Ryan's Pub reviews - The International Bar

THE INTERNATIONAL BAR, BROUGHAM PLACE
Pint of Lager - £3.00
A small, cosy pub situated on the edge of the Meadows, it has all the essentials you need inside i.e pool table, jukebox, fruit machine, large televisions. More of a 'standing' pub, where patrons huddle around the bar area, the seating is fairly limited and the locals slightly clique.

It also has that common problem of the pool table being that wee bit too close to the bar, resulting in minor inconvenience. However, its one of the cheaper pints I've had in Edinburgh thus far and a very good one at that, the elderly barman serving was a very pleasant gentleman. Would serve as a good pre-drinking venue for those wishing to venture to the nearby Cav nightclub.

7.5/10

Ryan's Pub Reviews - The Earl of Marchmont

THE EARL OF MARCHMONT, MARCHMONT CRESCENT
Pint of Lager - £3.40

Found this boozer completely by accident whilst wondering around in a heavy downpour near the meadows. It certainly acted as more than a shelter and was indeed the best pub of the day. Priding itself on being more of a wine/ale establishment, it still serves up an excellent pint of Tennent's.

Though small inside, it is very well furnished with excellent seating and the cool touch of a double faced seated bar right in the middle. The young barman was very charismatic and helpful, directing me appropriately back towards the Royal Mile and North Bridge area.

And a special mention for the 'waterfall' style taps in the bathroom, they are just awesome.

8/10

In search of the perfect fish and chips - Castle Rock

CASTLE ROCK, GRASSMARKET

Hadn't been to this chippy in over a year but the smart refurbishment and seven minute wait for the food put me in a confident mood. And I was not to be disappointed.

The fish was delicious and perfectly cooked, suitably melt in your mouth stuff and accompanied by equally fantastic chips, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. By the end, I could easily have ordered another supper, such was the quality.

The shop interior is impressive also, with bars at the back to allow for indoor eating. Only slightly disappointing service and the fact I have had better fish elsewhere (Port Seton and Dunkeld) stop it from being perfect but this is the best I've had in Edinburgh so far and will take some beating.

8.5/10

Ryan's Pub Reviews - Robbies

ROBBIES, LEITH WALK
Pint of Lager - £3.10
A relaxed, chilled out boozer at the mid point of Leith Walk. Very large and spacious inside, with an array of comfortable seating, several large tv screens and a games machine.

The clientele were friendly and despite getting busier as the night went on, the atmosphere remained pleasant. Good service and a pleasant pint at a fairly cheap cost made this a good start to the night.

7.5/10

In search of the perfect fish and chips - Tailend Takeaway

Outside of the shop 

TAILEND TAKE AWAY, LEITH WALK

Been to this chippy a few times and it usually never disappoints but last night was a different story. The fish, while decent as always, was coated in overly crispy batter and diminished the taste while the chips were soggy and nothing like the delicious ones served up in the L'Alba Doro last week. To be fair, this was the only time its let me down, and there is an unwritten rule about never eating fish on a Monday but still, a business should be consistent for its customers. What really lets the Tailend down though is the staff. They are as miserable as sin and look as though a smile might cause them extreme pain and torture. The icing on the cake was when David was refused access to the toilets in the restaurant section as it was for "customers only" despite him having just spent 15 pounds in the take away moments earlier. Shameful

* Edit: I have been informed by one of my friends that the reason you avoid fish on a Monday is because they add lime to freshen the frying process and extend the life of the fat. Adding a thicker batter hides the taste but creates a browner colour instead of golden. It also destroys the chips as the acid goes through the potato and makes them soggy inside.

6/10