The Stable Bar, Edinburgh

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aleand hearty left this review about The Stable Bar

The Stable Bar proved to be an unexpected pleasure, whilst staying under canvas recently at the Mortonhall Camping & Caravan site. Our pessimistic images of a stereotypical campsite bar with formica tables, dingy strip lights, a single keg font and the cacophony of fruit machines and pool tables were soon put to the sword.

Housed in an attractive stone courtyard, on the edge of the complex, it has two rooms which are very different in feel. The main space, housing the bar, has stone walls which feature various bits of horse tack, a high ceiling with exposed dark beams and bench seating around the perimeter. Overall, it has a cosy feel; no doubt intensified when the sizeable real fire is lit in the colder months. The second, smaller room feels very much like an extension / overflow space. Quite plain by comparison, it is on two levels and features a slightly disconcerting ‘you’ve been Tango-d’ orange colour scheme. Outside, in the sheltered courtyard, there are several heavy benches for fair weather drinking.

At the bar, it was a treat to see three hand pumps on the go, featuring beers from local breweries. During our stay we tried Belhaven IPA, Stewart 80/-, Edinburgh Gold and Festival Ale. Quality was consistently good, fully justifying a GBG 2012 listing. Staff were friendly and welcoming over several visits, despite being extremely busy at times. Food is available up until 10pm during the peak season. Pitched mainly at the pub grub end of the spectrum, the dishes we tried were of good quality and reasonable value. As a downside, the number of reserved tables for diners did limit table space for drinkers.

We enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere from the mix of British and European visitors, topped up with a pleasing number of locals, although I suspect it may be rather quieter outside the festival season. We fully intend to stay at the Mortonhall site again and the Stable Bar will be a pretty good incentive to get the tent erected as quickly as possible.

On 31^st August 2012 - rating: 7
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