Last updated: May 4, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Best Happy Hours, Deals & Events in Edinburgh, UK — Monday, May 4, 2026
Find the best happy hour deals in Edinburgh, UK, with spots like The Caley Picture House offering discounted drinks and lively atmospheres. Explore neighbourhood gems for affordable pints and cocktails, perfect for a spring evening out.
🍺 Happy Hours in Edinburgh, UK Tonight & This Week
Old Town
The Caley Picture House
Address: 31-35 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Daily 5–7 PM
Deals: £3.50 selected pints, £3.95 house spirits and mixers, £3.75 house wine by the glass
Vibe: Lively pub with a classic cinema theme, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Why go: A dependable choice for classic pub grub and excellent value drinks, perfect for kicking off your evening.
The Malt Shaker
Address: 42–44 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday 5–7 PM
Deals: £4 pints of craft beer, £6 cocktails
Vibe: Cozy, independent bar with a focus on craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere.
Why go: Ideal for beer enthusiasts looking for unique brews at a great price in a friendly setting.
The World’s End
Address: 48–76 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YL, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 5–7 PM
Deals: £4.50 selected cocktails, £3.50 bottles of beer
Vibe: Bustling, traditional pub with a strong connection to Edinburgh’s history, often featuring live music.
Why go: Experience a classic Edinburgh pub atmosphere with affordable drinks, especially if you enjoy live music.
New Town
The Dome
Address: 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LL, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 4–6 PM
Deals: £5 selected cocktails, £4.50 house wines, £3.50 bottled beers
Vibe: Elegant and opulent bar and restaurant, known for its stunning interior, especially during spring.
Why go: Treat yourself to a sophisticated happy hour in a truly breathtaking setting, perfect for a special occasion.
The Perch Inn
Address: 65–69 Home Street, Edinburgh EH3 9NA, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 4–7 PM
Deals: £4.20 selected pints, £4.75 G&Ts
Vibe: Modern and stylish bar with a good selection of gins and craft beers.
Why go: A great spot to unwind after work with a good range of drinks at reasonable prices in a chic environment.
The Fountain Bar (at The George Hotel)
Address: 23–29 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PB, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Daily 5–7 PM
Deals: £5.50 cocktails, £4.50 house wine, £4.00 selected beers
Vibe: Classic hotel bar with a comfortable and refined atmosphere.
Why go: Enjoy a relaxed and sophisticated happy hour in the heart of the New Town, perfect for a pre-dinner drink.
Grassmarket
The Last Drop Pub & Restaurant
Address: 74–78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday 5–7 PM
Deals: £4 pints, £5 house wines, £6 classic cocktails
Vibe: Historic pub located in a vibrant area, offering traditional pub fare and a lively atmosphere.
Why go: Soak in the historic surroundings of the Grassmarket while enjoying generous happy hour deals on classic drinks.
Biddy Mulligan’s
Address: 96–98 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Sunday–Thursday 5–8 PM
Deals: £3.50 selected pints, £3.00 spirit mixers, £4.00 house wine
Vibe: Friendly and unpretentious pub known for its lively atmosphere and sports screenings.
Why go: A no-frills, welcoming spot with some of the best value happy hour prices in the Grassmarket, ideal for a casual night out.
West End
Salt Horse Beer Shop & Bar
Address: 57–61 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NE, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 4–6 PM
Deals: £1 off all draft beers
Vibe: Hip beer haven with an extensive selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles/cans.
Why go: For craft beer aficionados, this is a must-visit, offering a discount on an impressive and ever-changing tap list.
BrewDog Edinburgh
Address: 143 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United Kingdom
Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday 5–7 PM
Deals: £4.50 selected pints, £5.50 G&Ts
Vibe: Energetic craft beer bar known for its wide selection of BrewDog brews and guest taps.
