The Royal Oak, Edinburgh

Although this is a Greene King pub and the layout and décor is pretty basic I still enjoyed my visit and supped a nice couple of pints of Guinness. There were also four standard GK ales available along with Davenport's Highland Whisky Ale and a standard draught selection. As has been mentioned in previous posts, food is served at very reasonable prices and although I didn't eat I saw some being served and it looked good value for money. My visit was very early afternoon so it wasn't that busy, but there were a few aged locals smoking away in the small paved beer garden that has some covered seating for wetter days. There are no TVs, but the background music was ok and played at a nice volume. I spotted a sign in the toilet for folk nights every Thursday evening in the large function room that is available for hire. The maid was very friendly and I would go back in here if passing again.

Renowned as a folk music haunt, with frequent impromptu sessions in the cosy street-level bar and regular gigs in the larger (relatively speaking) downstairs room. Real ale was temporarily unavailable, but the keg Northern Light pale ale from the Orkney Brewery was fair enough. (NB - Review dates from August 2009.)

Official site of the Royal Oak - www.royal-oak-folk.com

Official site of the Royal Oak - www.royal-oak-folk.com