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Harvey Nichols

Sitting pretty on St Andrew’s Square right in the heart of town, Harvey Nichols is the unlikely location for one of Edinburgh’s best rooftop bars. This department store spot profits from a fourth-floor position with sweeping views of the city below and offers an extensive drinks menu that spans everything from superfood smoothies and juices through to HN’s own signature cocktails and Champagne. During the week, the team here shuts up shop at 6pm, but if you visit on a Friday or Saturday, the evening rolls on until 10pm, with the atmosphere buzzy and bustling after hours.

Address: 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD
Website: harveynichols.com

Sushisamba

Sometimes a few drinks just won’t cut it, and really what you’re looking for is a rooftop restaurant where you can pair a couple of cocktails with some smart sharing plates. Sushisamba in the W Edinburgh occupies an enviable position on the 10th floor, meaning you get excellent, uninterrupted views of some of Scotland’s finest architecture plus the brand’s signature mix of Japanese and Peruvian food. Ceviche, sushi and grills all make the ideal drinking fodder to go alongside cocktails like a Modern Pisco Sour made with maraschino liqueur and turmeric, shaken up with Japanese citrus and egg whites for a smooth, foamy finish.

Address: 1 Saint James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AX
Website: sushisamba.com

GREME MAC DONALD

1820 at Jonnie Walker

There’s no need for rooftop bars to be the preserve of evenings only, with 1820 at Jonnie Walker filling the all-day slot nicely. Nip up in the morning for coffee, treat yourself to a long lunch or saunter in for an all-nighter with cocktails and seasonal Scottish plates as the sun begins to dip. The food menu features the likes of Oban sea trout with apple and celeriac or a wild mushroom parfait with rye bread. While the majority of cocktails, naturally, use Jonnie Walker, there are options here for all tastes, and if you’re looking for something to do before or after your visit, there are tours and tastings a-plenty downstairs for whisky fans.