The Abbotsford, Edinburgh

As you move west from New Register House into Rose Street this is the third classic Victorian extravaganza of Edinburgh pubs with its hallmark square servery. It has a set of six old air founts but some of the beers come from pulls, the beers are mostly Scottish. The “usual” ornate ceiling, the walls are plain panelled and the floor plain boards. Seating is banquette all round the periphery other than on the side where the gents is. The ladies is upstairs by the restaurant reflecting a different age. Very little decor other than brewery mirrors and a few prints, the dark woodwork does enough heavy lifting. Not as opulent as the Guildford or Cafe Royal, and no fancy tiles like the Kenilworth, perhaps it doesn’t sound much in comparison but don’t miss it.