Kitty O'Shea's Edinburgh, Edinburgh – 42 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Kitty O'Shea's Edinburgh -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 42 user ratings

43B Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Friday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, Kitty O'Shea's is a beloved traditional Irish-style pub that has become a go-to venue for students from the University of Edinburgh. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable drinks, this pub offers a unique experience tucked away in a basement on North Frederick Street. With a combination of pub grub, drink specials, and a lively ambiance, Kitty's is a great spot for students looking to unwind after a long day of classes or kick off a night out with friends.

The atmosphere at Kitty O'Shea's is consistently described as laid-back and friendly. Students frequently mention how it feels like a home away from home, making it an ideal venue for catching up with mates or simply relaxing after a busy week. The vibe is enhanced by the friendly crowd that gathers here, where everyone seems to be there to enjoy themselves. This communal spirit contributes to a lively yet stress-free environment, perfect for those looking to let loose without feeling overwhelmed.

When it comes to music, Kitty O'Shea's does not disappoint. The pub often features a diverse selection of tunes that resonate well with the crowd. Many students appreciate the music selection, noting that it typically aligns with the group’s energy, creating a shared experience that enhances the overall night out. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilled start or a lively end to your evening, the music at Kitty's plays a significant role in setting the right tone.

One of the standout features of Kitty O'Shea's is its affordability. Students rave about the cheap drinks available, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. The value for money is highly rated, with many reviews highlighting how the prices allow for a fun night without breaking the bank. This aspect is particularly appealing to students who are always on the lookout for cost-effective ways to enjoy their nights out.

However, while the venue has many strengths, there are a few caveats to consider. Some students have noted that the queues can be a bit long at times, particularly during peak hours. While the queue rating is relatively positive, it’s worth being prepared for a wait, especially on busier nights. Additionally, while the atmosphere is generally enjoyable, some reviews suggest that it can be hit or miss depending on the crowd present that night. This unpredictability might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a more consistent vibe.

In terms of the entry experience, Kitty O'Shea's is known for being relatively straightforward. There are no excessive barriers to entry, allowing students to flow in without too much hassle. This ease of access is a plus for those looking to start their night without unnecessary delays. Once inside, the charm of the pub quickly takes over, with many students noting that it has a unique character that keeps them coming back for more.

As for who Kitty O'Shea's suits best, it’s ideal for students who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy good music and affordable drinks. Whether you’re looking to kick off your night with friends or simply want a cozy spot to unwind, this venue offers a balanced mix of both. It’s particularly favored by those who enjoy a more chill night out, away from the more intense party scenes found in other venues.

In summary, Kitty O'Shea's Edinburgh is a solid choice for students looking for a fun and affordable night out. With its welcoming atmosphere, good music, and budget-friendly drinks, it captures the essence of what many students seek in a nightlife venue. While it may have some minor drawbacks like longer queues and variable crowd energy, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Students consistently express their satisfaction with their experiences here, making it a staple in the Edinburgh nightlife scene. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Kitty O'Shea's is worth checking out for a night filled with laughter and good company.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for value with affordable drink prices.
  • Laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends.
  • Good music selection that resonates with the crowd.
  • Unique charm that keeps students coming back.
  • Friendly crowd creates a communal vibe.
  • Easy entry experience without excessive queues.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Queues can be long during peak hours.
  • Atmosphere can vary depending on the crowd.
  • Not the most exciting venue for those seeking high-energy nights.
  • Limited food options compared to other pubs.
  • Can get crowded at times, affecting comfort.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed night out with friends at an affordable venue.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Best to arrive early on weekends to avoid long queues.
  • Check for drink specials to get the best value.
  • Music style is diverse, generally appealing to a student crowd.
  • Perfect for pre-drinks that can turn into a full night out.

❓ Common Questions

What is Kitty O'Shea's like?

Kitty O'Shea's is a traditional Irish-style pub known for its laid-back atmosphere, affordable drinks, and good music.

How long is the queue?

Queues can be a bit long during peak hours, but overall the entry experience is straightforward.

Is it good value?

Yes, it is highly rated for value, with many students praising the affordable drink prices.

What music does Kitty O'Shea's play?

The music is generally diverse and well-received, aligning with the crowd's energy.

Is food available?

Food options are limited, focusing mainly on pub grub.

