Jolly Judge, Edinburgh

Place to come if you are on the Top of the Royal Mile. Slightly hidden from view, appealing to a different type of pub goer. Its tiny, so space is limited. The beers are great quality and value and they provide tasters if you need help selecting from unknown local brewers. One of my favourites in a great city. Last visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2ungLwQ

Subterranean cellar bar. Long narrow room with exposed beams and floorboards which have had tropical fruits drawn on them (why?). Collection of banknotes on the bar ceiling. Quite a characterful and comfortable pub though more modern in places than might be expected (refurb in 2008 apparently?). Four pumps with three on; Clock Red Ale (very good nick), Swannay Yardstock (good) and Talleach Hector Inverness (excellent). Token cider, Westons. Football on the TV, unexpected. Had a punt on a hot toddy but it was pretty poorly made. Edinburgh tick-box was the American tourist wanting to make conversation, to be fair he was a decent sort. Overall, not bad and it’s on-par with the Halfway House based on my visit to both; in fact I think I preferred here, just.