Pilot Beer is an independent Edinburgh brewery producing modern, flavour-forward beers with a focus on quality and drinkability. Brewing everything in-house at its Leith brewery, Pilot creates an ever-evolving range of pale ales, IPAs, lagers, stouts and seasonal releases using carefully designed recipes and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Brewery story
Pilot Beer was founded in Edinburgh by Matt Johnson and Patrick Jones after the pair met while studying Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in 2011. What began as home brewing in Matt's garage quickly grew into a shared ambition to create beers that stood apart from both traditional British ales and the emerging wave of American-inspired craft beer. Before long, they acquired a second-hand brewhouse, moved into industrial premises in Leith and launched Pilot Beer.
From the very beginning, Pilot has remained proudly independent and hands-on. Brewing, packaging, branding and sales are all managed in-house by a small team with a relentless focus on quality and drinkability. Every recipe is built from the ground up rather than relying on a standard malt bill, allowing each beer to be tailored to the flavour profile the brewery wants to achieve.
Sustainability and inclusivity are central to Pilot's philosophy. The brewery became one of Scotland's first to stop using isinglass finings, ensuring its beers are vegan-friendly while preserving flavour and aroma. Brewing with Scottish-grown malt wherever possible and supporting local communities through its Drinklusion initiative, Pilot continues to produce modern, flavour-forward beers that remain approachable, distinctive and made proudly in Leith.
Sources
Taproom & tours
Vessel is Pilot Beer's bar in Edinburgh city centre, serving Pilot's latest beers alongside guest craft beer, cocktails, wine, coffee and seasonal food from local independent producers. Created as an extension of the brewery, it's a welcoming space to enjoy great drinks and food in the heart of the city.
Brewery tours available
See behind the scenes and discover how the beer is made.
73 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EE
Vessel is Pilot Beer's bar in Edinburgh city centre, serving Pilot's latest beers alongside guest craft beer, cocktails, wine, coffee and seasonal food from local independent producers. Created as an extension of the brewery, it's a welcoming space to enjoy great drinks and food in the heart of the city.
