Spoilers: it’s not the Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Mile, but it might just be the city’s best hidden gem. It’s Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
And before you say you’re not looking to just go into a shop, this isn’t a whisky cellar for granddads and die-hard scotch fans - it’s an immersive experience. And for those of you about to say you’re not a whisky person, you should know that a few of us weren’t and by the end of the day, the skeptics were rethinking things…
Your visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street begins with an immersive tour, which personalises your entire experience. To start, you take a flavour quiz that gives you a custom wristband. Throughout your tour, the lovely bartenders will mix you three cocktails tailored to your taste. This is what made me change my mind on whisky - I went from not being a whisky person, to realising that maybe I just hadn’t tried the right one?
From there, you get a full guided tour by a whisky expert who actually knows what they’re talking about. And if you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at bartending, have a go at the hands-on garnishing session in the Grocers Sensorium Room.
What took us by surprise the most was that this tour includes a full theatrical performance, where actors tell the Johnnie Walker brand story. Prepare for jazz hands!
There are a couple of fun sensory surprises to try out, too, like popping a whisky-flavoured bubble. So if you like an activity, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
If you get to this point of your visit and you’re still feeling nosy, head under the buzz of the building to the hidden underground cellar. That’s where some of the rare whiskies are quietly aging beneath Princes Street.
This next bit might be our favourite part: the 1820 Rooftop Bar. It’s gotta be one of the best spots in the city for a drink, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. If you grab a table during golden hour, prepare to be wowed. The menu has something for everyone: cocktails including non-alcoholic options, wine, beer, and delicious small plates.
There’s even an exclusive bottle-your-own whisky station, which lets you fill and engrave a bottle of whisky that you quite literally cannot get anywhere else. Perfect for a gift, or - let’s be honest - yourself.
One of our favourite details at Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the restored ‘Binns clock’ outside the building, which is where blind dates used to meet when the building was previously a department store. How cute!
Johnnie Walker Princes Street isn’t just a whisky shop or a bar. It’s a bar, theatre, sensory playground, and a must-see on your next trip to Edinburgh.
18+ Please Drink Responsibly. Do not forward to anyone under the legal drinking age of alcohol
Thomas Thorn