Kay’s Bar

If you are looking for a decent pub that serves a good selection of real ale then this is it. Its real, no mock timbers or trying to be something it isn’t. Real ale, real people who you can chat to, a real open fire which is nice in the winter (or any other season depending on how cold Edinburgh is! Dogs allowed in, a great excuse to walk the dog in the evening

Kay’s is a real local that looks like it hasn’t changed in decades, because it hasn’t. My dad used to drink here, and he says that the building started out as a Georgian coach house and was redone when John Kay & Sons used it to sell wine and spirits to the resteraunts and hotels. They bought it during the Victorian era, and when it was converted into a bar a few decades ago, they kept a lot of what was already there.
Now, it’s a quiet place during the workdays with mainly older gentlemen sitting around reading the paper. At night it does get a bit busier, but it never totally changes the atmosphere. I see it as a community place to go after work rather than a place to meet new people and «have a night out». There is a library room in the back with a couple board games, but both rooms are really quite small. If you are a tourist, it wouldn’t be uncomfortable visit as it is a warm place, just do be conscious of your surroundings.
It may be a bit difficult to find. I was with my father, but I think if I were on my own, I would have used a smartphone or at least a map as it is in a residential area. It isn’t far from other shops, less than 5 minutes walking, it’s just knowing where to go. The prices seem to be as low as they could be, which may have to do with the location as compares to others in New Town. Kenneth M. (below) said it’s one of the least pretentious pubs in the city, and I’d say that’s a good way to describe it. It’s the type of place that is increasingly rare, and in Edinburgh is one of about 5 pubs in that category defined by authenticity.

One of the city’s best and least pretentious old pubs. Always a good range of ales on, discreetly placed TVs for the rugby & football, board games and reference guides in the small back room so all in all a haven from the cares of everyday life.

Going to Kay’s bar is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For locals and travelers alike, the staff and owners have created a sanctuary amongst many fake pubs and fake ale houses. This is as real as it possibly gets. Come here for grub early in the day, and always enjoy their selection of real Ales. They have a good amount of options for non beer drinkers as well. I know, as a yank, I don’t have the right to tell Edinburgh locals where to go. But I doubt anyone who knows what makes a good bar would dislike this joint. Fraiser, one of the barkeeps, is a true gentleman and will see you through your experience here. I cannot reccomend this place highly enough.

Ah, the mythical Kay’s bar. Said to appear only when the moon is full, the temperature is in the 9 – 11 degree region, and you recite the words to Sunshine On Leith backwards. In Spanish. It’s an alcoholic Brigadoon.
Or, it’s off the beaten track and people can’t be bothered walking that far. Not sure.
In any case, it’s a great little local bar, with a good selection of real ales, and a fine selection of whiskies along the top gantry. It’s also small and red. RED. LOTS OF RED. ALL THE RED. That’s not a complaint, just an observation of the redness.
If I was a local in this area, I fear I would never leave here. There would be no need for me to go anywhere else, as this is a damn fine establishment.
One of Edinburgh’s better kept secrets.
Entirely visible at all times, too — despite what you might hear…

Hidden gem! The most authentic locals pub in Edinburgh. A fine selection of ales and whiskys. The real fireplace, oak casks along the wall and red velvet seating gives a warm, cozy feel. It’s a small pub so be careful at peak times but perfect for a quiet evening with friends.

Excellent beer and a very friendly atmosphere. Will go again.

Great wee find. Lots of trendy and Wetherspoon’s type pubs in Edinburgh but this ranks with the best traditional pubs on offer.
We did wonder if our gang of 6 would fit as it is small. There is a real fire in the front, but we sat in the little back section complete with a library and board games and lots of wood panelling. It was lovely and cosy so perfect for our merry gang.
All sorts of drinks on offer and some beers/ale’s on tap I hadn’t heard of so I would come here with friends and parents.
We were strictly there for drinks but I’d definitely return for a lazy Sunday afternoon session with a book or a game.

I have known Kay’s Bar for years and I have to say that it’s a little treasure well hidden on Jamaica street! Traditional pub, lovely staff, lovely selection of ales, warm atmosphere, library room at the back. It’s very small so you have to be lucky to get a seat but it’s totally worth the walk.
Great place to take visitors to too.

A local pub dream
An oasis in the dark
Library in back

One of my favorite pubs in Edinburgh. Very cosy, always with an offering of good Scottish Beers.

I was introduced to Kay’s bar just a couple of months ago, in December. You remember, when it was absolutely baltic and the streets and pavement were covered in sheets of perilous ice? Remember that?
I’d met friends in the afternoon for a couple of pints at various New Town locations. Later into the evening, someone recommended this great place called Kay’s. She went on about how awesome it was and how it had an actual library room in the back and how cool is that, so we agreed to go along. We took off into the freezing and slippery evening only to discover that this girl had no idea where she was going. Several phones were brought out, one person googling, another mapping, until we finally found our way (in the complete opposite direction of where we were having dinner, I might add).
When we finally arrived at Kay’s. we were freezing, hungry, and more than a little bit irritable, but were greeted with a wave of warmth when we entered the bar. It was packed with regulars who were very happy to join in on our beer conversation and provide advice about what to order.
We ordered our advised drinks, had a bit more chat with the bartender and regulars, before heading for the (empty … but for statues of giraffes??) library room.
This was a lovely wee pub, despite the trek to get there. I will definitely be back some night now that the streets are clear and I know how to get there easily.

This is a great wee gem of pub! Katy’s bar is tucked away a bit, and a touch of the away from the usual student dives. But it may just be worth diverting a little to visit.
The décor inside gives the place a cosy feel. There was hardly anyone there when we went in, despite its reputation for getting busier on the weekends, from what the others there told us. Given its size it may be better to visit during these quieter times. The clientele seemed mostly local and regulars, but were perfectly amiable.
It’s true what the others say, they have a great selection of beers in particular. I tried a couple of beers, each time being given advice. The first was a bit