Cask and Barrel (Southside), Newington, Edinburgh

Well refurbished alehouse following the style of their other bar on Broughton Street. The walls are full of brewery mirrors and other breweriana. Lots of varied, good quality seating and tables. There's a large horseshoe shaped bar serving a variety of Scottish cask ales, plus the odd visitor from down south. We visited on a midweek lunchtime when it was very quiet, but I suspect it gets busy later on. My pint was very well kept and the pub is deservedly in the GBG2012. It's a bit of a walk out of town, but it's worth it, especially if you visit the nearby Dagda Bar as well. A very pleasant, tourist free pub (apart from us of course, but as I used to be a local....).

A large, modernised pub which attempts to achieve an olde worlde look but, at the moment, just looks too new to be successful. There is a good selection of beers, including real ales and the bar is exceptionally clean and tidy. I think it would benefit, though, from having a rather more "lived-in" look.

The Junction Bar has been renamed Cask and Barrel (Southside) & is due to open soon. At least 4 handpumps.