The Safari Lounge, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh

Has changed hands had a refurb and now serves real ale,"craft keg", a good selection of bottled beers and food. Walking distance to Easter road stadium.

Another Station Bar with no station in sight, since the former Abbeyhill station, which was right next door, closed in 1964. This quaint little bar looks as if it hasn't changed significantly since the last train left. The wood pannelled walls and floor, marroon padded seats and corniced ceiling are all showing considerable signs of wear, but this just adds to the old fashioned ambience. Although not far from the city centre, it's off the usual Edinburgh tourist trail, so the clientele was mostly local and mostly male. McEwan's beers predominate and a pint of 70 Shilling cost me £2.90. A door at the rear leads to the Safari Lounge, but this wasn't open on the Friday night, between 7.00 and 8.00 p.m. when I called in. All in all, it's rather down at heel, but a welcome alternative to the over prettified touristy pubs of the city centre for those who prefer something more traditional.