Kay's Bar — Venue in Edinburgh

Kay's Bar is on Broughton Street in Edinburgh’s city centre, just behind Princes Street and near The Royal Mile. It’s a reliable spot for straightforward drinks after work or before evening plans, with a traditional layout featuring wooden fittings and high tables that encourage conversation across the counter. Locals often meet here during weekday evenings, enjoy live music on weekend nights, or unwind in small groups between appointments around Edinburgh’s financial district.

About The Venue

Kay's Bar has been operating since 1904 on Broughton Street, one of central Edinburgh’s most established commercial streets. The venue occupies a traditional corner building with brick façade and glass-fronted entrance typical of early 20th-century public houses in the city centre. Inside, Kay's Bar retains its original bar counter arrangement, designed for quick service, with high stools positioned along front-facing seats that face inward toward central tables. A consistent feature across decades has been the regular rotation of music events and live performances during evenings on Friday through Saturday nights, supporting local musicians from Edinburgh’s underground scene. This enduring rhythm informs how customers interact with Kay's Bar today, whether joining a scheduled set or simply lingering after an event to extend conversation.

Typical Experiences

Kay's Bar is the go-to venue for late-night drinks in central Edinburgh, especially during live music events. The bar maintains consistent service standards with quick turnover between orders, particularly on Friday nights when live music begins early. Visitors typically come to try a signature cocktail or one of the house pints available throughout evening hours. Events at Kay's Bar often draw diverse crowds who use the space both for socializing and listening, whether during an open mic night or scheduled band performance. The venue’s long-standing presence in Edinburgh ensures that locals recognize it not just as a bar, but also as part of ongoing community life.

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Information about this venue is based on publicly available sources and may be incomplete. Last updated in April 2026.