Every seat is the best seat at these top 7 sports bars in Edinburgh!
My husband is absolutely obsessed with rugby and football. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone who can dissect a game play-by-play like he does.
Since we can’t always make it to the stadium, sports bars are our go-to. Luckily, Edinburgh is packed with spots that stream just about every sport you can imagine.
And the best part? You can sip and snack while soaking in the action. So, if there’s a big game coming up, here are the top sports bars in Edinburgh to catch all the action!
The Globe Bar
– Media from globe_bar_edinburgh
Address: Niddry St
Contact Details: +44 131 557 4670
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Pricing: $
The Globe Bar was my go-to haunt back in college, and I still pop in every now and then—not just for the ice-cold pints, but for the cracking atmosphere, lively banter, and prime front-row seats to all the big games.
With a solid lineup of both local and international beers on tap, hearty plates of bar bites, and screens at every corner, it’s the perfect spot to catch a match. I’ve had my fair share of rowdy nights here, especially when my team’s in the lead.
Tips:
- Low on phone battery? Don’t hesitate to ask the staff if you can plug in your phone. On quieter nights, they’re usually happy to help. Just remember, it’s a courtesy, so only ask when it’s really necessary!
- I understand that passionate football fans love to dress up in football colours and shirts sporting their favourite team when watching a game in a sports bar. However, The Globe actually discourages it to avoid malicious banter or fights that may happen during an intense game screening. You can still sport them, though, just don’t start anything you can’t finish.
The Chanter
– Media from thechanter.edinburgh
Address: 30-32 Bread St
Contact Details: +44 131 221 0575
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Thursday and Friday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Picture this: a cosy haunt with exposed wood, plaid carpets, and a hearty menu of pub grub that hits just right. Throw in a few pints and TVs flashing sports all around you, and you’ve got The Chanter.
This beloved Scottish sports bar is the place to be for live screenings almost every day. Whether it’s football, wrestling, boxing, tennis, or even a bit of cricket, they’ve got it all.
It’s the kind of spot where the warmth of a traditional pub meets the excitement of the game, and no matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home.
Tips:
- If you’re planning to catch a live match at The Chanter, be sure to book your spot ahead of time. Tables fill up fast—especially a day or two before the game.
You can reserve your seat easily through their online portal or just give them a ring. Either way, don’t wait till the last minute or you might be watching from the bar!
- Want to make your weekday feel like the weekend? Grab the Student Boozy Brunch, Monday to Thursday for £25! You get 6 drinks and a brunch dish in 90 minutes.
Just don’t forget your MiXR student card and book ahead. Spots fill up fast!
Innis & Gunn Edinburgh
– Media from innisandgunn
Address: 81-83 Lothian Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 228 6392
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Innis & Gunn Edinburgh is a cracking spot for sports fans, with 26 craft taps and plenty of HD screens to catch the action. The weekends come alive with live music, and the food, including veggie and gluten-free options, is top-notch.
If you’re not in the mood for beer (it happens!), they’ve got an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails to suit every taste. With fun game-day events like World Cup-themed wings and freebies from branded taxis, you’re in for a cracking time.
Tips:
- If you really love beer, you can actually sign up for the Brew School Experience at the taproom if you want to learn more about how to recreate some of their signature brews at home. The workshops are held on weekends starting at 10:00 am.
You’ll learn and even bring home a mini keg of your own non-carbonated brew after the fermentation is complete. Learn more about it here!
- For a great time with friends, head to the main bar, where you’ll find plenty of seating and 26 beer taps pouring the full Innis & Gunn range.
Not a beer fan? There’s a solid cocktail and spirit selection too. Learn more here.
– Media from angelsshareedin
Address: 7, 11 Hope St
Contact Details: +44 131 247 7000
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Thursday, 8:00 am to 12:00 am
Friday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, 8:00 am to 1:00 am
Pricing: $$$
For a stylish spot to catch your favourite sports in Edinburgh, The Angels Share is a top choice. With live music, a fantastic cocktail menu, and an impressive whisky list, it’s a great place to unwind.
I’ll never forget enjoying a Bulleit Bourbon and watching rugby with mates, truly classic Edinburgh vibes. The food is always on point too, especially the wild mushrooms on toast and beer-battered fish and chips.
If you’re looking for a relaxed yet posh sports bar experience, The Angels Share is definitely worth a visit.
Tips:
- Do note that while the bar does screen live shows, not all of them will be screened with sounds on. This is to ensure that other diners and guests who aren’t into sports won’t be disrupted by the noise.
Most of the major games from big leagues in football are screened with sound, though. I highly recommend attending those instead.
The Amber Rose Edinburgh
– Media from amberroseedinburgh
Address: 22, 26 Castle St, Rose St
Contact Details: +44 131 226 1224
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
Friday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
Pricing: $$
Amber Rose is another go-to spot in the city centre for sports fans, thanks to its big screen TVs that line the walls, giving you the best view of all the action. With BT and Sky Sports covering all the major matches, it’s a prime pub to catch every game in HD.
Pair that with some affordable grub and weekly food and drink deals, and you’ve got a winning combo. I’ve spent many nights here with friends, soaking in the atmosphere and cheering on the teams (sometimes we can get rowdy, but it’s all part of the vibe).
Tips:
- While booking a seat or table in advance is highly encouraged, the staff actually keeps a section of the bar reserved for walk-ins in case the online booking portal reaches full capacity.
You can walk in and snag a seat, so long as there are still tables available. They’re not the best seats in the house, though, but at least you can stay comfy during the matches!
- If you’re a student, make sure to grab your MiXR app when heading to Amber Rose. Just scan it at the bar and you’ll unlock some cracking deals: pints from £3, spirits & mixers for £3, soft drinks from £2.25, and tasty burgers for only £6. It’s perfect for a lunch break or a night out with mates without breaking the bank.
The Tron
– Media from thetronedinburgh
Address: 9 Hunter Square
Contact Details: +44 131 225 3784
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
Tuesday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
The Tron is another of my go-tos during my college years because I had a lot of friends who loved coming here for live sports events. The bar screens Six Nations Rugby, in particular, so you can just imagine how packed it can get in here during game nights.
They release schedules for rugby matches regularly, so you can keep up to date about the latest screenings in the bar. They have large screens displayed in almost all corners of the spaces, giving you a great vantage point regardless of where you’re seated inside.
Tips:
- Whenever possible, opt for card or contactless payments. They’re fast and hassle-free. Payments up to £100 can be made with contactless cards, and they also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay for added convenience.
- If you want to skip the wait and dive straight into your drinks, you can pre-order them before heading to the bar. You can even pre-order food tailored to your dietary preferences. Just let them know when booking online or over the phone.
Be sure to include all the details, and keep in mind they might ask for a deposit to lock in your order. It’s a seamless way to enjoy your night without any fuss!
Footlights Bar and Grill
– Media from footlightsbar
Address: 7 Spittal St
Contact Details: +44 131 305 0282
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Friday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
One of the best features of Footlights Bar and Grill is their large TV screens for live sports. They mainly screen live rugby matches, so if you’re a big fan of the sport, then this is the sports bar for you.
They also screen matches from the Premier League and the Scottish Premiership. Just take note of the timings with the help of this calendar on their website.
Oh, and the bar grub here is pretty cracking too. Their fish and chips and bottomless beer are the best!
Tip:
- Don’t miss out on the bar’s multiple deals. They’re made for groups of more than 2 people, so you can get a better bang for the buck if you bring your mates along with you. Check out a full list of their offerings here!