The Sports Bar, Leith, Edinburgh

This place was refurbished, with old signage for "Charles Campbell", "Established 1840" and "Caledonian Bar" either discovered or faked. (Portland Street used to be called Caledonian Street.) A premises licence for The Caledonian Inn, 24 Portland Place was obtained in April 2119, but I can't find any information online about it actually operating as a bar. It looks very smart, with pictures backing the window panes on the front, including Humphrey Bogart (as Sam Spade in the Maltese Falcon).

A tricky one this, first impressions were very good, a real old fashioned country pub feel in the front bar, wooden floor, old benches with leather backs, a group of regulars chatting away at the bar, the fire was burning (although not really necessary on the day). The walls are literally covered with large stuffed fish in glass cases, there is a bookshelf of reference material, and a dartboard in the corner, although how this could be safely used in such a small room is another question. To complete the picture a dog slept in a basket under the bench. Beers on were Brakspears Best and Oxford Gold, Hook Norton Hooky Dark, and Wychwood Bountiful. I went for the OG, which was a jaw dropping £3.40, and in very mediocre condition. On looking around most locals were not drinking real ale, so to serve four perhaps isn't a good idea? Behind the front bar there is a larger room, set out rather clinically with rows of tables set for eating, this area has none of the rustic charm of the front room. Many have commented on the standard of the food but I did not try it so no judgement on that. The large rear garden has nice views and also contains a beehive. I'm still unsure about my overall opinion, the location is nice, the front bar is like something off The Archers, but the rear room was not in keeping and the beer was not great and over priced. Given the location. appearance and history I should like The Flowerpot, but there is a certain something lacking. Worthy of a stop regardless and a good refuelling point for me on my Thames Path walk.

The Sports Bar lost its licence for 4 months at a licencing court hearing on 26 January 2010. After an appeal to the Sheriff Court the Sports Bar had its licence reinstated on 15 February 2010.