Edinburgh: Underground Beer Tasting in Lost Close

Discover Edinburgh’s Hidden Beer Scene Beneath the Streets

The Edinburgh: Underground Beer Tasting in Lost Close offers a unique taste of the city’s craft beer culture, set in a secret underground location known as The Lost Close. This 1-hour experience combines local beer tasting with intriguing stories about Edinburgh’s past, making it perfect for beer lovers, history enthusiasts, or curious travelers eager to explore beyond the surface.

The tour starts at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, right opposite St. Giles Cathedral. With exclusive access to The Lost Close, participants get a glimpse into Edinburgh’s underground architecture and history while sampling four exceptional beers from local breweries like Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co., and Bellfield Brewery.

This tour is designed for small groups, limited to 10 participants, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging. While it is a fantastic way to explore Edinburgh’s craft beer scene, it’s important to note that this site is not wheelchair accessible, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or babies under 1 year.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: Just 1 hour, making it an easy addition to any Edinburgh itinerary
• Location: Hidden underground close called The Lost Close, accessible from John’s Coffee House & Tavern
• Number of Beers: Tastes include four locally brewed beers from well-known Edinburgh breweries
• Expert Storytelling: Guides share fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s history alongside beer background
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible due to historic site constraints

Starting Point at John’s Coffee House & Tavern

This tour begins at John’s Coffee House & Tavern, situated just behind Mercat Cross and directly opposite St. Giles Cathedral. Participants find the entrance behind a statue of James Braidwood, the firefighter, which marks the entry to The Lost Close.

From this central location, the guide leads you into the underground space where Edinburgh’s past unfolds alongside your beer tasting. The convenience of the meeting point makes it easy to combine this activity with other city explorations.

The Unique Setting of The Lost Close

The Lost Close is a historic underground alley that once served as a thoroughfare in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Its atmospheric, dimly lit environment adds a distinct charm to the tasting experience. Visitors will appreciate the exclusive access to this seldom-seen part of the city, which offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s layered history.

The setting’s historic nature means it’s not wheelchair accessible, and the space’s limited size enhances the intimacy of the tour. The stone walls and underground ambiance create a truly atmospheric backdrop for sampling craft beers.

Sampling Four Local Breweries: Campervan, Moonwake, and Bellfield

Participants taste four beers, each with its own story and style, from local Edinburgh breweries. Among these, Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co., and Bellfield Brewery feature prominently, offering a variety of flavor profiles.

The guide explains the background of each brewery and describes the unique flavors in your glass, helping you appreciate what makes Edinburgh’s craft beer scene stand out. The beers are locally brewed, ensuring authentic tasting experiences that reflect the city’s brewing craftsmanship.

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Engaging Storytelling in an Underground Setting

Throughout the hour-long session, expert storytellers share tales about Edinburgh’s history linked to the underground space. This storytelling enriches the tasting, giving context to both the history of The Lost Close and the breweries’ origins.

The guides’ knowledge and engaging manner make the experience lively and informative. As you sip each beer, you learn about Edinburgh’s past, from its architecture to stories of its streets and alleyways, all while enjoying the craft beers.

Practical Details: Group Size, Cancellation, and Payment Options

The tour is designed for small groups of up to 10 participants, promoting a friendly and personal atmosphere. The booking process offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if plans change.

You can reserve now and pay later, securing your spot without immediate payment. The guide delivers the experience in English, ensuring clear communication and storytelling.

Important Accessibility and Age Restrictions

Because of the historic nature of The Lost Close, the site is not wheelchair accessible. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or babies under 1 year. It is essential for attendees to be aware of these limitations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Smoking indoors is not allowed, maintaining a safe environment within the underground setting.

Comparing Similar Experiences in Edinburgh

This underground beer tasting complements other Edinburgh tours such as guided walking tours, whisky experiences, and ghost tours. However, this experience’s focus on local craft beers and historic underground architecture sets it apart as an intimate, sensory exploration of Edinburgh’s hidden layers.

Similar experiences include guided walking tours with beer tasting or whisky tastings, but this tour’s underground setting offers a distinctive atmosphere that enhances the tasting and storytelling.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for craft beer enthusiasts eager to discover Edinburgh’s local breweries. It also appeals to history buffs interested in the city’s underground architecture and stories. Its small-group format makes it well-suited for travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed activity.

Because of the physical limitations and age restrictions, it’s best suited for adults comfortable in a historic, underground environment. Those looking for a short, engaging, and informative activity will find this tour a memorable addition to their Edinburgh visit.

The Sum Up: An Authentic and Atmospheric Beer Tasting

The Underground Beer Tasting in Lost Close offers a rare chance to explore Edinburgh’s underground architecture while sampling locally brewed beers. The combination of exclusive access, storytelling, and fine craft beers creates a rich, immersive experience that connects the city’s past with its vibrant brewing scene.

While the site’s accessibility limitations and short duration mean it’s not a comprehensive pub crawl or brewery tour, the intimacy and storytelling make it a worthwhile highlight for those interested in Edinburgh’s history and craft beer.

This tour is especially suitable for adults seeking a short, relaxed, and informative activity that offers a different perspective on Edinburgh’s historic streets — a perfect way to taste the city’s underground character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 years or babies under 1 year due to age restrictions.

Can I cancel the booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the underground site wheelchair accessible?
No, the historic nature of The Lost Close means it is not wheelchair accessible.

What beers are included in the tasting?
Participants sample four beers from local breweries such as Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co., and Bellfield Brewery.

Where exactly does the tour meet?
The meeting point is John’s Coffee House & Tavern, located behind Mercat Cross and opposite St. Giles Cathedral, with entrance behind a statue of James Braidwood.

How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts 1 hour, making it a quick yet engaging activity.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby