Top ten tips: Ten real ale pubs not to miss

A NEW long awaited edition of the CAMRA guide to Edinburgh and south-east Scotland will be available soon. It promises to be the definitive guide for beer-lovers and includes more than 300 pubs and includes details of regular ales, food, opening times and whether children and dogs are welcome. The cost should be around the price of a pint.

Here, Edinburgh secretary Jim Darroch gives readers a sneak preview.

1 Border Hotel

Kirk Yetholm – this 260-year old coaching inn is heaven for walkers, being the official end of the Pennine Way and on the ancient St Cuthbert’s Way. Those completing the Pennine Way are entitled to a free half pint, a tradition from Wainwright’s time.

2 Cobbles

Kelso – award-winning gastro pub. Lounge bar serves ales from Tempest, the pub’s own micro brewery. Though the focus is on food, drinkers are welcome here. Camra Borders Pub of the Year 2012.

3 Prestoungrange Gothenburg

Superb Gothenburg pub listed on Camra’s National Historical Pub Inventory with a magnificent painted ceiling in the bar. The guest beer is normally from the Demon micro-brewery that can be viewed from the bar as you sample the beers.

4 Stagg’s

Musselburgh – superb pub run by the same family since 1858. The bar and snug are traditional with a wooden floor, wood panelling and mirrors from defunct local breweries.

5 Abbotsford

Edinburgh – a traditional Scottish bar listed on Camra’s National Historical Pub Inventory. The ornate plasterwork and corniced ceiling are outstanding and highlighted by concealed lighting. The beers are normally from Scottish micro-breweries.

6 Auld Hoose

Edinburgh – pictured – traditional pub dating back to 1860s with large central U- shaped bar and lots of pictures of old Edinburgh. The guest beer is usually from a Scottish micro.

7 Bow Bar

Edinburgh – one of the first recreations of a classic Scottish one-roomed alehouse dedicated to traditional Scottish air pressure dispense and upright drinking. The five guest beers can be from anywhere in the UK.

8 Café Royal

Edinburgh – ane of the finest Victorian pub interiors in Scotland, listed on Camra’s National Historical Pub Inventory, is dominated by an impressive oval island bar with ornate brass light fittings and magnificent ceramic tiled murals. Guest beers are usually from Harviestoun and Kelburn.

9 Cask & Barrel Southside,

Edinburgh – modern re-creation of a Scottish city or tenement boozer. The walls support a fine range of old photos. Camra Edinburgh Pub of the Year 2012.

10 Teuchter’s Landing

Edinburgh – converted from the former waiting room for the Leith to Aberdeen ferry. To the front is a comfortable bar with a series of interesting Scottish place names listed around the top. To the rear is a larger restaurant and bistro.