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Tun
Set among the modern coloured-glass and steel architecture of the Holyrood district next to the new Scottish Parliament building, the Tun has chunky leather sofas, steel bar stools and a sloping back wall that looks like a page from a floor-tile catalogue. It is frequented by media people from the neighbouring BBC studios and the Scotsman newspaper offices.
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Villager
Designed as a cross between a traditional pub and a style bar, the Villager has friendly staff, welcoming regulars and a comfortable, laid-back vibe. It can be standing room only in the main bar in the evenings (the cocktails are excellent), but the side room, with its brown leather sofas and sub-tropical pot plants comes into its own for a lazy Sunday afternoon with the papers.
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Vue Cinema
A 12-screen multiplex, with three 'Gold Class' screens (tickets around £9 ) where you can watch your movie of choice from the comfort of a luxurious leather reclining seat complete with side table for your drink and complimentary snacks.
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Wee Red Bar
The Wee Red Bar has been around so long there's a danger the authorities will slap a blue plaque on it and declare it a national monument. Wee, red and frequented, hardly surprisingly, by lots of art students, it's famous for the Egg (admission around £5 , - Sat), a weekly smorgasbord of classic punk, ska, northern soul, indie etc that is still one of the best club nights in the city.
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Whistle Binkie's
This crowded cellar bar just off the Royal Mile has live music, including rock, blues and folk, every night of the week. Open mic night on Monday and breaking bands on Tuesday are showcases for new talent - check the website for what's on when.
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White Hart Inn
A brass plaque outside this pub proclaims: 'In the White Hart Inn Robert Burns stayed during his last visit to Edinburgh, 1791.' Claiming to be the city's oldest pub in continuous use (since 1516), it also hosted William Wordsworth in 1803. Not surprisingly, it's a traditional, cosy, low-raftered place with folk/acoustic music sessions seven nights a week.
