From loch shores to castle views, here are some of Scotland’s finest beer gardens and terraces to raise a glass this summer.
The Taybank, Dunkeld
The Taybank has the largest riverside beer garden in Perthshire. The main seating area boasts views of Telford’s famous arched bridge over the river and the surrounding hills. Being south facing, it’s a great spot to relax on a sunny day. In the evenings the gardens are aglow with firepits and festooned lights and surrounded by the village’s cast-iron lanterns. Make sure to take a look at their events calendar as they host anything from open air cinema to long table dinners to live music nights.
The Taybank, Tay Terrace, Dunkeld, PH8 0AQ
Cladach Beach House, Arran
Scotland’s only beach cocktail bar is a must-visit venue when on the Isle of Arran. The walk from the ferry along the beach to the bar is stunning. The bar itself is more of ski lodge than your usual tiki-style beach bar, but it is decorated well and the outdoor seating areas right on the beach are perfection. Here you will find a wide selection of gin cocktails made using the local gin from Arran Botanical Drinks and a selection of beers, wines and more. Even cake and coffee. Open all year round – Not to be missed!
Cladach Beach House, Brodick, KA27 8DE
1820 Rooftop Bar, Edinburgh
Located on the roof of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street, 1820 Rooftop Bar boasts views over the historic Old Town. The cocktail menu changes regularly and offers innovative flavours as well as no/low-alcohol options (with the most perfectly cut ice!). The menu currently includes a few special cocktails using the fruity Johnnie Walker Black Ruby* release. If you get peckish, they serve small plates until 5pm and a full menu from there on. I recommend booking ahead as it can get very busy, especially on the weekends, and you don’t want to miss out on those views.
1820 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, 145 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 4BL
*affiliate link
W Deck at W Edinburgh
W Deck at W Edinburgh Hotel has possibly the best views in the city. This chic 12th-floor rooftop bar offers mesmerising 360-degree views of the Edinburgh skyline. They host sunset sessions with various DJs on Fridays. A great selection of classic cocktails and fun twists to choose from. Graze on light bites, anything from Iberico ham to Scottish oysters. Dress code is smart casual.
W Lounge, 1 Saint James Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3AX
Cold Town House, Edinburgh
The microbrewery headquarters of Cold Town Beer in the Grassmarket has a roof terrace with the sight of Edinburgh Castle looming above, with drinks served from a vintage Citroën van. Enjoy the freshest Cold Town Beer straight from the tanks or sip a summery house cocktail while taking in the view. They make Neapolitan-style pizzas, but my personal favourite is their haggis loaded fries.
Cold Town House, 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU
Radisson Red Sky Bar, Glasgow
The Radisson’s rooftop bar offers arguably the most ‘Glasgow’ view in the city – a sweeping panorama across the Clyde and nearby Finnieston, including the iconic Finnieston crane, ideal for catching the sunset on brighter days. The outdoor seating area may be on the smaller side, but that view more than makes up for it. Plenty of drinks to choose from, fizz to cocktails.
Radisson RED Glasgow, 25 Tunnel St, Glasgow, G3 8HL
The House of Gods, Glasgow
The House of Gods Hotel in Merchant City in Glasgow has a ‘Garden of Eden’ rooftop bar and restaurant. The beautifully decorated floral glasshouse also has an outdoor seating area, a perfect suntrap for catching the occasional sunny day. The secret garden menu includes small bites, sharing boards and flatbreads. Their cocktail menu is split into two sections, By Day (light, floral, fizzy) and By Moonlight (bold, strong, spicy).
House of Gods, 65 Glassford St, Glasgow, G1 1UP
Looking for more suggestions on what to do in Glasgow? See my previous list of 12 Fun Things to Do In Glasgow
The Garden Bar at The George Hotel, Inveraray
The Garden Bar right by Loch Fyne receives rave reviews year after year. And no wonder – the garden is beautifully set up with masses of flowers, and their free live music nights are very popular. Enjoy a drink in the sun with the loch views or order some fresh seafood and take cover under a canopy. Due to their heated seating areas, they are able to stay open until the end of September.
The George Hotel Inveraray, 1 Main St E, Inveraray, PA32 8TT
The Boathouse, Isle of Gigha
The Boathouse not only serves local, fresh seafood but also fabulous views overlooking the mainland. A perfect way to finish the day on the island before jumping on the ferry. Enjoy the beach location with a refreshing drink and fresh oysters, fish & chips, mussels or fish of the day. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The heated decking area offers spectacular views of the Kintyre Sound.
The Boathouse, Isle of Gigha, PA41 7AA
Ben Nevis Inn, Fort William
Located at the foot of Ben Nevis, the views from the terrace are simply breathtaking. Make it your pit stop for a local beer and a meal at the end of a hike. It’s good to note that the beer garden is only open during lunch hours as evenings it can be hard to escape the midges. However, in the evenings you will be greeted by live music and more food and drinks inside the beautiful barn, where the scenic mountain view is still visible.
Ben Nevis Inn, Achintore Rd, Fort William, PH33 6
Have you tried any of these beer gardens or roof tops? Did I miss a venue worth mentioning? Let me know and I’ll update the list.
Inka Larissa is an award-winning freelance spirits writer, content creator and Whisky Influencer of the Year 2026. Writing about whisky, cocktails and spirits since 2015, she explores the world of spirits from seed to glass. She is also co-host of the Whisky Sisters podcast.
