Ballie Ballerson, Lauriston, Edinburgh

extremely large pub on two levels.very student orientated apart from the prices.decent enough with a huge screen for watching the sports or playing on the pub wii

Changed name from Bar Oz to Fat Cow

Somewhat overshadowed by its two better known neigbouring brewpubs, the Boars Head is still worth a look for its historic value even if the beers are a bit on the mundane side. Licenced since 1642, the pub would apparently have been a vicitim of the Civil War had it not been a favourite watering hole of the Kings Troops. The main bar features a huge inglenook fireplace containing a wood burning stove that was the place to be in front of on the night we called. Somewhere in the chimney is a priest hole which probably wasn’t the place to be on the night we called. There are plenty of exposed stone walls and low bulging beamed ceilings (as I found out to my cost) to remind you of its age and yet it does have a more contemporary feel although some of the décor doesn’t really fit, especially the textured walls in the round dining area to the rear. Behind the large fireplace is a smaller cosy living room style bar with sofa and its own open fire. A separate games room runs off to one side with pool table, darts and TV. From a southerner’s perspective, the 3 ales were weak by way of selection – Bombardier, Spitfire and Adnams, although quality was decent enough. Beer tourists will undoubtedly hit town for the Six Bells & Three Tuns but may wish to consider a quick pint in the Boars Head as a half way point between the two.

Scottish & Newcastle Bar Oz is new called the fat COW pub [admin note: updated name 11/12/09]