Best Drinks Reception Venues for Hire in Historic Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s best venues

From the top of the Scott Monument to the bottom of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s abundance of venues and stunning historical buildings means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a location for your drinks reception.

With its picturesque historic buildings, stunning architecture and quaint cobbled streets and alleyways, the capital of Scotland is a great place to host drinks receptions.

Our guide to Edinburgh's top drinks reception venues is bound to have you raising a glass in celebration.

What to think about before you book a venue

The best way to determine your drinks reception requirements and preferences is to write out a complete list of what you want and don't want for your event. To not get too overwhelmed in your venue search, we recommend you know beforehand what type of venue you want, what amenities are important at your drinks reception, and how many guests you're inviting.

Once you've figured out exactly what you want, it's time to start looking for venues that fit those needs. A few things to consider when searching for the perfect venue are the size of the venue, the location of the venue, and the price range of the venue. When looking at venues, consider if they can be flexible with their prices as well as their capacity. Some venues may not have a fixed price per head but instead, charge a setup fee or even a flat fee for the whole room. The best way to find a suitable venue is to speak with them directly and ask if they have any deals going on or if they can give you any discounts.

Another thing to look out for when booking a drinks reception venue is whether or not they have catering available on-site or whether you can bring in outside caterers. If having food on-site is important to you, then make sure that your venue can offer you that. 

Our top 3 venues in Edinburgh for drinks receptions

The Cocktail Mafia: With a focus on bespoke, seasonal cocktails, The Cocktail Mafia is an excellent choice for an intimate drinks reception. Their private function room is available on weekdays and can accommodate up to 40 guests.

Season Quayside: This is a flexible space serving up not only delicious food but also amazing cocktails. It's perfect for entertaining clients, friends, and family in a vibrant and relaxed environment. The restaurant prides itself on the quality of our food and drinks. The menu has been carefully crafted to offer dishes that are tasty, innovative, and freshly prepared. 

No.32: No.32 is a hotel and bar with a luxurious yet intimate feel to it, so if you're looking for a drinks reception venue in Edinburgh, this is a good place to start. The bar itself has an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, with a comfortable, homely feel. It's the perfect venue for all occasions – from cocktails and canapés to champagne receptions. Whether you want to add some extra sparkle to your event with our themed or seasonal drinks packages or want a private dining experience, the friendly front of house team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and make sure your guests leave feeling like they've had an unforgettable time.

How to book a venue in Edinburgh

It’s easy to book the perfect venue for your next drinks reception. Start by simply browsing through Edinburgh venues and getting inspired by all the great options available. Then you can start creating your own shortlist with the heart icon on each venue. Later on, you can head over to your shortlist to send out all your enquiries at the same time, that way you’ll see who’s got the best option for you. All set!

More venue options

If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. You can reach out to our concierge service, free of charge. We’ll help you find the perfect venue for your event and can even make sure you have catering and entertainment options available. You can also browse some other event types like birthday parties and meeting rooms and why not have a look at spaces in Glasgow too?