Edinburgh

This is a vibrant and happening city. There is far too much to encompass here, so I'll keep it brief. There are any number of hotels and guest houses, most of which are booked up during the Festival, so if you're coming up in August, BOOK IN ADVANCE.

I'll just give you a scattering of suggestions here, plus pubs and restaurants that I know and like in Auld Reekie.

Just as I favour Newcastle's Quayside, so the water-bias crops up in Edinburgh.The Shore area of Leith is a fine and lively spot, and there are plenty of reasonably priced places to stay around Leith Links (the original home of golf). It's one of the trendiest areas in the city, but with a decidedly rough edge.

Having said that Stockbridge, on the edge of New Town, has lots to offer. Here is but a brief selection.

PUBS

Malt & Hops

, 45 The Shore, Leith, EH6. Friendly, cosy real ale bar. Large selection of guest ales and wide range of malt whiskies. Lunches served Mon-Fri 12-2. Seating outside.

Carrier's Quarters

, 42 Bernard St, EH6. Just 100m from the Malt & Hops, this ancient pub, with its tiny bar, is friendly and welcoming, though it can get boisterous.

Kays Bar

, 39 Jamaica St, EH3. On the edge of New Town, this excellent bijou establishment serves some of the best ales in Scotland. Lots to choose from. Robust and affordable lunches.

The Baillie

, 2-4 St Stephen St, EH3. Round the corner from Kays, in108 Scotland the heart of Stockbridge. This is one of Edinburgh's finest drinking establishments, dark and subterranean, exotic and eclectic collection of locals. T: +44 (0) 131 225 4673.

Bow Bar

, 80 West Bow, Old Town (off the Grassmarket). This is a one-room bar with old pictures and an antique feel. Good range of real ale and single malt whiskies. It's next door to the parliament's long-term temporary home.

Cumberland Bar

, 1-3 Cumberland St, New Town. Warm wood panelling. In the heart of smart Edinburgh. Serves food, with vegetarian options.

Oxford Bar

, 8 Young St, (New Town near Charlotte Sq). This place features in Ian Rankin's books, as it does in his life - this is his local. Popular with writers and poets. Good old fashioned boozer with Victorian parlour.

The Village

, 16 South Fort Street, Edinburgh EH6, T: 0131 478 7810 The Bar is a unique fusion of modern and traditional decor, containing a listed gantry, soft seating, and very friendly staff. Free newspapers and delicious home-cooked food. The lounge bar doubles as a small art gallery, also playing host to a wide range of diverse theme nights, from live music to tarot reading.

Holyrood Tavern

, 9a Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8, T: +44 (0) 131 556 5044. Edinburgh's best kept secret. Real ale in a friendly atmosphere.

Abbotsford

, Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PR, T: 0131 225 5276. Magnificent island bar and gantry. Traditional Scottish pub with ornate plaster work and decor. Four guest beers from Scottish micro-breweries.

Bennets Bar

, 1 Maxwell Street, Morningside, T: 0131 447 1903. Busy and atmospheric pub close to the city centre yet on the edge of gentle Morningside. Lots of Edwardiana plus four guest ales.

ACCOMMODATION

For last minute deals and late booking offers: www.edinburgh.org,. or book accommodation on-line at: www.visitscotland.com or call 0845 2255 121. There are hundreds of good B&Bs in and around Edinburgh. I have chosen just a handful to get you started.




Accommodation
Heatherlea, 13 Mayfield Gardens, EH9 2AX


Owner is a keen
cyclist. Friendly service in pleasant surroundings near
the foot of Arthur's Seat.

Run by: Alastair & Amalia Hutchison


T/F  0131 667 3958
E  al@heatherlea-guesthouse.co.uk
W  www.heatherlea-guesthouse.co.uk

Rooms  10 - 2 single, 3 dbl, 3 twin, 2 family
B&B  From £22
 


Hermitage Guest House, 16 East Hermitage Place, Leith Links, EH6 8AB

Near Port of Leith in a very lively and happening part of the city. There's a secure lock-up and a splendid breakfast. The owner, Dr Ming, is Edinburgh's top Chinese doctor, so if you need any acupuncture or herbal remedies her practice is on your doorstep.

Run by: David Gidney

Email  mingchen@chinamedic.co.uk
Tel  0131 555 4868

Rooms  2S, 1T, 3D or S, 1F
B&B  from £40
Packed Lunch  ??
 


Heriott Park, 256 Ferry Road, EH5 3AN


Friendly, large guest
house just over 2km from centre, near Botanic
Garden. Ideal for groups.

Run by: Stuart Thom


Email  rooms@heriottpark.co.uk
Tel  0131 552 3456
Web  ??

Rooms  16 of all shapes and sizes, flexible combinations
B&B  from £30-£50
Packed lunch  ??
Evening meal  ??
Distance from pub  ??
VisitBritain rating  ??
 




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