The Standing Order (JD Wetherspoon), Edinburgh

As described by others a very impressive neoclassical interior sympathetically converted by Wetherspoons. The old banking hall is in a Robert Adam style with pink granite Corinthian columns, coffered and gilded ceiling and etched glass in the skylights and side windows. In addition there are two side rooms, The Thomas Telford Suite and the Robert Louis Stevenson Suite, which is actually at the front. The counter zig zags along one side wall and carries three sets of six pulls, I saw only two from the "coming soon" brewery and the less exciting beers were on the last set of pulls furthest from the door. I had no trouble getting served but then it was 9am but sadly for that time of day the choice of lower ABV beers was restricted. The staff were great but then they often are when they're not overstretched, the beer quality was good too, well worth a visit there is also apparently a back entrance in pub and bar filled Rose St.

On the busy, bustling George Street, this vast Wetherspoons pub is a really impressive example of a bank conversion. The main bar area is located in the left hand side of the building, with the servery running most of the way down the left hand wall. This room boasts an amazing high ceiling, with intricate colourful decorations and some beautiful curved glass skylights. The decorative touches manifest themselves throughout the room, with something eye-catching in just about every direction you care to look. Stout marble pillars add to the grandeur and it’s only when your eyes eventually lower to seating level that you start to realise that you’re in a Wetherspoons. There are plenty of seating options, as you would expect, including in several partitioned rooms off the main bar area, which sadly I didn’t have the time to properly explore. Visiting on a scorching summer’s morning, I was somewhat surprised to find the place already packed, including several large stag/hen party groups. The skylights had the unfortunate effect of creating greenhouse-like conditions which forced us to take our drinks out to the front steps, where a few pavement tables can be found. There is rear access to the pub as well, although I’m not sure if additional outdoor seating can be found on that side. I counted between 15-18 hand pumps, most of which were taken up with ciders from the ongoing festival, but there were a few interesting ales available alongside the usual ‘Spoons suspects. I tried an excellent pint of Roosters IPA, which slipped down very easily for a 5% ale. Our enjoyment of this pub was spoilt slightly by the unbearable heat, but I appreciate that Edinburgh doesn’t always hit such baking hot temperatures, and all things considered, this is a worthwhile place to visit. I’d certainly like to try it again to soak up the interior a bit more and as with most ‘Spoons, it seems like a fairly good bet for an interesting and well kept pint.

Of the 2 JDW's on George Street this one has the best beer choice, sadly it's often difficult to get any. On our latest visit it was absolutely packed with shoppers and pensioners enjoying the afternoon specials. We did eventually get served, but there was no chance of a seat. It's a great looking building and it's worth calling in for one to have a look around. However there are so many good pubs in Edinburgh I've never stopped for more than one in here.

This large Wetherspoons was formerly a branch of the now defunct Union Bank of Scotland, hence the banking related name. The building was originally built in the 1870’s and is Grade A listed. The main bar is housed in the cavernous old banking hall and is quite a spectacular sight with its high ornate ceiling, elaborate cornices and glazing. The bar counter stretches the entire length of one side whilst the opposite side has a raised drinking area. In between is largely standing room only and, despite its size, it does get quite squeezed at peak times. There are multiple TV’s (showing Sky Sports when I was there) and also a central Big Screen. At the front of the building and off to one side are a few smaller rooms each with patterned windows, brass chandeliers, portraits and each having there own little bit of individual character. The food and drink go with the territory although there was a better than normal selection of ales across the 3 banks of 6 hand pumps and on my visit it was pleasing to see no “Available Soon” clips although some of the pumps were doubled up. If you can a) remove any inhibitions you may have about ‘Spoons regular negative aspects b) get a table and c) get served, then you’ll find the Standing Order is probably as good a ‘Spoons as you’re likely to find anywhere.