Reviews
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Music was great, vibe was chill. drinks were cheap and the queue was quick which was nice .
By user271293 on Apr 6th 2026
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The place can be a bit of a mixed bag. some nights the vibe is great, with music that really gets everyone moving. drink deals are decent, and the crowd is usually pretty fun. just watch out for the queues, but once you’re in, it’s easy to lose track of time dancing.
By user963706 on Apr 2nd 2026
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Not the most exciting place but it serves its purpose. drinks are cheap and the music isn't bad. queues can be a bit long at times.
By user903786 on Mar 27th 2026
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Chilled start, wild end – exactly how student nights should be!
By user159405 on Mar 24th 2026
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Just what a student night needs, nothing more nothing less. it's got that perfect mix for a good time.
By user915100 on Mar 19th 2026
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Music's usually good and everyone seems to be into the same stuff. it hits different when the crowd’s all in it together.
By user504310 on Mar 16th 2026
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The atmosphere is really laid back which suits me just fine. it’s a good place to unwind with friends.
By user831337 on Mar 11th 2026
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Just has this charm that never goes away. it's one of those spots you keep wanting to come back to.
By user571977 on Mar 9th 2026
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Music was decent and the crowd was cool. didn't feel out of place at all.
By user733465 on Feb 27th 2026
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Never a boring night out, it's hit or miss depending on the crowd
By user201640 on Feb 25th 2026
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Easy to have a good night out without any drama, always delivers when you need it
By user447007 on Feb 24th 2026
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Hit that sweet spot between having a laugh and just chilling out. walked out feeling good, which is what you want
By user804136 on Feb 22nd 2026
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Went on a random night and had a laugh like usual. would go back again
By user826690 on Feb 20th 2026
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The atmosphere is nice and the drinks are pretty decent. little things that make it worth going back.
By user119408 on Feb 19th 2026
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Vibe was top tier — fun from start to finish.
By user110075 on Feb 18th 2026
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Everyone was just there to enjoy themselves. the atmosphere was really lively.
By user452425 on Feb 17th 2026
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Perfect for a laid-back night and catching up with mates. small details like that make a difference.
By user962548 on Feb 16th 2026
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There are plenty of student bars around, but this one just feels better for a night out. it's a solid choice if you're looking to enjoy yourself.
By user249682 on Feb 15th 2026
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Perfect spot for pre’s that turn into an actual night out
By user946546 on Feb 14th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd come back. had a decent time and the atmosphere was alright.
By user348342 on Feb 13th 2026
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Music was class and the energy was electric, really made the night special
By user829411 on Feb 9th 2026
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A good place to start the night and it just flows without any stress. way better than some other spots around.
By user367485 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Definitely one of the best student nights I’ve been to.
By user786082 on Jan 27th 2026
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Cheap drinks and a good atmosphere make it hard to beat this place
By user909791 on Jan 22nd 2026
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The type of place that instantly puts you in a good mood.
By user174746 on Jan 18th 2026
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Nice place to grab a drink or coffee and just hang out. that's all you really want.
By user434229 on Jan 15th 2026
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It's all about having a laugh here, no one takes things too seriously. perfect for just letting loose and enjoying the night.
By user861641 on Jan 11th 2026
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Found the perfect spot for student nights, it really captures the whole experience. always something happening and loads of people to meet.
By user735192 on Jan 7th 2026
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Stumbled in and ended up having one of the better nights this term. would go back for sure
By user425768 on Jan 3rd 2026
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The people here are friendly and it feels like everyone’s just having a good time together. makes the whole experience way better.
By user368750 on Dec 30th 2025
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Had a good time with friends here, staff were chill and the atmosphere was cool. didn't have any issues while we were out.
By user788908 on Dec 26th 2025
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Not too crowded, just the right amount of people hanging about.
By user691569 on Dec 21st 2025
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Really good fun and safe too, no worries at all.
By user638071 on Dec 17th 2025
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Place hits the spot after a long week. it's got a relaxed energy that makes it easy to unwind.
By user340892 on Dec 13th 2025
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Ideal spot for a night out, just the right balance between lively and laid-back
By user896240 on Dec 6th 2025
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Music's usually good but the place can get a bit packed. not a huge deal though.
By user415912 on Dec 2nd 2025
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The atmosphere is always relaxed and carefree, which makes hanging out there a good time. that's what you want in a bar.
By user851155 on Nov 28th 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user995673 on Nov 24th 2025
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Sound bar staff and good crowd make it a 10/10 night.
By user103684 on Nov 18th 2025
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Atmosphere was way more laid-back than i thought it’d be. drinks were decent too, which is a plus.
By user759951 on Nov 11th 2025
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Exactly what you want for a night out – fun, easy and affordable.
By user666770 on Nov 4th 2025
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Chilled start, wild end – exactly how student nights should be!
By user323079 on Oct 29th 2025