Halfway House, Edinburgh

A small and cosy pub, situated halfway up a flight of steps (a close) between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile. The inside is very compact, L-shaped with a few small round tables, a short bar area and a food servery. Decor is mainly railway themed with photos of old engines, framed tickets and timetables, ticket machines, train lamps etc. The beers and food menu are listed outside on two chalkboards either side of the entrance, beerwise there are four on handpump from generally smaller independent Scottish brewers. I had the Kelburn Tartan Army, which I understand to be an occasional and seasonal brew, the occasional being when the Scottish football team are playing as they were on Saturday against the Czech Republic. A pleasant straw coloured beer it was at 4.3%. A fair old selection of single malts were on sale too. There is a TV in this pub but the football was being covered by Freeview radio which kept the place convivial and civilised, whereas some other bars we passed were rather boisterous. We didn't eat but the food was keenly priced and leaned towards traditional Scottish fare like Cullen Skink, Stovies, Neeps and Tatties as well as regular pub staples. The barman and a few punters stood at the bar were very friendly and helpful, I was offered a taster of all four beers while I dithered making my choice. Highly recommended.

One of Edinburghs little gems. Very small cost pub just minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station part way up the flight of steps to old Edinurgh. Always a good range of Scottish ales on ( and good selection of malt whiskies). Even if you only have half an hours train connection it is possible to have a quick drink in here. Never found the staff to be anything but friendly here although we normally only manage one vista a year.

Cosy and relaxing if you can get a seat. Bar staff are bit abrupt and unfriendly at times. Food is sometimes good, sometimes bad. Lovely train theme across the walls. Good range of whisky.