The Mitre Bar, Edinburgh

An update post pandemic and nine years later than my last visit. A Nicholsons pub on two levels going back a fair way off the High St, public bar at the front with seating in an L Shape in front and to the side, behind and up a step or three is another seating area followed by a “wait to be seated” dining area. Tall seating and tall fancy ceilings in the front, lower ceilings and leather benches in the middle then dining tables and chairs, some in discreet booths in the dining area. Eight pulls, Scottish and Nicholsons Pale with a lot of Stewart’s beer and a guest from Hercules of Belfast, usual lot of separate keg founts. The Hercules Yardsman is marked as 4.3% on clip, but shown as 5.6% on Untapped?!?!? Maybe the make two versions, not an outstanding beer anyway.

The Mitre is a Nicholson's pub with the traditional décor that one would expect from this chain. The L-shaped bar counter faces seating in the front window and up the left hand wall. More seating is found at the rear, this is geared towards dining. No burger on the reduced menu due to supplier problems, but the fish and chips was priced at £15.25. The bar supports standard and premium keg and I counted eight handpumps, five of which were in operation. The service was polite and I’m a fan of Nicholson's so would have no issue returning.

Attractive Nicholson's pub at the top end of the less-busy lower half of the Royal Mile, so quite well placed without being overrun. Elongated, and quite dark, interior with traditional furniture and decor under a high ceiling. General seating around the L-shaped bar at the front, with dining areas further back. Two Stewart Brewing beers - Jack Black and 80/- (£4.85) - and Black Sheep's seasonal Blitzen available from the eight handpumps in addition to the 'house' NPA.

Impressive Nicholsons Pub - but they do need to learn that less is more! Like the Haymarket, a quite overwhelming array of pumps greets on arrival. Lia Fail was in very good condition - so no complaints. A slightly more chainy feel than the impressive boozer deserves. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2DFiNcF