Heads & Tales is a great bar in Edinburgh. The drinks, service, and atmosphere are great. I got a Hugo Spritz and it was delicious. Next time I'm in Edinburgh, I'll definitely be back! read more

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WOW!!! Great service. The bartender from Bulgaria was one of the best we have had in the world. Unreal. He loved his job and did an amazing job on educating us on Gin and Scotland. A caddy in St. Andrews told me about this place and it did not disappoint. Had a Gin old fashioned made up by bartender and it was unreal. Wife had a gin flight and it was awesome. Creative and could. The vibe was awesome. Wish my old friend Cabo was there with us. He would down 3 old fashioned and had 2 flights of gin all while going over the electrical system of his Gulstream...I digress. It was simply amazing. What was the best part was the enthusiasm and the love of their job that made this place so cool. Loved the Gunpowder Gin too. If we did not have a Military tattoo to attend later, we might have closed this place down. Do your self and go here (hard to fin=d the door). Lots of cool rooms and caves etc. to chill out in. Thanks so much for the greatest bar experience on our 10 day trip!! read more

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tldr: Cocktail adjacent to Edinburgh Gin. Gin is a must. Uninspired cocktails, however. Food is a huge surprise... food is good! Heads and Tales Bar is the cocktail bar attached to Edinburgh Gin. Expect good selection of Edinburgh Gin. The cocktails made with the gin aren't anything special, but the basics are well made and showcase the gin, particularly the florals. The ambiance is dimly lit but intimate with a variety of single person to 10 person group seating areas. The real surprise here was the asian fusion food: the food is quite good. read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Bao with fish. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Wow, this is the best kept secret in town! I have walked by here many times, but never knew such an amazing bar existed. During a night of barhopping with many bars starting to close around 1am, a bartender recommend this place to us and I could not be happier. Also love that it is open until 3am on Friday and Saturday. The bar can be a bit tricky to find as it is located on the left of Ghille Dhu down a set of stairs that can easily be missed. As you walk down the corridor, you will find a few huge booths in caves that have a very cool vibe --perfect for groups. Once you're inside, the entire place feels like a real speakeasy in an underground lair. The ambiance is where its at here. Definitely a new favorite of mine. I almost don't want to let others know about this place to keep it special, but here you go. Even though they specialize in gin here, you're going to fall in love with this place with whatever you're drinking. read more

I am a big fan of this hard-to-find underground gin bar and distillery. You might ask why we were looking for gin in Scotland, since whiskey's the thing to drink. Simple: my partner prefers gin, and this place came highly recommended. Yes, it's hipster, and dark, and the Asian-fusion food seems pretentious, but we had some wonderful pre-dinner cocktails at Heads and Tales. Because we wanted to enjoy our late dinner to the fullest, we ordered a bowl of okonomiyaki fries, the lightest thing offered on the menu to absorb the alcohol as we drank. LightEST, maybe, but certainly not light. This giant bowl of fries arrived with wiggling bonito tuna flakes on top and squiggly lines of mayonnaise strewn throughout. We had trouble finishing it. Our waiters were great. We had a wobbly table issue that none of them could fix, but all three were eager to help us select the right gin and accompanying tonic. They each seemed to wait on all tables. Well, sharing is caring. I particularly enjoyed the Junipero, a San Francisco gin served with a ginger garnish, and the No. 3 from London with a hint of lavender. They also advise on the accompanying tonic: I had one concoction with Elderflower tonic, which was also sublime! read more

Heads & Tales is pretty bloody good. The entrance isn't obvious, but that helps to give it more of a secretive speakeasy vibe. Upon descending the stairs you are met with a corridor, off of which lie several small cubby holes. We set ourselves up in the one with the piano (terribly out of tune) and knocked out a few tunes whilst enjoying the cocktails. It's a gin bar, and the distillery for Edinburgh Gin, so naturally they have a fantastic selection of gins behind the bar and they make up the majority of the cocktail menu. There are a few made with other spirits, but not many. I tried the Delirium something, I've forgotten the full name, but it's bourbon based and is served in part of an old water gun, cute! Oh, and it was delicious. Now I'm not the world's biggest gin fan, but the Bathtub was a delight. The violet wasn't overpowering, but could definitely be tasted, it was like drinking a parma violet (in a good way). We did head into the main bar for a while (bigger than I'd expected), and I loved that they were playing proper swing music (again adding to the speakeasy feel). The staff were very friendly, and clearly very talented. I think it's maybe my new favourite cocktail bar in Edinburgh! read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