Why go: A reliable choice for craft beer lovers, offering good deals on their popular brews in a buzzing environment.
| Venue | Days | Hours | Best Deal | Neighbourhood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Caley Picture House | Daily | 5–7 PM | £3.50 selected pints | Old Town |
| The Malt Shaker | Mon–Thu | 5–7 PM | £4 pints craft beer | Old Town |
| The World’s End | Mon–Fri | 5–7 PM | £4.50 selected cocktails | Old Town |
| The Dome | Mon–Fri | 4–6 PM | £5 selected cocktails | New Town |
| The Perch Inn | Mon–Fri | 4–7 PM | £4.20 selected pints | New Town |
| The Fountain Bar | Daily | 5–7 PM | £5.50 cocktails | New Town |
| The Last Drop Pub & Restaurant | Mon–Thu | 5–7 PM | £4 pints | Grassmarket |
| Biddy Mulligan’s | Sun–Thu | 5–8 PM | £3.50 selected pints | Grassmarket |
| Salt Horse Beer Shop & Bar | Mon–Fri | 4–6 PM | £1 off draft beers | West End |
| BrewDog Edinburgh | Mon–Thu | 5–7 PM | £4.50 selected pints | Cowgate |
🎁 Best Deals & Offers in Edinburgh, UK This Week
🍽️ Dining Deals
Oink – Hog Roast Sandwiches
Address: Various locations including 38 Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2JW, United Kingdom
Deal: Special lunch combo – a small hog roast sandwich and a soft drink for £7.50.
Vibe: Casual, grab-and-go eatery famous for its succulent roast pork.
Why go: A delicious and hearty lunch option that offers great value for money. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.
Makars Mash Bar
Address: 45–47 The West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD, United Kingdom
Deal: “Mash and Dash” lunch special: choose a classic mash and a sausage for £8.95. Available weekdays 12–4 PM.
Vibe: Cozy restaurant specialising in traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist.
Why go: A fantastic way to sample Scottish comfort food at a reasonable price during lunchtime.
🍸 Drink Specials
Tigerlily
Address: 5–11 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2JG, United Kingdom
Deal: “Cocktail Thursdays” – enjoy a selection of signature cocktails for £7 each, all evening.
Vibe: Stylish and chic cocktail bar and restaurant with a glamorous atmosphere.
Why go: Elevate your Thursday evening with expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated setting at a reduced price.
Le Monde Bar
Address: 7–10 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
Deal: “Wine Wednesday” – Half-price bottles of house wine all day.
Vibe: Lively bar and brasserie with a Mediterranean feel, popular for its social atmosphere.
Why go: An excellent opportunity to share a bottle of wine with friends at a significant discount.
The Devil’s Advocate
Address: 9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom
Deal: Spring Gin Offer: Special tasting flights of three Scottish gins for £20. Available until Sunday, May 10th.
Vibe: Atmospheric bar with an extensive whisky and gin collection, set in a historic close.
Why go: Explore a curated selection of Scotland’s finest gins with a special tasting menu, perfect for gin enthusiasts.
🎭 Entertainment Offers
The Stand Comedy Club
Address: 5 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3NP, United Kingdom
Deal: “New Acts Night” – Catch up-and-coming comedians for just £5. Usually held on a Tuesday or Wednesday, check schedule.
Vibe: Edinburgh’s premier comedy venue, offering a great night of laughs.
Why go: Support new talent and enjoy an evening of affordable comedy in a renowned club.
Sandy Bell’s
Address: 23 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH, United Kingdom
Deal: Traditional live folk music sessions almost every night. No cover charge.
Vibe: Iconic folk music pub, a must-visit for traditional music lovers.
Why go: Immerse yourself in authentic Scottish folk music in a legendary pub atmosphere, completely free of charge.
📱 Loyalty & App Deals
Nandos (Various Locations)
Deal: Sign up for the “Nandos Rewards” app to earn “chillies” with every order. Collect enough chillies for free meals and other perks.
Vibe: Casual dining chain known for its peri-peri chicken.
Why go: Save money on your favourite meals by earning rewards through their easy-to-use app.
Franco Manca (Various Locations)
Deal: Join their email list for a free pizza voucher on your birthday and exclusive offers throughout the year.
Vibe: Popular sourdough pizza restaurant.
Why go: Get a free pizza to celebrate your birthday and stay updated on special promotions.
🎉 Events & Parties in Edinburgh, UK — May 2026
📅 Tonight & Tomorrow
Open Mic Night at The Jazz Bar
Date & Time: Monday, May 4th, 7:30 PM onwards
Venue: The Jazz Bar, 1a Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HR, United Kingdom
Tickets: Free entry
Don’t miss: A chance to see local talent in a renowned jazz venue, from musicians to poets.
