Monteiths Edinburgh

I'm a sucker for sparkly lights, like a moth to the flame as soon as I see them, and I blame Monteiths for perpetuating my illusion that all places with sparkly lights are magic.

Inside Monteiths, the atmosphere could be described as relaxed chic, with the décor a modern take on a Scottish country home. There is a fireplace and model of a stag's head along with large cosy armchairs in tartan and tweed in amongst the tables for dining. There's also a small seating area outside for smokers and those brave souls who decide it is ever ok to sit outside in Scotland.

At the weekend, and any day of the week during Festival, the place can get stupidly busy. During the week though there is more chance of grabbing one of the comfy seats. If you are extra lucky, you can get a seat beside the fire and have a browse of the bookshelves.

Mostly I go to Monteiths for their cocktails. The food is good too but pricey - not that the cocktails are cheap, but the prices are fairly standard for the city centre.

The cocktail menu is eclectic, with interesting twists on the classics. My favourites seem to change each time I visit, most recently it has been the Ruby Martini.

For somewhere with a definite Scottish feel but without the tartan tat usually found on the Royal Mile, Monteiths' is the place to go.