Edinburgh city guide

Edinburgh is not short of pubs. In particular the Royal Mile is not short of overly touristy pubs which dish up a decent selection of beer and whisky alongside the usual servings of Haggis or Fish and Chips but without much of an authentic atmosphere. The Waverley, within spitting distance of the Royal Mile, is not one of those pubs.

The stark black and white exterior hides a time capsule where the worn carpet and battered looking bar are all part of the charm.

There are three beers on tap, Guinness, 80/- and Tennents, and the beer is served in traditional dimple mugs to add to the character. There is also a limited range of spirits and bottles. This is a pub for ambience, not the drink selection.

Even the music is usually old school 1920s or 30s tunes. In fact, if it weren’t for the fringe posters on the wall advertising shows from the last 50 odd years it might be the 1920s that you have been transported to.

The dust and bohemian character add real flavour in the bar but don’t offer the same experience when visiting the toilets, I would avoid if at all possible.

If you are looking for some atmosphere to go alongside your pint the Waverley is perfect.