The Stockbridge Tap, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

A corner pub in posh Stockbridge, possibly not originally a pub it sells a selection of beers from small Scottish breweries notably Swannay although I may have caught the tail end of a tap takeover. V shaped inside with the counter just to the left from the entrance. Seven hand pumps plus a couple of T-bars of craft kegs; all are described on a blackboard adjacent to the counter. It’s traditionally furnished and decorated, there are neat tiles in the entrance then fancy coving, Victorian fire place, honey coloured carved counter and bar back but oddly with a contemporary feel. The furniture is a mix of pews and traditional wooden tables and chairs. Decor is mainly old brewery mirrors, there are some pretty old William Youngers cartoons as well. The side away from the counter is rather plain with some seating and little else. The wide choice of excellent beer makes it a must visit either solo or as part of a crawl around the fruitful area north of the New Town.

Attractive modernised exterior; a theme reflected within the refurbished interior with its light wood furniture and decor (although some old tiling remains). Large windows, so light inside. Irregularly-shaped, with a comfortable rear lounge area. Two welcome stove-type fires. Five of the seven handpumps in operation, with three beers from Stewart Brewing including Zymic (£3.35). Overall, well worth a visit if walking along the Water of Leith pathway or visiting the nearby botanical gardens.

Something of a mix between modern-style wooden floors and tables, plenty of daylight flooding in at the front and a more traditional feel towards the rear. The name might indicate a bias towards the craft-keg, new-micro end of the market but, in fact, the beers offered are all perfectly straightforward: nothing too left field, but nothing too mainstream either on the 7 pumps. Food was, I'd say, traditional 'comfort' food, rather than anything with pretensions towards 'gastro'. If you're visiting the city, you're not likely to stumble across this one but, if you're in the area, or fancy getting out of the centre, the Tap is well worth a few hours of your time.