Pub Quiz at The Thimbelrigg
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5th, 8:00 PM
Venue: The Thimbelrigg, 18 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, United Kingdom
Tickets: £2 per person entry fee
Don’t miss: Test your general knowledge for a chance to win prizes in a friendly pub atmosphere.
📆 This Weekend
Live Music at Sandy Bell’s
Date & Time: Friday, May 8th, 8:00 PM onwards
Venue: Sandy Bell’s, 23 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH, United Kingdom
Tickets: Free entry
Don’t miss: Experience traditional Scottish folk music sessions in one of Edinburgh’s most famous folk pubs.
Stargazing at Dynamic Earth (Outdoor Event)
Date & Time: Saturday, May 9th, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: Dynamic Earth Esplanade, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, United Kingdom
Tickets: £10 for adults, £7 for children
Don’t miss: A unique opportunity to learn about the night sky with expert astronomers, weather permitting. Look for spring constellations.
🗓️ Coming Up This Month
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) – Various Screenings
Date & Time: Throughout May 2026 (Specific dates vary)
Venue: Various cinemas across Edinburgh, including Filmhouse and Cameo Cinema.
Tickets: £8 – £15 depending on screening and type
Don’t miss: Edinburgh hosts its renowned film festival, showcasing a diverse range of international and independent films.
Edinburgh Gin Cocktail Masterclass
Date & Time: Various dates, check Edinburgh Gin website for schedule.
Venue: Edinburgh Gin Distillery, 1a Rutland Place, Edinburgh EH1 2AU, United Kingdom
Tickets: £70 per person
Don’t miss: Learn to craft classic and contemporary gin cocktails in an immersive distillery experience.
🆓 Free Events
National Museum of Scotland
Date & Time: Open daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Venue: Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Tickets: Free entry
Don’t miss: Explore Scotland’s history, culture, science, and technology through vast and fascinating collections.
Walks around Arthur’s Seat
Date & Time: Anytime
Venue: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8HG, United Kingdom
Tickets: Free
Don’t miss: Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and a breath of fresh spring air with a hike up Edinburgh’s iconic volcano.
| Event | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Mic Night at The Jazz Bar | May 4 | The Jazz Bar | Free |
| Pub Quiz at The Thimbelrigg | May 5 | The Thimbelrigg | £2 per person |
| Live Music at Sandy Bell’s | May 8 | Sandy Bell’s | Free |
| Stargazing at Dynamic Earth | May 9 | Dynamic Earth | £10 (Adults) |
| Edinburgh International Film Festival | Throughout May | Various Cinemas | £8 – £15 |
| Edinburgh Gin Cocktail Masterclass | Various Dates | Edinburgh Gin Distillery | £70 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Edinburgh, UK Happy Hours & Nightlife
Q: What time does happy hour start in Edinburgh?
Happy hour times in Edinburgh vary by venue, but many start between 4 PM and 5 PM and run until 7 PM or 8 PM on weekdays. Some bars offer extended happy hours or daily specials.
Q: Which Edinburgh bars have the cheapest drinks?
For generally cheaper drinks, look towards pubs in areas like the Grassmarket, such as Biddy Mulligan’s, which often features deals like £3.50 selected pints. University area pubs and some chain bars also tend to have more budget-friendly options.
Q: What are the best neighbourhoods for nightlife in Edinburgh?
Popular neighbourhoods for nightlife include the Old Town (around Cowgate and Grassmarket) for lively pubs and clubs, the New Town (George Street) for more upscale bars and cocktail lounges, and the West End for a mix of trendy bars and traditional pubs.
Q: Are there free events in Edinburgh this month?
Yes, Edinburgh hosts several free events. The National Museum of Scotland offers free entry, and many traditional pubs like Sandy Bell’s have live folk music sessions without a cover charge. Walking around Arthur’s Seat or exploring the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are also free activities.
Q: What are the best rooftop bars / spring-appropriate venues in Edinburgh?
For spring, consider bars with outdoor seating or views. The Secret Garden at Pollen Street Social offers a lovely outdoor escape. While dedicated rooftop bars are less common in Edinburgh due to its hilly terrain and climate, places like Cold Town House offer great city views and a vibrant atmosphere. Many pubs with beer gardens also become popular as the weather improves.