About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about The Vaults; it's one of those places that really captures the spirit of Edinburgh's whisky scene. I popped in recently and was blown away by the impressive range of single cask whiskies – it's like a treasure trove, though I have to say, it might be a tad overwhelming if you're just dipping your toes in. The team there are absolute stars; they're so approachable and eager to share stories and recommendations, which turns a simple drink into a proper adventure. The historic setting, with its eclectic vibe and nods to whisky history, makes it feel warm and inviting, perfect for settling in with mates for a chat. On the flip side, the food's lovely when it's on offer, but do keep an eye on those kitchen hours, as it shuts between 4 and 5, which could cramp your plans. All in all, it's a brilliant spot if you're keen on exploring fine spirits, but it might not be the easiest for those after something straightforward. I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're in the area – just go with an open mind and perhaps a designated driver!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The whisky selection is absolutely top-notch, with some rare gems that you won't find just anywhere – it's a real treat for any enthusiast.
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The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly; they'll guide you through the options and make your visit feel personal and educational.
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The atmosphere is unique and cosy, set in a historic building with a nod to whisky culture, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up.
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They offer great food and drinks, like an outstanding Old Fashioned, which adds to the overall experience without overshadowing the stars of the show.
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Member perks are fantastic, with exclusive areas and events that make you feel part of something special.
Cons
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The sheer variety of whiskies can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you're not deeply into the scene, which might put off casual visitors.
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Opening hours vary and the kitchen closes between 4pm and 5pm daily, so you might need to plan around that if you're hoping for a full meal.
Contact Information
The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ
+441315543451
Bar
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday (Today) | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:30 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
As members of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, we were particularly looking forward to visiting The Vaults. The renovated warehouse with its impressive painted ceiling celebrating whisky aromas creates a unique atmosphere.
The vast whisky selection is impressive at first glance, but quickly becomes overwhelming: there’s no traditional menu, information is mainly available for the newest releases; older bottlings require direct consultation with the staff, which felt rushed and left little room for real discovery. Especially as whisky enthusiasts, it was disappointing that we had little chance to discover the special bottlings that usually make Society membership so rewarding.
The food was solid, slightly elevated pub fare, but secondary to the whisky experience.
Overall, the visit did not meet the expectations we had as committed members.
This has be one of my favorite whiskey experiences in a long, long time. The folks that work here know their stuff so well and it made for such an entertaining and educational afternoon. The whiskeys themselves are just exceptional. You can find some rarities that you may have never tasted before. The approach this group takes on the naming of their whiskeys is just so fun and entertaining. Can’t recommend it enough. It’s definitely worth the effort to get out there and see it
Absolutely lovely building with a fantastic display of SMWS whisky. Staff were fantastic, very friendly and very knowledgeable about the whisky and the society history (thanks Ben)
What a night.. we had planned to be here on Friday.. but Storm Éowyn disrupted our plans. The Vaults close earlier on Sunday night, and we closed house, but not before the staff graciously let us posed behind the bar - with them! Food was outstanding, and The Old Fashioned was the best I’ve tasted. SMWS Queen Street stayed open later, so we joined friends who were not SMWS members there. What a difference.. bar staff at Queen Street were not personable, needed deodorant and firmly refused to let us sit together, despite there being an empty room. They obviously wanted to go home and gave us a count-down of when we needed to leave. Joining SMWS and experiencing an evening at The Vaults is worth every penny. I was last there in the late 1980s.. although this time the two fires were not lit, the hospitality was just as warm as I remembered.
If you're a SMWS member, you definitely should prioritize a visit to this location. The whisky options we tried were all incredible, and the more intimate seating area for members was awesome.
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