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Scotland’s Best Distillery Bars (even without a tour) 🍸
- Sip Seekers
- Jan 17
- 3 min read
All of the distilleries featured below host bookable experiences and you can compare and book them easily on SipSeekers.com.
Many of Scotland’s distilleries actively encourage guests to relax in their bar- whether that’s after a tour or simply by walking in for a drink. From dramatic coastal views to beautifully designed cocktail spaces, these distillery bars are destinations in their own right.
If your itinerary isn’t fully planned (or plans change on the day), these are the places where you can still enjoy a brilliant dram or cocktail- no hard sell, no rushing you out the door.
🌅 Distillery Bars with the Most Spectacular Views
Isle of Raasay Distillery
One of the most scenic distillery bars in Scotland, perched above the water, with views across the sea to Skye. You can enjoy drams and cocktails here even if you haven’t booked a tour and many visitors come purely for the view. With enough planning they do also have limited on site accommodation also!
Eden Mill Distillery
Eden Mill’s new St Andrews distillery has a beautiful top-floor cocktail bar, The Lookout, serving signature cocktails (plus sharing plates and bar snacks) and it’s open daily, making it a brilliant “no tour, still worth visiting” stop as well as a nice place to relax after one of their experiences.
Nc'nean Distillery
A modern, light-filled bar with panoramic views across the Morvern peninsula. Organic spirits, seasonal cocktails and a calm, welcoming atmosphere make this a standout stop.
Torabhaig Distillery
A rugged Skye setting paired with smoky single malt. The bar is relaxed and informal- ideal for enjoying a dram while soaking in the island scenery.
Lindores Abbey Distillery
Set beside the historic abbey ruins where Scotch whisky history began. A beautiful spot for a post-tour drink- or a quiet stop while exploring Fife.
🍸 City Distillery Bars You Can Visit Without Planning Ahead
Holyrood Distillery
A contemporary bar showcasing experimental whisky styles and creative serves, just minutes from Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Pickering’s Gin at Summerhall
One of the easiest distillery bars to drop into without a booking. Expect playful gin serves and a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Clydeside Distillery
Sit with a whisky or cocktail overlooking the River Clyde. A perfect city stop where lingering is very much encouraged.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Central, polished and welcoming, with signature gin serves and seasonal cocktails available even if you’re not touring. Rumour has it elephants used to live in the historic arches (ask the mixologists for more details...)!
🥃 Classic Whisky Stops Worth Staying For
The Glenturret Distillery
Home to one of Scotland’s most refined distillery bars, offering rare drams and elegant serves in a serene setting.
Glen Moray Distillery
Friendly and approachable, with classic Speyside whiskies and occasional distillery-exclusive pours.
Tomatin Distillery
A cosy Highland bar experience- ideal after a tour or as a relaxed whisky stop near Inverness.
🌊 Island & Coastal Distillery Bars
The Orkney Distillery
An intimate bar celebrating island botanicals and local character- perfect for a casual visit while exploring Kirkwall.
Uile-bheist Brewery & Distillery
A lively riverside venue where beer and whisky meet, with bold flavours and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Cairn Distillery
A beautifully designed new distillery bar focused on modern Speyside style and thoughtful serves.
✨ No Tour? Still Worth Visiting for a Drink
If your plans change, or you simply didn’t pre-book- many of these distilleries welcome walk-ins to their bar. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience Scotland’s drinks culture without committing to a full tour.
That said, if you do want the full experience, you can compare and book distillery tours and tastings at all of the venues above on SipSeekers.com, then enjoy staying on for a relaxed drink afterwards.
👉 Less Admin. Enjoy more. Book the thing.