The Paraffin Lamp, Livingston

As what looks like the oldest drinking place within the New Town’s Almondvale Shopping Centre, I found this considerably more congenial than the nearby alternatives. With lots of wood, low level lighting, seventies music, mostly middle aged customers and no children, it has a proper pub atmosphere, unlike the modern chain pub bar/diners elsewhere in the complex. It’s at the wrong end for the bus station, unfortunately, and after the Centre closes for the evening, at about 7.30 p.m., you have to walk around the outside to get back there. Nevertheless, this is definitely my favourite pub in Livingston Town Centre.