The Artisan Bar, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh

An end of terrace building, with the entrance through a choice of two doors in the gable end. The island bar is centrally placed and looks particularly lovely on a sunny day like the one I was enjoying last Friday, the windows letting in plenty of light and showing off the features. I received a pleasant welcome from the lad behind the bar. Three hand pumps on the end of the counter facing the entrances displayed beers from Stewart Brewing, Fyne Ales and Ossett. I didn't come to Scotland to drink beers brewed in Yorkshire, so I had a half of each of the other two: Citra Pale and Avalanche respectively, both 4.5% hop forward pales. A bit of a samey offering, especially when considering that Ossett beers are nearly all hop forward pales too, and I know that Excelcius is even stronger at 5.2%. Both were in very good condition (NBSS 3.5, £4.60 for the two halves). This is a lovely pub to sit in for half an hour, and I could see that regulars were calling in or leaving from time to time, with greetings and farewells as appropriate, so it looks like a well used community facility.