Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
11
Guildford Arms This pub dates to the late 19th century, designed by architect
Robert Macfarlane Cameron. Through the revolving door, you will find seven arched
windows with etched glass and exquisite cornices. It's reasonably large and bustling,
with a good deal of character. Separate dining facilities are upstairs on the mezza-
nine. The pub is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, Friday and
Saturday from 11am to midnight, and Sunday from 12:30 to 11pm. 1-5 W. Register St.
&   0131/556-4312. www.guildfordarms.com. Bus: 8 or 17.
Opal Lounge If you want a sense of the so-called “style bar,” then this is an excel-
lent example of the genre. After opening in 2001, the Opal became the haunt of
Prince William, when the handsome heir to the British throne attended St. Andrew's
University. Several other stylish bars have popped up in its wake on trendy George
Street, such as Candy Bar (113 George St.) and Tigerlily (125 George St.). The
Opal draws a predominantly young, well-dressed, and affluent crowd, combining a
long list of cocktails with a Tardis-like underground space that has several compart-
ments around a central room, which eventually becomes the dance floor. Drinks are
served from noon to 3am daily. 51a George St. &   0131/226-2275. www.opallounge.co.uk. Bus:
24, 29, or 42.
The Outhouse Broughton Street has a mix of traditional places and modern bars,
keeping it one of the more lively streets to drink in Edinburgh. It's a good district for
a compact pub crawl. The Outhouse, just down a lane off the street, is one of the
more contemporary outfits. During good spells of weather, a beer garden out back
offers an excellent open-air retreat, and some outdoor heaters help take the chill off
the night. Drinks are served daily from 11am to 1am. 12a Broughton St. Lane. &   0131/557-
6688. www.outhouse-edinburgh.co.uk. Bus: 8 or 17.
Old Town
The Beehive Inn The Grassmarket is chock-a-block with bars, and this one's
hardly exceptional. But there is plenty of space in three different rooms and, unlike
so many others along the drag, the Beehive isn't trying to flog any dubious historic
connections to a gullible public. The literary pub tours of Edinburgh begin at the
Beehive, which has a beer garden in the back as well as street-side seating. Drinks
are served Monday to Sunday from 11am to 1am. Food is served until about 9pm.
18-20 Grassmarket. &   0131/225-7171. Bus: 2.
Black Bo's A stone's throw from the Royal Mile, this small bar is slightly
unconventional: It is neither a traditional pub nor a particularly stylish place. Many
will find its dark walls and mix-and-match furniture downright plain, but it does
have a certain unforced hipness. And, due to its proximity to Blackfriars Street's
hostels, Black Bo's often has chatty groups of college-age foreigners enjoying a pint
or two. DJs play from Wednesday to Saturday; next door the owners run a vegetarian
restaurant—although no food is served in the bar itself. Drinks are served daily from
5pm to 1am. 57 Blackfriars St. &   0131/557-6136. www.black-bos.com. Bus: 35.
Bow Bar Below Edinburgh Castle near the Grassmarket, the compact Bow Bar
is a rather classic Edinburgh pub, which appears little changed by time or tampered
with by foolish trends. Surprise: It's only a few more than a dozen years old. Never
mind. The pub looks the part and features some eight cask-conditioned ales, which
change regularly. The gantry stocks some 140 single malt whiskies, as well. Food is
 
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