Burke & Hare, Edinburgh

The only comment I can make is that there is something deliciously appropriate that Burke & Hare give their names to an establishment in which the main focus and purpose is staring a bits on naked flesh. On top of that I cannot add as I took one step inside and promptly walked straight out again on my way to the Blue Blazer. If it’s a real ale pub you are after, don’t make the same mistake. If you are into studying human anatomy as closely as Doctor Robert Knox, then this may be the place for you.

The seediest of the 3 bars in Edinburgh's "pubic triangle", Burke and Hare provides an opportunity to watch minimally-clad young ladies as they cavort around a stainless steel pole to the beat of rather dull music. Observers are invited to contribute small amounts of cash for this pleasure, but it's not compulsory. The bar is gloomy, sterile and not a particularly friendly place, certainly not as welcoming as other, similar establishments nearby, but it does serve a purpose for some people. The building is a fine old triangular house on a corner and was probably quite grand at one time. There is no real ale on offer, and the megakeg which is on offer is served in plastic glasses. It is what it is, no more and no less, and although there are worse places in Edinburgh and it's fine for a bit of male bonding, I wouldn't personally include it in a crawl.