The Royal Oak, Edinburgh

A basic, no frills boozer just a short stroll away from the Royal Mile, but figuratively a mile away from the more touristy pubs that are to be found there. First impressions weren’t great, having to pass through a gaggle of smokers in the doorway to get in, and the barman barely acknowledging me when I did. In fact he didn’t even bother to get off his stool until I’d actually ordered my drink. It’s quite small internally and pretty basic in terms of decor, having remained unchanged for years I’m sure. There were old wooden boards on the floor with wooden panelling on the lower part of the walls in the most part, although also some very deep red wallpaper. Above this was more wallpaper that had been painted cream, and there were some polystyrene like tiles on the ceiling. Fitted wooden bench seating was in one corner, which due to the diminutive size of the pub covered the best part of two walls. A small old fireplace was off to one side, although this was not in use on my visit. A number of old guitar cases were on a ledge at the front of the pub, and there was an actual guitar affixed to the wall behind the bar. A few old watercolours of battle scenes were on the walls. Beers on tap were Orkney Dragonhead, Fyne Ales Jarl and Stewart’s Edinburgh Gold. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately. Overall, I didn’t really warm to this place. If you like your pubs traditional and unspoilt (as I do, but there’s a fine line between that and just a bit too basic) you might find something here, but the disinterested attitude and the appalling cider selection means it’s not somewhere that I’m likely to return to.

an excellent single roomed bar serving a few real ales. An incredibly convivial place tonight with a singer doing traditional Irish folk songs. Brilliant authentic place in central Edinburgh.

Located just down from the National Museum of Scotland and a short walk from the Festival Theatre. A small bar area at street level with a lounge bar downstairs (shut during my visit). 3 real ales. Live music advertised.