Edinburgh: weekend hangout in more friendly small town with liberal-minded people

Mett Will! Will was born in Edinburgh and went to London for some time. Now living with his partner in Edinburgh, Will enjoys his life in a smaller town and knows every corner of the place. His solid tips will definitely take your travel to another level.

What makes Edinburgh a favorite gay destination?

Ancient buildings, buzzing bars and men in kilts. Edinburgh is the perfect weekend hangout. With its large community of students and creatives, Edinburgh also plays host to the largest arts festival in the World (see below).

What is the best gay event that takes place in Edinburgh?

Of course we have a gay pride, but it's only one weekend a year. If you're really up for a good time, come for the Edinburgh Festival which runs throughout the month of August. The population of Edinburgh triples, becoming home to thousands of young actors, comedians and artists. It gives the city a giddy party atmosphere for a whole month! 

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?

For lunch, check out Cafe Marlayne on Leith Walk or the next-door Turkish restaurant "Ada" which does an amazing value lunch. If you're into candle-lit French food, L'escargot Bleu on Broughton Street is ideal for a special dinner. If your budget doesn't stretch to that, underneath is Pickles which serves wine & cheese boards.  

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

The cheapest booze is probably at Cafe Habana (next to CC's) or Planet - both do drinks deals and you can get a pint for less than £3. Just be prepared for a slightly more raucous than usual crowd! 

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

The Street is my favourite bar for drinks. There are better cocktail bars*, but this is the best gay bar. Also check out OutHouse which is a real 'need to know' place tucked away on Broughton Street Lane. CC's also does the occasional half-price cocktail evening. *Try Bramble on Queen Street 

Which famous gay person is from Edinburgh?

Four of the five main Scottish political leaders are gay or bi, including Ruth Davidson and Kezia Dugdale. Other than that, we have plenty of straight allies including JK Rowling.  

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

After a few drinks at The Street, people head to CC Blooms over the road. It's improved a lot since being renovated last year. Upstairs is pop music, downstairs they play slightly more interesting house music - either way, it's free to get in and where most people end up. There are also cooler club nights like Hot Mess (for the art house crowd) and DILF every fourth Friday which has a more grown-up vibe.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

Hot Mess on Leith Walk does cocktails for £5 only minutes walk from the gay scene. 

Where to start a gay tour in Edinburgh?

If I get the chance, I take my guests up Calton Hill - it's about a 10 minute walk from my place and gives you a spectacular view of the city. From there you can see the Castle, Princes Street, Old Town and New Town. It's a great way to understand how this city was built, 200 years ago. 

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Apart from the Meet-Up group (worth checking out), we also have a gay mens chorus and a badminton group called ShuttleScots. Hang out at The Regent if you want some friendly pub banter. 

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

Property prices have boomed in the last few years, which is why many of us aren't able to live in the city centre any more. Everyone's moved down to Leith - a former dockyards that's been gentrified and now plays host to dozens of bars and restaurants. Most of my gay friends now live in Leith or nearby, and it's a great melting pot of Edinburgh society. 

How gay-friendly is Edinburgh?

Very. Maybe one of the reasons we don't have a lot of gay clubs and bars is that anywhere in Edinburgh - at least in the centre - is gay-friendly. It's perfectly normal to see gay couples in pubs, restaurants, galleries and bars. Edinburgh is stuffed with educated, liberal-minded people - even our political leaders here are gay.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Check out Olive Branch on Broughton Street. They serve a great brunch with some tasty waiters as well. There's also Nom De Plume - a gay cafe over the road which is great for afternoon tea. 

What is gay life like in Edinburgh? 

In a small town, everyone tends to know each other. But that doesn't mean it's boring - one great thing about Edinburgh is that there's always a contingent of new, interesting people to meet. Generally I've found people here a lot more friendly than in some of the big cities, and it's one of the reasons I decided not to move back to London.

What are your favorite gay venues in Edinburgh?

The Regent - an "old mans pub" that happens to be gay

The Street - a gay bar with downstairs dancing on a Friday that I'd happily take my parents to

CC's - the 'go to' gay club, free to get in and drinks aren't too expensive

Nom De Plume - gay-run cafe that is great for coffee/cake in the afternoon 

Habana - for when you're in the mood for blaring pop music and cheap booze

Woodland Creatures - gay-run hipster place, craft beers a-plenty

Gay Friendly : 

Pickles - run by gays, cozy evening place with wine and cheese platters

Yellow Bench - Polish / Sushi. Confusing concept, but bloody nice food!

Devils Advocate - a bit pricey, but a good bet if you're staying in Old Town

Nobles - brilliant sea-faring pub in Leith with some fabulous stained glass

Pomegranate - Highly rated Middle-Eastern food with a ByoB policy

The Walnut - don't let looks deceive you, amazing food at a reasonable price

Oregano - for pizza, this is where the Leithers eat, and it's spectacular

Joseph Pearce - a crowded pub where the good-looking Hillside crowd congregates

The Tail End - an upmarket fish'n'chips takeaway, if you're too drunk to eat out