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.

a narrow wee cellar bar in an ancient high rise off the High St. Three pulls with two Scottish micros and a cider. Exposed beam ceiling with painted flowers and decorated with bank notes, the carpet is tartan and the seating leatherette benches with accompanying Britannia tables. A fairly pleasant bar with an excellent range of malts and a knowledgeable landlord.

Located just off the royal mile tucked away down a close. 3 real ales and food served.

This bar is now on the up. They've had the upstairs toilets refurbished thankfully and they're now very smart. It's still very touristy, but there are quite a few regulars in the bar now. The quality of the cask ale was much better than on previous visits and the barman was chatty & friendly. The other half still loves the place, hence the visit again, but if it carries on like this I won't complain about having to come here. Keep it going guys.