The 10 Coolest Scottish Pub Names

Kristina Rundquist
by Kristina Rundquist
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Tue June 28, 2016

What's in a name? Well, if you're a pub in Scotland, everything.

Some of the most creative, inventive bar names in the world are found here, and you can find them yourself by booking a tour with CIE International.

Here are 10 with some pretty darn cool names that are clearly worth a look.

Babbity Bowster. Going strong since the 18th century, this former tobacco merchant's house is a Glasgow institution. On Saturdays the pub features live Scottish music but stop in at any point during the week and you may find a rousing game of boules in progress on the outside terrace. Open fires make for a cozy atmosphere when the weather cools, but during warm weather the bar's two terraces are the place to be.

Jolly Judge. Despite the name, this Edinburgh pub sits in the basement of what was once a 16th-century tenement. Today, its fruit-and-flower painted wooden ceiling welcomes guests to come in, relax in front of a fire and enjoy a tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Scran & Scallie. Known for its tasty fare, this Edinburgh pub is a proper serving bar with Scottish ales such as Fyne and Harviestoun, and a wide range of whiskeys and cocktails. The décor blends classic tweets and tartans with simple modern furnishings. Children and dogs welcome.

Wheatsheaf. Located in Syminton, this former 17th-century posting inn is today a popular pub set against the backdrop of a quaint Scottish village. Its cozy atmosphere is reason enough to come but its tasty food is more than enough reason to stay. In fact, it's so popular reservations are required during the weekends. Don't miss the meat pie. Children welcome.

[READMORE]READ MORE: CIE Tours International Already Set For 2017[/READMORE]

Hanging Bat. Spread across three levels, this modern Edinburgh pub has its own microbrewery, along with an excellent selection of craft beers, ales and more than 100 bottled beers and fine selection of wines and gins. Children allowed only until 8 p.m.

Bunch of Grapes. This 18th-century pub, located in Pontypridd, Wales, offers their own Otley O2 Croeso and three Otley guests plus four rapidly changing guests from breweries such as Dark Star, Oakham, Saltaire and Tiny Rebel on handpump. The pub is known for its beer and music festivals held throughout the year, as well as themed cookery evenings and innovative, daily-changing menu.

Catherine Wheel. Located in Marshfield, Gloucestershire, this pub inhabits a Georgian-fronted building in a picturesque village. With a charming atmosphere, and Butcombe, Costwold Spring and Sharps on tap as well as a variety of wines and other drinks, it's a local favorite. Live music occurs the last Thursday of the moth. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome.

Blue Blazer. Offering up to eight interesting Scottish ales and a fine selection of rum, whiskey and gin, this traditional two-room Edinburgh drinkers' pub is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and relax in front of the open fire.

Cock & Bull. This food-led country pub in Balmedie offers Burnside ale and tasty, locally sourced food, as well as a conservatory and four bedrooms in a converted cottage for those looking to spend the night.

Pot Still. With hundreds of malt whiskeys on offer (including a good value whiskey of the month), plus four changing ales and bottles beers, this popular pub gets crowded. Whether it's the friendly staff, the stained glass or the silent fruit machine that brings them in is anyone's guess but its welcome atmosphere keeps them coming back.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Kristina Rundquist

Kristina Rundquist

Kristina Rundquist is an Atlanta-based freelance writer with more than 14 years experience working within the travel industry.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...