You could easily miss Heads & Tails. In fact, I have walked past it every single day for the last three years and didn't know it was there. It's down an anonymous and slightly sketchy looking set of stairs between the The Huxley (the bar underneath The Rutland hotel) and the Ghillie Dhu. It's so anonymous from the outside that you almost feel like you're walking into a speak-easy. In fact, it's so dark inside that it still feels that way when you're sitting down. Did I mention it's dark? DARK. So dark. I saw numerous people using the lights on their phones to read the menus. I had to feel my way to my seat. DARK. But it's actually very cool. The decor is amazing. The seats are all odd antiques, and the lamps are all either custom-made or bought by someone with a very keen eye. It's classy yet quirky, retro yet modern, luxurious yet cosy. I love it. The drinks menu is a little weak. This is a gin bar set up by the Edinburgh Gin company, so the menu is very gin-oriented. They've tried to keep it simple, but it's a little uninspiring. The bar staff seemed competent, though, so you could order off-menu if you know what you want. It was all table-service when we were there, although I'm not sure what it's like when it's busy. The lady serving us was as cheerful and perky as you could ask for but also extremely professional. She also greeted us as we came in and led us to the bar area, seemingly aware that our eyes had not yet adjusted to the room dark enough to develop photos in. Kudos to you, short-haired lady, for absolutely nailing it. I tried one of their gin drinks. It was supposed to be "chai tea" flavoured, but tasted like a somewhat bland ginger beer. I switched to a rum and coke for my second drink, which was spot-on. This is a really interesting, delightful bar and absolutely worthy of your time. The only detracting factors is the slightly uninspiring drinks menu and that it's a little over-priced. I know to expect to pay a premium in hipster gin bars in Edinburgh, but even so, £8 for a single-measure drink seems a little steep. Still, it's nice for a little treat or if you're trying to impress a visitor with your cool knowledge of (literally) underground Edinburgh gin joints. read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

After a walk about trying to find the bar (the sign outside is tiny and very hard to spot!) I was immediately impressed walking into Heads and Tales. On the left as you enter they have 3 little tucked away private "booths" of varying sizes -one even with its own piano - which look fantastic for group bookings. Through in the main bar it was very quiet (I was there on a Thursday night) but that didn't distract from the cosy feel - I could happily spend hours here chatting with friends and drinking the delicious (if slightly pricey!) cocktails. The menu isn't huge but I'm quite sure that if there was something you really wanted they'd whip it up for you no bother. I couldn't see past the Bathtub Gin, it was amazing, but I also had a Smoke on the water which was equally as excellent. I can't really comment on the beer choice as I was firmly fixated on the cocktails. I am so looking forward to my next trip here in order to have another Bathtub gin - seriously, it's SO good - and I'm also very intrigued by the PB&J cocktail! read more

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What a disappointing experience, despite it's connection to Edinburgh Gin Distillery. Expect shoddy service (long waits for your order and they will at times forget your order), to non transparent pricing (expect to pay 2x what you see on menu despite no indication on menu), to general drinks you can find elsewhere. Crappy wee bathrooms as well. Redeeming factor are neat stone inlet rooms that. But otherwise, plenty of other bars and things to do in Scotland more worth your while. read more

This bar is really hidden it's in the bacement of a building with a little wall plaque to tell you that it's there we would never have found it unless we had the tell app. It's were they make edinburgh gin so the cocktails are gin based. It's quite cool as you can see the distills were the gin is being made though glass panels. I loved the feel of the place it's really unique I have never been in a bar like it. It was like being in someone's living room really cosy. It's all table service and the staff were really nice. My cocktail has gin ginger and cucumber not sure I would have it again I prefer sweeter cocktails, But I would definitely like to go again would be nice to go in a group read more

