough to recommend this pub highly.

Traditional Scottish pub where the locals turn up and play you a bit of folk music. The pub has a friendly feel to it and everytime I've been in I've got chatting with the locals. The bar also sells a few real ales, for anyone looking for a traditional pub they won't be disappointed with Sandy Bell's

This place is known for nightly group music sessions in back. I usually grab a drink and sidle up. It gets very loud so you come here to listen to traditional music, not talk. The musicians rotate and are glad to have travelling musicians join (byo instrument). It gets quite crowded, and you usually need to push through to get back there. Some patience and luck is required to get a table. Be prepared to stand around or lean on a wall. Otherwise, great selections of whisky. Friendly bartenders. Super touristy.

Having heard about this pub beforehand I was sadly disappointed when I visited. Staff didn't seem that bothered in serving and the musicians were fairly mediocre not helped by a rather unfriendly manner. There are much much better pubs in Edinburgh to hear folk music.