The Ghillie Dhu – literally ‘black (haired) fishing or stalking guide’ – is a newish and unabashed Scottish venue in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, handily situated right at the intersection where Princes Street meets the Lothian Road. The main hall is a 200-cover venue for special functions and dinners, where bands play and regular (free) ceilidhs take place, but the lively bar is also well worth checking out. The food is gussied-up gastropub fare, with standouts ranging from slow-roast pork belly to pea and prawn risotto or artichoke, aubergine and broccoli Wellington. Pick your time and it’s also a good place for the whole family, with a two-course kids’ menu for a fiver (including crayons and colouring books). The Ghillie Dhu stocks its own IPA, produced by the Inveralmond Brewery, as well as over 50 whiskies.