Edinburgh: Underground Beer Tasting in Lost Close

Looking for a way to see a different side of Edinburgh? This underground beer tasting tour offers just that—a chance to sip some of Scotland’s finest craft beers in a secret, historic setting beneath the city streets. It’s a small-group experience, perfect for beer lovers or curious travelers wanting a taste of local culture with a side of history.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines local breweries with a unique underground ambiance. You get to learn about Edinburgh’s brewing scene while exploring a hidden part of the city few visitors see. Also, the storytelling aspect makes each sip more meaningful, giving you a deeper connection to the city’s past and present.

One consideration to keep in mind is that due to the historic nature of the site, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and it’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. If you’re traveling with young kids or have mobility needs, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re a craft beer enthusiast or enjoy a bit of underground adventure, it’s a solid choice.

This experience is especially great for adventurous travelers, beer aficionados, or anyone wanting a more intimate, local perspective on Edinburgh. If you’re after a fun, small-group activity that mixes history with a few good drinks, this one’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Unique underground setting adds a memorable layer to the tasting experience.
• Local breweries like Campervan, Moonwake, and Bellfield are showcased, offering insight into Edinburgh’s craft scene.
• Expert storytelling enhances the tasting, linking beers to the city’s history.
• Limited group size (max 10) ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere.
• Duration is just one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day.
• Not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for children or pregnant women due to the historic underground location.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Underground Beer Tasting Tour in Lost Close

This tour is a neat mix of tasting, storytelling, and exploring a little-known part of Edinburgh. In just an hour, you’ll visit The Lost Close—a secret, atmospheric underground space that feels like stepping into another era. This makes it a perfect break from the usual city sightseeing, especially if you appreciate a bit of history and local flavor.

The Setting: The Lost Close

The experience starts at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, located right across from St. Giles Cathedral. You’ll meet your guide here and then head into the underground space that has been part of Edinburgh’s fabric for ages. The atmosphere is cozy yet steeped in stories, making every sip of beer feel more meaningful.

The fact that this is a historic underground location is one of the tour’s main draws. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about experiencing the stories that the space holds. The ambiance makes it a memorable setting that elevates the tasting beyond just sampling beers.

The Beers and Breweries

You’ll taste four different beers, each from local breweries: Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co., and Bellfield Brewery. The beers are described as each having its own distinct style and story, which the guide will explain. From the descriptions, you might expect a range of flavors, from hoppy ales to more subtle or complex brews.

Guests frequently comment on the quality and uniqueness of the beers, with one review noting that they enjoyed the “exceptional beers from local breweries.” The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of richness, connecting what’s in your glass to the city’s brewing traditions and the breweries’ backgrounds.

The Storytelling and Context

One of the highlights is how the guide shares fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s past, linking the beers, the space, and the city’s history. This makes the experience educational and engaging. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a mini cultural journey, with stories about Edinburgh’s brewing history, the significance of the underground space, and the local personalities behind the breweries.

The storytelling aspect is appreciated by guests, with one describing the guide as an expert storyteller who makes each beer come alive. It’s a relaxed, informal atmosphere where questions are welcome, and the stories help deepen the appreciation of each sip.

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Practical Details

The tour lasts just one hour, making it a manageable addition to any day of sightseeing. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures a relaxed vibe, where everyone gets personalized attention. The meeting point is easy to find, and since it’s close to major landmarks, it’s convenient for most travelers.

Price and Value

While the tour isn’t overly long, it offers a curated experience—four beers, expert storytelling, and a unique underground setting. Considering the intimate nature and the quality of the experience, many find it good value. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the story and atmosphere you’re paying for.

Accessibility and Limitations

It’s worth noting that due to the historic underground setting, wheelchair users won’t be able to access the site. Also, it’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or babies under 1 year old. If you’re traveling with anyone in these groups, you’ll need to consider alternative experiences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits craft beer lovers, those interested in Edinburgh’s history and hidden spots, and curious travelers wanting a relaxed, small-group activity. It’s perfect if you enjoy tasting local products and hearing stories that bring a place to life.

If you’re looking for a lively pub crawl or a large-group event, this might not be your best bet. But if you want something cozy, local, and meaningful, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Edinburgh Underground Beer Tasting in Lost Close offers a distinctive way to experience the city’s local brewing scene combined with a dash of history. Its intimate setting and storytelling make it more than just a tasting—it’s an experience that creates lasting memories. If you’re comfortable with the accessibility considerations, it’s well worth adding to your Edinburgh itinerary.

For those who appreciate craft beer, enjoy uncovering hidden parts of a city, or simply want a relaxed, engaging activity, this tour delivers. It’s a chance to see Edinburgh from a different perspective, taste some excellent beers, and soak up stories that connect the past with the present. Just be prepared for the underground vibe and plan accordingly if mobility is an issue.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 18 or babies under 1 year, mainly because of the location and alcohol consumption.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How long is the tour?
The tasting experience lasts one hour, making it easy to include in a busy sightseeing day.

Where does the tour start?
Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, across from St. Giles Cathedral and behind the Mercat Cross.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
No, because of the historic underground setting, it’s not wheelchair accessible.

What beers will I taste?
You’ll try four beers from local breweries, each with its own style and story, including options from Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co., and Bellfield Brewery.

Will I learn about Edinburgh’s history?
Yes, your guide shares fascinating stories linking the beers, the underground space, and the city’s past.

Is this tour good for a group?
Yes, the small group size (max 10) ensures a relaxed and personal experience.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, offering flexibility with your travel plans.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking into an underground space, and dress for the weather if you plan to explore afterward.

This underground beer tasting is a charming, local way to experience a side of Edinburgh most travelers miss. It’s ideal for those eager to combine a bit of history, craft brewing, and small-group camaraderie—all in a setting that feels like discovering a secret. Give it some thought if you want a relaxed, memorable, and genuinely local experience in Edinburgh.

You can check availability for your dates here: