Veering slightly off the central path, over the bridges and Princes Street and on to Hanover Street we come to our third pub. (As you have probably noticed by now I've decided to forgo the first impulse to write these in geographical order, making an easy walking route to check out the pubs of Edinburgh, and am instead making a route more in keeping with the level of pubs from good to bad. Or more accurately...from not to be missed to quite good and stay well clear of.)

I mention Finnegan's Wake first as it is my personal favourite and I think ranks highly for the best all around drinking and pub experience. But there is also another contender for the number one 'not to be missed pub in Edinburgh', and that is the Jekyll and Hyde.

Less of the 'pub' atmosphere, and more of its own simple (and fantastic, I might add) atmosphere is to be had here...and even if you have no intention of pub crawling, this is somewhere to be visited in the city of Edinburgh for any visitor.

It's very hard to miss heading down Hanover street looking across to the amazing (on a clear day) view of the surrounding hills and Forth Estuary because of the very fittingly Gothic flame lamps out front, generally the first thing you see on a foggy Edinburgh afternoon.

The pub is excellent. Visit it any time of day for an array of decent pub food that is a little bit pricier than some pub foods, but they do have a more interesting selection, and it is decent. (Though I would recommend that if it's a nice lunch rather than an accompanying snack to your beer and atmosphere that you're after then there are better places to eat in Edinburgh.)

But, the real treat about the Jekyll and Hyde is the scenery. This is an amazing themed bar and well, well worth a look even if you don't plan to eat here. Its Gothic, Robert Louis Stevenson based theme is really stunning. It's a dark and moodily lit pub, and you should wander around it a bit looking at all the interesting things on the walls and in nooks and crannies before choosing your seats. And make sure you include a trip to the bathroom in your visit...it's hidden in the book cases!

This pub has a very chilled atmosphere (they even do Tarot readings here!) and a great place to stop in for a pint and chat with friends. It's got a cool vibe, but it’s not so noisy or overwhelming that it's not a good place for talking and enjoying each other’s company. Absolutely a must see on the Edinburgh pub trail.