Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
11
limited to meat pies and toasties, served until they run out. Big groups will have
trouble squeezing in and aren't generally encouraged. Open Monday through Satur-
day from noon to 11:30pm and Sunday from 12:30 to 11pm.
80 W. Bow.
&
0131/226-
7667.
Bus: 2 or 35.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
Deacon Brodie's Tavern is primarily populated by tour-
ists wandering the Royal Mile and by members of the legal fraternity who come over
from the nearby courts. Its name, of course, perpetuates the memory of William
Brodie, good citizen by day and nasty robber by night: A real-life character of the
18th century, he may have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's fictional Dr. Jekyll and
Mr. Hyde. Certainly this traditionally styled pub would like you to think so. Open
Sunday through Thursday from 10am to midnight and Friday and Saturday from
10am to 1am. Food is served in the bar from 10am to 10pm; in the restaurant
upstairs, from noon to 10pm.
435 Lawnmarket.
&
0131/225-6531.
Bus: 23, 27, 28, 35, 41, or 42.
Leith
The Pond Bar
A bit off the beaten track in Leith, between Salamander Street
and the Edinburgh Dock, the Pond has been described as a transplanted Amsterdam
brown bar. The name refers to the “water feature” in the ramshackle patio area at
the rear. The decor of the pub inside is eclectic—as if furnished by the purchase of
a lot in a blind auction. The highlights of the drinks selection are draft and bottled
European lagers. No food is served. Drinks available Monday to Thursday 4pm to
1am, Friday and Saturday 2pm to 1am, and Sunday 12:30pm to 1am.
2-4 Bath Rd.
&
0131/467-3825.
Bus: 12.
The Shore
Looking out on the oldest docks in Leith, this pub fits seamlessly
into Leith's seaside port ambience, without resorting to a lot of the usual decorations
of cork and netting. The place is small, but on nice days they put a few seats out
front to soak in the afternoon sun. On 3 nights of the week, you'll find live folk and
jazz music. Drinks are served Monday to Saturday from 11am to midnight and Sun-
day from 12:30pm to midnight. Food is served both in the bar and the adjoining
dining room (p. 84). Monday to Friday from noon to 2:30pm and 6:30 to 10pm;
Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 3pm and 6:30 to 10pm.
3-4 The Shore.
&
0131/553-
5080.
www.theshore.biz. Bus: 16 or 36.
GAY & LESBIAN EDINBURGH
The heart of the gay community is an area near
Calton Hill,
incorporating the top
of
Leith Walk
around the Playhouse Theatre and
Broughton Street,
though it is
hardly a distinct gay quarter to rival districts such as Manhattan's Christopher Street
or San Francisco's Castro.
Blue Moon Cafe
The Blue Moon is an icon of gay cultural life on Broughton
Street: It is allegedly the oldest gay cafe in Britain. It is also linked to the Lesbian,
Gay, and Bisexual Centre, which is a useful resource for residents and visitors alike.
It is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
36 Broughton St.
&
0131/556-2788.
www.bluemooncafe.
co.uk. Bus: 8 or 17.
C. C. Bloom's
This club, named after Bette Midler's character in
Beaches,
is one
of Edinburgh's long-running and enduringly popular gay night spots. Given that
