Tucked away in an unlikely part of the New Town is this self-described “dive bar”. This is hidden gem that boasts one of Edinburgh’s few beer gardens, so it’s an excellent place to beat the crowds on a sunny day. Inside, though, you will find a dark, rock and roll bar, complete with an excellent jukebox and table football.

The Star Bar is a unique find and feels like it has been plucked directly from American cinema. There is reputedly a clause in the lease that forbids the removal of a cursed human skull that resides in the bar, which only adds to a sense of the cinematic!

It’s a lively, late night place and sometimes plays host to bands. I like to come here as an antidote to the gentile atmosphere of the New Town and be whisked away to somewhere very different. Put something lively on the jukebox and grab yourself a beer!