The Abbotsford, Edinburgh

Another unassuming pub from the outside which reveals a gorgeous interior. Again, its the ceiling and the island bar that make this special. Decent local ales. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2rTWydn

My favourite among the half dozen pubs planned as a small trip with my daughter - when the Thistle Street proved to have no real ale, I suggested coming back here for a second visit, whereupon we were greeted by one of the barmen as regulars. "It's always nice to see returning faces," he said. The bar is one of several outstanding island bars in this part of town, and the ornate ceiling is eye-catching too. On the bar is an offering of several real ales, mostly on the old Scottish system, with just one hand pump. We went for the Alechemy Ten Storey Malt Bomb, a modern 80/-. It's pleasant to get a chance to taste a beer that's based on malt rather than just hops, as the modern fashion seems to be. Luckily it was still on when we returned two hours later.