Kay's

Discreetly placed on a side street in Edinburgh’s New Town, Kay’s has quite a pedigree. Originally a coach house, it was a wine & spirit merchant for more than 150 years before becoming a pub in the 1970s. Inside, the decor is predominantly deep red, with whisky barrels around the walls, and much of its pre-pub identity has been retained. It is small, however: one modest room housing the bar, then a smaller room – or snug – through the back. The general effect is of age and distinction which fits very well with its New Town surroundings; the customers are more likely to be talking about who they bumped into at London City Airport recently than The X-Factor. On tap, you will find five real ales from breweries like Bath Ales, Orkney, or Tempest in Kelso; there are also 50 single-malt whiskies to sample; a basic bar menu is available at lunchtimes.