Bannerman’s

A relaxed rock pub on the corner of the Cowgate and Niddry Street, Bannerman's considers itself to be at the centre of the local music scene – and rightly so.

The bar’s second room serves as a cheap pool room in the daytime and a small, cavernous music venue at night, hosting live bands 6 nights a week. While acts rely on taking a cut at the door and often end up out of pocket, it’s a brilliant platform for new talent – every band to come out of Edinburgh will have played here at some point.

Cheap bar snacks such as burgers and chips are available throughout the day, and there’s a good selection of ales at the well-stocked bar. That it’s one of the only pubs to serve Fraoch (delicious Scottish heather ale for the uninitiated) on tap is reason enough for a visit.