#315. The Auld Hoose, 10 St Leonards Street, Edinburgh

Photo courtesy of their website.

Just a few steps down St. Leonards from the disappointing Montague is this gem. According to their website, The Auld Hoose is

Newington's only alternative pub. It has an excellent reputation for traditional pub food, hand pulled real ales endorsed by CAMRA, a selection of 24 single malt whiskies and an eclectic jukebox with an awesome selection of Metal, Punk, Rock, and Goth music.

The place is busy, mostly with young people wearing black with tattoos, echoing the bartender's look. There is an American girl who wants to hit on a Scottish guy at the bar. Her friends are trying to make it happen, but their actions leave the target of her affection slightly embarrassed. Who knows... they probably went home together.

This pub is serious about its beer. I had a Wychwood Hobgoblin cask ale. The bartender asked me if I liked ale (are you kidding?) and offered me a sample of their new High Wire pale ale from "down south". Actually, it is from Magic Rock Brewing of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. It smelled better than it tasted.