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If you don't know where Heads & Tales is you are going to have massive difficulty finding it without asking one of the bouncers from the nearby Ghillie Dubh or Rat Pack bars. Not only is this an amazing cocktail bar it is also going to be the sole production distillery for Edinburgh Gin and you can see the stills behind the glass from the bar. The decor of the venue has been designed especially for the bar with chairs made from casks being a particularly eye catching feature. The real pleasure comes from tasting one of the cocktails. There is a fantastic list available to choose from but if, like me and my fellow visitor this evening, you are a little cheeky the guys behind the bar will go 'off piste' and tailor something to your own tastes - I would never have imagined a tequila and gin cocktail would have worked but my god, it was amazing! Hunt out Heads & Tales, you will not regret visiting and once you have been there, I can guarantee you will be going back! read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Behind the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Was on the search for some fun while staying in Edinburgh and this came up in the search. The bar itself is downstairs and hard to catch if you're not looking for it. Once you go down the steps you walk down the dimly lit stone corridor opening up to the bar with a great speakeasy feel. The cocktails all have very witty names, with the 'hooked on a feeling' being my favorite! They also offer a wide variety of Edinburgh gin which is why I came in the first place. I was so happy with this unexpected experience and would suggest to anyone. read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Hooked on a feeling cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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If you can find it, keep it to yourself. Well I wish I could.. this is a place where steam punk lovers would feel right at home. it is all very Victorian Captain Nemo like. it has an Edinburgh Gin blazooned (I like that word!) all over it. where is it? not telling. no really, too many people already started reserving places to sit. All of the private booths and popular tables have reserved signs. I can understand it is a place to be private and still get immaculate service. Prices are decent, snacks less so though. You can get a meat, cheese or veggie platter. Suited for 2 sharing, but it just kept me wanting. not enough on the platter to warrant the price. Chairs are comfortable and the feel is cosy. If you can find it, go. (but don't tell anybody else!) read more

How have I not written a review about this place??!! One of Edinburgh's brilliant hidden gems! Also now home to Edinburgh Gin and you're able to peek through the big windows into their distillery while sitting in the bar. I love the private booths which are reminiscent of the old Edinburgh Caves. Having worked my way through the majority of their cocktail menu, I can honestly say, there is a great range and there is something to please everyone. For those who aren't cocktail fans (do such people even exist??!!??) They also do beers and wines and there's always just a classic G&T with a long list of gins to choose from. With it being underground and no natural light fading to mark the passing of time.. beware of entering in the daylight but emerging in the dark!! read more

I choose heads. No, tails. Whatever, it'll be terrific no matter the outcome. Because...they make awesome vodka martinis. I think I can get into this pretentious cocktail ish. Only over here in the UK, though. read more

A fine speakeasy, easily the most beautiful I have been in. Sweet ambiance & music, excellent craft cocktails, and had a spectacular charcuterie board. Server & bartenders very nice and even recommended another speakeasy: the oldest in Scotland (which was almost as great as here). read more

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You beautiful little creature you. Here's the deal, i'm not a gin gal. *Ducks as most people in Edinburgh throw imaginary shoes at my head... why shoes? Who knows.* So colour me surprised when I arrived in Edina flying the whisky flag, only to find that gin is really the spirit darling in this city. I played along with it for awhile and hit gin bar, after gin bar to order their one and only whisky cocktail. Then one fateful afternoon, Rachel R brought me to Heads & Tales.... And things mother bleeping changed. Ok first off, if I was going to live in a bar in Edinburgh, it would be this one. I want to jump hug whoever designed the inside of this bar - it. is. stunning. Exposed copper pipe, vintage lightbulbs, antique furniture, glass windows into the adjoining distillery, stupidly pretty glassware. They nailed this vibe. I highly approve. Secondly, they throw down a very decent whisky cocktail. Because folks, I'm stubborn and they didn't get my right away with their gin magic. Third, the staff are babely, completely approachable and know their sh*t. Which is the holy grail of service ninjas. Plus, I tip the hat to whoever found those funky aprons because you all look like very cool craftsmen from the 1940's. But the real reason this gets an enthusiastic, shimmy hugging five stars from me is folks: I am now a kinda, sometimes, only-when-i'm-here gin gal. It was the Bathtub Gin cocktail that won me over. These folks know how to balance their drinks and it was just so darn good. Since that first little slip into gin-land, i've made a point to try a new one every time i'm here and have yet to be disappointed. But they aren't just a haven for the gin newbie, I had the pleasure of bringing a gin crazy gal pal to Heads & Tales while she was visiting from Canada and she was so delighted by the "make your own" gin cocktail menu that she stole it to frame it in her house (I owe you guys one menu!). Overall: It's great. Go there. read more

Edinburgh's new favourite bar - Heads & Tales in West End is maybe not easy to find, but once you're in you're glad you made it. Very atmospheric with a couple of little booths (one with a piano) and interesting decor. Not to mention the fact that there is a distillery inside! I had the 'Shoemaker' cocktail which consists of Tanqueray, citrus and winter fruits and it was quite nice. I was pondering whether to get the 'Bathtub gin' one, but was hesitating about the violet; however this cocktail has been recommended by many people so next time I'll try that one too. Also tried a sip of the 'Diamond Martinez' but found that unpleasant - very strong with a toasted sesame oil smell.. Cocktails here are around £7.5 - £8 so maybe a bit more pricier than in other bars. Service is very good here with an attentive and friendly waitress. read more

Not had a chance to write anything for a while but a visit to Heads and Tales on Friday after being too late for a gig was absolutely excellent. They don't have a huge selection of drinks on offer, but that's what I like. They are pretty certain about what they want to give you! They're clearly proud of their drinks and that shines through. Alsop the cocktails are simple enough that they don't take 30 mins to make. Turn around time was more like 5 minutes which was amazing! Our waiter and waitress were excellent and the ambience was great. I'd like to see a greater selection of British beer in there, maybe some interesting beers from scottish brewers, and possibly even something special on keg, but the beers they did have complimented the cocktails really well so can't complain. A very enjoyable (if expensive) evening, but worth every penny. **Recommend** - the Gin and Tonic Martini - YUM. **Do not recommend** - Going out in the sun without protection. **H0ave no particular strong feelings about ** - nativity plays being replaced by more secular shows in primary schools. I sort of think that that's fine. read more

Still my favorite "secret bar". I take all of my out of town guests here to impress them and they all say it is the best cocktail they've ever had. read more

Heads & Tales Bar - There was smoking lavender on this one! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

This was my favorite bar in Edinburgh. Mellow atmosphere with different seating options and a great drink menu. It almost looks like you're walking into a basement jail cell when you walk in, and then you realize you have seating built into a cave like setting, and when you walk further you have comfort seating and standard bar seating, with dimmed lighting and great music. read more

Heads & Tales Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The entrance to Heads & Tales is actually around the corner on Shandwick place. (They've recently put up new Edinburgh Gin signs to help identify it.) When we finally found it, we loved what we found. We had a group of 4, not large enough to book a private room, but they looked wonderful- tons of character! We settled at a table near the bar and sampled many of their drinks and snacks. Staff were very attentive and friendly. Friends tried the Sweetie Pie (described as the best drink she's ever had!), Pomegranate Cobbler (strong) and I enjoyed Otto's Titsling Muse (tasty). The snacks, while tasty, are small portions so be sure to eat before you go. We had a great time and look forward to going back. read more

Having been to this lovely cocktail bar several times, all I have to say is that this is a must go. The atmosphere is quiet and , although the place is quite dark, the interior is very welcoming. I would have given it 5 stars however, any time I've been there I feel under the impression that cocktails are almost mandatory. It would be good if the menu included other drinks too given that the selection behind the bar is impressive. read more

Heads and Tales is probably the best cocktail bar in Edinburgh. It has an amazing ambiance with cozy tables and chairs overlooking the stills where some Edinburgh Gin is distilled on site. The staff are all lovely and really know their gin inside and out, and the cocktails are lovely. It's intentionally a wee bit hard to find with only a teeny sign by the stairs leading down under the Ghillie Dhu, but that adds to the mystery and ambiance of this lovely place. Highly recommended! read more