Great pub and place to stay, with events every night – it’s a treat for visitors on a budget to Edinburgh

For many years those in the know visiting Edinburgh have headed to Grassmarket. This cobbled square in the heart of the Old Town is a prime location, just a five or 10 minute walk from great pubs, places to eat, museums, Holyrood, shops and transport links including Waverley Station.

Just off the Royal Mile it is overlooked by the city’s famous Castle and, being close to The University of Edinburgh is a favourite among students and tourists, young and old, from all over the globe.

It’s no surprise then that for the past 20 years budget-friendly hostels here have thrived alongside the hotels and apartments for those visiting the capital for leisure, a gig, to see friends at uni, for a short break or for solo travel.

Kick Ass Hostels runs two modern hostels at either end of Grassmarket – the Grassmarket one across from the Castle and Greyfriars Hostel, at the opposite end of the square, with a third due to reopen soon.

Whilst the Grassmarket Hostel boasts accommodation and communal areas, including a café and a chill-out area with a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle, it is the Greyfriars Hostel bar which is the ideal spot to enjoy a budget-friendly meal and a variety of new drinks from their new summer menu, from matcha, to iced lattes, to Dubai style iced chocolate, to cocktails, there’s an option for everyone. Here you can also sign up for events including pub quizzes, whisky tastings, bar crawls and karaoke. The bar offers a great night out and the chance to meet other like-minded people, plus they offer a student discount.

Here are the friends you’ve yet to meet! The bar, open every day, seven days a week, occupies an enviable spot with a direct view of the Castle from the beer garden and has a popular pool table. You don’t have to be a resident to enjoy the bar and all it offers – everyone is welcome.

Events all week

With big TVs you need never miss a major sporting event – and it goes without saying that with Scotland in the World Cup, they’ll be going all out for football fever this summer with themed nights planned already – expect flags, balloons and a great night out – even if you can’t guarantee the result you want.

The events kick off at 8pm daily and include:

· Pub crawl of six bars* – Every day except Wednesdays and Sundays

· Whisky Tasting – Learn your malts with this six-dram tutored tasting every Tuesday night

· Quiz Night – Everyone loves a pub quiz and this free event is every Wednesday – and if you win your team will get a tab at the bar.

· Karaoke – Sing your heart out to your favourite tune every Sunday

Events are bookable through the hostels or via the website.

Budget-friendly food and drink

The price of a pint here should be a pleasant surprise, even to a Yorkshireman or woman, and with food from £5 upwards you can grab a light bite such as fries or mozzarella sticks or something more substantial such as fish and chips or their infamous “Kick Ass burger”.

The Kick Ass bar at Greyfriars can be accessed via the hostel itself, or through its own entrance. Italians have long been drawn to this city and made it their home and this summer the beer garden will host a daily live cooking show from an authentic Neapolitan chef, so you can learn true Italian cuisine here in Scotland’s capital city.

Holiday the hostel way

The hostels offer private accommodation or shared rooms –whether it’s bunks for four or a room for 30! They also have pods for those who don’t want to sacrifice privacy for budget. They come equipped with their own door, colour changing LED lights, sockets and shelves to charge phones, as well as code protected lockers and a generous space for luggage and hanging clothes. Bunk rooms also have places to safely lock up your belongings – for these you can bring your own lock or purchase one at reception.

But the beauty of these great-value stays is in meeting other people. Popular with the 18-30 age bracket they are welcoming to everyone and all ages. Communal areas, including the bar, and chill out zone (accessed via a spiral staircase) offer comfy sofas and board games, or a quieter space for digital nomads to get to work, publish their posts or catch up with socials and friends online.

Find out more about the hostels, the bar and events by visiting the website here

*#BeDrinkAware