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Cafe Royal
First point of call in Edinburgh was to Cafe Royal. This is one of the finest Victorian pub interiors in Scotland, dominated by an impressive oval island bar with ornate brass light fittings and magnificent ceramic tiled wall murals of innovators, made by Doulton from pictures by John Eyre. It is also listed by CAMRA as a Nationally Historic Pub Interior.
A raised bank of hand-pulled cask handles in the middle of the bar from Strathaven Ales and Stewart Brewing. Couldn’t decide between 2 of the Strathaven Ales (Duchess Anne and Craigmill Gold) so went with both.
The Guildford Arms
Another outstanding pub, next door to Cafe Royal. A Victorian pub as was the last but has high ceiling, cornices, friezes, window arches and screens which all look fantastic, as does the balcony on the top floor overlooking the bar and seating area. Listed by CAMRA as an Interior of Some Regional Importance. It has been owned and operated by the Stewart Family since 1898.
As always when ive visited here a great range of both Cask and Keg beers, with the large majority being from Scotland. Went with Stewart Brewing – Ekuanot and Brewgooder – New England IPA (and a Cheeseboard as a snack)!
Now headed back to Edinburgh Waverley to catch the Scotrail service down to Dunbar.
Station Yard
An old listed building formerly a coal house, situated directly outside Dunbar station known as “Station Yard”. A great small bar run by Winton Brewery. The inside is very compact split into two rooms, with a great large outdoor area which is ideal for summer.
6 keg beers on here (5 from Wintons Brewery along with a guest), along with Thistly Cross Cider. Luckily their Sour was on so started on this one. “Oh Ya Bassa – Raspberry and Peach Sour”, followed by “PeelyWally – IPA”
Back to Dunbar Station next to head back to Edinburgh. Unusual station in that it has a Wishing Well on the platform, its been there since 1989 when it commemorated the last “Open Country” mast being installed as part of the East Coast Mainline Electrification.
Wee Vault
Last call of the day to my favourite brewery “Vault City”. The first time I’ve manager to visit this bar and wasn’t disappointed. 24 Taps of mainly their own sours with a few guest appearances. The bar itself used to be a Thai Massage Parlour. It can only cater for 15 people (thats with 2 of them stood at the bar).
People from all around the UK dropped in here. Had a great chat with a couple from Aylesbury and a couple from Edinburgh. David the bartender for the evening was amazing, knew all about the beers, what to recommend and in what order. Outstanding!
The menu consisted of 19 Sour Beers (6 Making up the rest), and they all couldnt be any more different. From childhood memories of Rhubarb & Custard sweets to teenager memories of Apple Sourz and ABVs ranging from 4.2% to 17%.
Even the toilet has been done out with the floor covered in Vault City bottle tops, a really great idea!
I would really advise booking though if you want to stay a while and ensure you get a seat. Luckily it’s only a few minutes walk from Haymarket Station so a quick walk back after for my train back to Glasgow Queen Street.
Micropub Adventures 