The Lioness of Leith

This Leith hipster favourite is one of the best in the city for drink, burgers and socialising.

The 2019 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Anyone who knows the bars of Leith knows the Lioness, a popular and versatile outpost in easy reach of Leith Walk, the Shore and Leith Links. On a weekend night, the place is packed – a good range of craft beers and spirits, decent wine selection and impressive cocktail list draws customers with a wide range of tastes. While the beautiful interior – a bright, open corner space which mixes original pub features with quirky decorations like arcade games and pinball machines – is enough to inspire a visit on its own, the recently upgraded food menu has also placed the Lioness among the best in the area. Classic fish and chips, nachos or veggie/non-veggie breakfasts aside, the place is yet another beer and burger joint, but what burgers they are. Choose from towering pieces of beef steak from Findlay’s, free-range chicken breast and four vegetarian options – for example, panko-crumbed mushroom or Cajun bean and halloumi – with toppings including chilli and cheddar, kimchi and wasabi, and onion rings and barbecue sauce. From the rich, cheese-smothered macaroni side to the revelatory halloumi chips, this is first-rate contemporary pub food.