Discover the appeal of private bars in Edinburgh! These hidden gems are great spots for memorable gatherings and exclusive events. Imagine unique spots in the city’s historic Old Town and New Town, with their charming cobbled streets and iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. Whether you’re looking for a stylish underground speakeasy or a chic rooftop terrace with stunning skyline views, Edinburgh has a private bar to match your preferences. Make your next birthday, corporate event, or celebration special by booking one of these venues through Tagvenue!
Booking costs of private bars average £600 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Edinburgh, based on Tagvenue data:
| From £350 | to £1500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £20 | to £40 | per person |
| From £100 | to £350 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
Whole Space at Little Picardy
in New Town - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The bar being available solely to us all night was amazing, and all our guests had the best time.’
Devil's Cut at Angel's Share Hotel
in New Town - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘The bar staff were friendly and efficient and we were allowed show arounds at late notice.’
The Underground Bar at Royal Scots Club
in New Town - rated 4.7/5
Our user said: ‘Food and drinks all lovely Service was good too. Venue was clean well organised.’
You'll find private bars in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Edinburgh, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average £450 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 100 guests | prices average £600 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 105 guests | prices average £1500 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.2 mi from central Edinburgh, available to book on Tagvenue:
Smaller private bars usually fit up to 50 guests standing. Here are some great options in Edinburgh, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:
Mezzanine at Little Picardy, rated 5/5 - lounge for 40 guests
Our user said: ‘We would definitely hire this venue again if we were looking to host a small event.’
Lobby Bar at Heeton Concept Aparthotel Queen Street - bar for 40 guests
Our user said: ‘The space is lovely for a small party. The staff were excellent and were so accommodating on the night.’
Basement Bar at Yaniv Edery Gallery - bar for 50 guests
Venue said: Ideal Layout: Standing Reception, Lounge Seating, Cocktail Style Perfect For: Evening Networking, Client Entertainment, Drinks Receptions, Executive Socials, VIP Hospitality, Private Celebrations, Whisky & Wine Tastings...
Cheap private bars in Edinburgh start from £150 hire fee per day or £125 minimum spend per event. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
The Other Room at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar, from £150 hire fee per day
(up to 67 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Fantastic cosy venue, helpful and accommodating staff, worth the money for the deposit and hire of the venue.’
Private Dining Room at Manahatta Edinburgh, from £125 minimum spend per event
(up to 10 guests seated)
Venue said: Located downstairs, our Private Dining table has some of the best seats in the venue. Lit by a magenta hue, the oval table is the perfect space for every special occasion.
Jig Room at Granary, from £14 per person
(up to 80 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Great room in a prime location, staff were very supportive prior and at the event.’
In Edinburgh, private bars are most commonly booked for 30 to 60 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
| Party | Usually between £350 and £1,000. |
User who booked The Other Room at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar for 60 guests
said: ‘Fantastic cosy venue, helpful and accommodating staff, worth the money for the deposit and hire of the venue.’ |
| Wedding | Usually between £400 and £1,500. |
User who booked The Fettercairn Suite at The Scotsman Hotel for 85 guests
said: ‘Despite our late arrival due to plane cancellations!’ |
| Private Dining | Usually between £550 and £900. |
User who booked Twenty Princess Restaurant at Hotel Indigo Edinburgh - Princes Street for 48 guests
said: ‘All the attendees loved the atmosphere and the view. Really, it couldn't have been better.’ |
| Birthday Party | Usually between £500 and £900. |
User who booked Wee Tap at Hanover Tap, Edinburgh for 30 guests
said: ‘We were able to play our own music and the staff were very attentive. 10/10 would definitely book again!’ |
| Christmas Party | Usually between £550 and £1,000. |
User who booked Club Prive at The Roseate Edinburgh for 29 guests
said: ‘Some of the staff were extremely friendly and helpful.’ |
In Edinburgh, the New Town and Old Town are prime areas for private bar hire. The New Town, with its elegant Georgian architecture, includes spots like Hanover Tap, which offers a refined and intimate setting for smaller gatherings. In contrast, the historic Old Town has venues such as Brewhemia, a spacious and versatile venue suitable for larger events and energetic celebrations. Both districts provide a range of options to accommodate different event sizes and styles.
It’s highly recommended to book your private bar at least 3-6 months in advance, particularly if you’re planning a larger event. In Edinburgh, venues like the Angel’s Share Hotel in New Town, renowned for its chic setting and central location, are especially sought after. Early booking is crucial, especially around popular local festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August or the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, as these events attract visitors from all over and can significantly increase demand for venue spaces
You’ll find plenty of exciting bars in the city for your events. Dragonfly Cocktail Bar in Old Town, provides a chic and contemporary setting with plush velvet seating and a meticulously crafted cocktail menu. For larger events, The Pavilion at Myreside in Morningside offers a spacious venue with capacity for up to 100 guests. Its inviting interior has a flexible layout, along with a wide range of drinks and catering options.
Page last updated in September 2026
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