The Captains Bar, Edinburgh

A small and cosy bar just a short stroll from the Royal Mile, live music seems to be something of a focus here and a (very) small stage area at the rear was put to good use while I was there. Interestingly there was a table and a couple of chairs here so it initially looked like just part of the pub, although there was also a guitar lent against the wall. Then a couple of guys who had been drinking at the bar sat down, one playing the guitar and the singing and the other playing a mouth organ. Whether they were just punters who took advantage of the opportunity or professional musicians I’m not sure, but they were pretty good in a rustic kind of way. Décor wise it’s quite traditional, with some sort of lino on the floor, dark wood panelling on the lower part of the walls which extended to full height in some small areas at the front, and some ornate carved wooden units to the rear with a number of shelves and a mirrored backdrop. Sat on top of these was an upright torso of a pig dressed in a tee shirt, although the significance of this escaped me. A pleasant seating area was at the front of the pub adjacent to the large window, which included some lead work at the top, and there was also etched glass bearing the pub’s name in the door. Beers on tap were Broughton’s Freemantle and Dark Dunter along with their own Captain’s Ale. Cider choice was rather disappointing with just Symonds Founder’s Reserve and Strongbow Dark Fruit. Overall, a decent enough little pub with a convivial atmosphere and friendly barmaid, and worth taking the short walk from the more touristy areas to check out.

another simple side street bar just off South bridge with folk musicians on. Some of who were performing a capella quite beautifully. Three real ales were on of which I tried the Jarl and Captains Ale. This is a lovely homely bar a world away from the soulless tourist nonsense up the road, where you feel amongst friends immediately upon entering.