The Sheep Heid Inn

Situated round the corner from Duddingston Loch, the Sheep Heid Inn rightly claims to be Scotland’s oldest pub, with a history dating back to 1390. Halfway between Holyrood and Craigmillar castles, it was once a favourite with Scottish kings of yore, who would come and play in the pub’s skittle alley; it’s also said that James VI gifted an ornate ram’s-head snuff box in 1580, which probably explains the name. The pub’s historical clout and quaint charms are undeniable, but the place now has something of a chequered reputation in other departments: prices are reckoned to be quite steep for superior gastropub fare such as slow-braised shoulder of lamb with spiced couscous, while service can be glacially slow. Be warned that Sunday lunch is a bun fight – so take comfort in the excellent cask ales, well-chosen wines and flashy cocktails.

The Sheep Heid Inn offers a true country pub experience in Edinburgh. Unlike others that you would find in a city centre, The Sheep Heid Inn is a premium pub, bar and restaurant that feels much more relaxed than your typical city pub. In the heart of beautiful Edinburgh, you can enjoy all that this charming pub has to offer, and even explore the sunny courtyard in warmer months.

The menus are inspired by the seasons, where fresh flavours are brought directly to your plate each time you visit. There's plenty to choose from, including sharing starters, vegan favourites and hearty pub classics. For the table try the baked gilot camembert with roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, freshly baked artisan bread and plum ketchup, along with a charcuterie board and truffled cheese doughnuts. The starters sound tremendously tasty, including a chipotle sticky chicken with rainbow slaw, a chilli and coconut crumb, and spiced carrot and coriander soup with pesto and baked carrot crisps. If you want something indulgent, try the chicken liver and brandy parfait with cherry amaretto compote, sea salt and focaccia or the Jacquin Buchette goat's cheese with balsamic roasted beetroot, vanilla poached pears and blackcurrant curd.

Choose a fresh pan fried sea bass fillet for your main, with saffron veloute, cherry tomatoes, green peas, spinach, baby potatoes and gremolata, or the British half rotisserie chicken rubbed with a smoked garlic aioli, served with skin on fries, a silky gravy and your choice of sauce. On a cold winter's day opt for the British steak and malbec pie with sauteed green beans, tenderstem broccoli, chive mashed potato and a rich gravy. Of course, you'll find classic sides on the menu, but also some tasty specials such as the billionaire's fries with parmesan, prosciutto and truffle flavour mayonnaise.