From Rome to Edinburgh - an eating and drinking guide to the 2026 Six Nations
The 2026 Six Nations kicks off on 7 February, when Scotland take on Italy in Rome. If you’re travelling to support the team or enjoying watching the action at home, Rosalind Erskine takes a look at some of the best places to enjoy a few drinks and some great food.
It’s one of the highlights of the rugby calendar and always a fun five weeks of action. Scotland have yet to win the Six Nations (we will always be Five Nations champions) but we’ll never give up hope, or the willingness to spend a cold February afternoon in the warmth of a pub cheering on the team.
If you’re following the guys to Rome, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, here are some of the best places to visit for food and drinks - whether it’s a pre-match refreshment or a cosy pub to take in the game - we’ve got you covered.
Saturday 7 February - Italy v Scotland, Rome
If you’re travelling to the Eternal City to see the first game of the 2026 Six Nations and (hopefully) witness Scotland triumph over Italy once again (let’s not remember the 2024 game here) then you’ll probably want to grab a bite to eat and a few drinks before the afternoon kick off.
You’ve just landed in Rome and want a pizza, cold glass of beer or Italian wine before the game but where do you go? There are so many options available, but one of the best and most popular pizzerias is Bonci Pizzarium, which does pizza by the slice. It’s tiny, and busy, but well worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere. It also sells local beers and wines at decent prices.
Closer to Rome's Stadio Olimpico is Pizzeria Ai Marmi, which serves traditional Roman-style thin and crispy pizza.
If you’re in Rome but not watching the game at the stadium, or want to grab a pint in a pub that feels like home, head to The Highlander which also serves up a Scottish afternoon tea that includes a Haggis pizzetta.
Saturday 14 February - Scotland v England, Edinburgh
Here’s hoping it is a lovely Valentine’s day return for the Calcutta Cup to Edinburgh, as Scotland take on the auld enemy once again. Our historic winning streak was sadly broken in a tense, and very close match last year. I won’t be alone in hoping Finn’s kicking game is in better form…
If you’re heading to Murrayfield, there are plenty of pubs on route to grab a pint or two to settle the nerves. One of the best, though a bit more out of the way, is Diggers / Athletic Arms. Grab an award-winning (and very budget-friendly) pie for sustenance before the walk over to victory.
For something a bit different, head from Haymarket to Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 rooftop bar. Serving small plates and very good cocktails, you can soak up the view of the castle before heading to Murrayfield for the 4.40pm kick off.
If you’re watching the game from a pub, the Three Sisters in the Cowgate is a popular location. This Old Town institution will be open for every game of the tournament, and have a dedicated fanzone with four different spaces and more than 30 screens throughout the venue. The pub has a 225 inch screen in the courtyard, and three huge projector screens to watch the games in the Live room.
Malones is another pub to visit for a Six Nations fanzone and has a huge selection of draught beer plus live music, food by Pizza Geeks and takeaway pints for home games. Inside the Irish bar, fans can catch every dramatic pass, kick and try as the six nations battle it out for the title. With 4K Ultra HD screens on every wall, the Six Nations Fan Zone at Malones will be a place fans can immerse themselves in the action.
Saturday 21 February - Wales v Scotland, Cardiff
We’ll be hoping to keep hold of The Doddie Weir Cup for the historic fourth year in a row when Scotland take on Wales in the Principality Stadium. Kick off is 4.40pm so there will be plenty of time for food and drinks before heading to the game or settling down to watch from a bar.
The City Arms on Quay Street is known as a ‘beer lover’s paradise’ and is close to the Principality Stadium meaning the atmosphere is always electrifying.
For a spot of good Welsh fayre, the Welsh House is a well regarded restaurant and bar serving up hearty dishes inspired by traditional Welsh recipes using local ingredients. They also have a dedicated Six Nations menu and a good selection of Welsh drinks including Wrexham Lager.
For Welsh cakes, head to Bake Stones in the central market, which is one of the more popular choices for this traditional treat.
Saturday 7 March - Scotland v France, Edinburgh
We’re back at home after the week’s break and Scotland will be taking on the mighty France at Murrayfield. With a 2.10pm kick off, grab a quick pre-game drink at Ryrie’s which is right on the doorstep of Haymarket Station The charming bar is a popular haunt for travelling rugby fans due to its wonderful selection of ales and warm, bustling atmosphere. Fitted out with several TV screens, fans can enjoy the rest of the rugby action before, or after, a trip to Murrayfield.
If you’re not going to the game, head to Brewhemia on Market Street where you can enjoy all the action on three big screens with tank fresh pints in the Beer Palace, which is also bookable for food as well.
14 March - Ireland v Scotland, Dublin
Scotland take on Ireland over the St Patrick’s weekend, which is more than enough of an excuse to visit Dublin.
If you’ve got tickets to the Aviva Stadium and are looking for a breakfast or brunch before the final Scotland match of this campaign, then head to Searsons on Baggot Street. This large pub has plenty of seats and TVs for watching the game as well as screens outside in the beer garden. It also serves great pub grub, including a full Irish breakfast as well as burgers and chicken wings. The Aviva is about a 15 minute walk away so there’s a great atmosphere whether you’re attending the game or not.
Another great pub for some of the best atmosphere on game day is The Bath on Bath Avenue. It’s so close to the Aviva you’ll be able to hear the crowd roar (when Scotland score obviously). There’s large screen TVs and a brilliant buzz pre and post match.
Guinness is a must, and of course it tastes better here. Head to John Kavanagh's (The Gravediggers), Bowe's, and Mulligan's, which are some of the best places for a pint or why not visit the home of Guinness, The Guinness Storehouse, for a look at its history and a pint in The Gravity Bar?
If you want to get off the beaten track and savour a 'real' Irish bar, you cannot go wrong with Walsh's in Stoneybatter, walking distance from the city centre.
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