The Sheep Heid Inn

This village pub by Duddingston Loch used to be ‘a firm favourite among past monarchs and poets’ according to its website. Now it’s a firm favourite among climbers of Arthur’s Seat in need of refreshment, students keen on Scotland’s oldest skittle alley and Sunday roast-hunters. Most punters will leave happy - it’s a busy, smart pub, restored from the original 16th century public house, and now complete with cosy open fires, squashy cushions and a beer garden.

Big selling points include feeling like you’re in a country inn, when you’re still in the city and the stunning views of Holyrood Park and Samson’s Ribs. The food is gastro-pub rather than pub grub: enjoy BBQ shredded pork sandwiches with roast apple and fries (£7.95), sausage and mash with green beans and fried onions (£8.95), or gnocchi, meatballs, burgers, fishcakes and tarts - all carefully, artistically presented, and accompanied by local cask ales, a bottle of sparkling rosé or something from their long cocktail list. The tangy rosehip and rhubarb fizz (£5.95) hits the spot particularly nicely.