Whistle Binkies, Edinburgh

Bar and live music venue serving 3 real ales.

A late night bar located in a basement just off the Royal Mile, known among my associates as "The 3AM Bar". Entered either through a steep stairway from South Bridge or through a more conventional door down the hill, it consists of three drinking areas and a stage for bands. The last band I saw here was pretty dire, although you do get the odd gem. Live music is a regular feature. Staff are usually helpful and friendly, while the clientele is certainly eclectic - just about anyone who fancies a drink after 11pm. It went through a phase of charging entry, but that seems to have stopped now. There's usually one ale on - this time it was Red Cuillin, a decent pint and just what's needed at that time of night. Probably not worth including in a crawl during normal hours but I am always happy to pop in for that last pint before bedtime.