Christmas Cheers: Teuchters on Christmas Eve

Searching ‘Teuchters’ in WhatsApp highlights years' worth of messages planning festive gatherings: "We’ll be in Teuchters from about 2pm on Christmas Eve if you fancy popping in for a pint?"

It’s become tradition for my partner and I to visit Teuchters on Christmas Eve with our best pals. Tucked away on a cobbled street in Edinburgh’s West End, this pub is the perfect spot for a last catch-up and to exchange gifts before we visit familly and loved ones on Christmas Day; often a rotating cast of pals will pop in for one if they’re out and about doing the last of their shopping; friends who no longer live in Edinburgh but are home for the holidays will come find us there after having a wander around the Christmas Market with family.

The space itself is cosy and snug, with all the characteristics you’d expect of a country pub in the middle of nowhere, but smack bang in the centre of town. Low ceilings, dark features, gridded sash windows, exposed stonework, fairy lights all aglow and a real working fireplace – perfect for winter. They've a great big food menu too, including all the usual suspects like steak pie, burgers, and haggis, neeps and tatties, but it's the muckle big mugs of chips and mac and cheese that I want; a comforting, no-nonsense start to festive feasting.

Of course, we're mostly here for a wee pre-Christmas catch-up and swally with our pals, and Teuchters has a great booze selection with 23 beer taps and 14 single malts. Practically all of their taps pour local pints, usually with a Santa-themed cask on over Christmas, and their Hoop of Destiny whisky hoopla game offers a unique and fun way to try their whisky offerings, all for the price of a house nip. So this is where you'll find me on Christmas Eve, mug of chips in one hand, pint of festive ale in the other.

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Teuchters, 26 William St, Edinburgh