Address: 2 Spittal Street, (corner Bread Street), Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH3 9DX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 131 229 5030
Door: Open door/walk-ins
Style: Pub (traditional British pub)
Food: Bar Snacks
This old corner boozer is as blue as the name would suggest, so easy to spot as you approach from Bread Street. Inside both rooms are warmly traditional and unpretentious, with a look and style only attained with considerable age. Dark wood abounds from the bar to the panelled walls; the mosaic tiles, ornate light fittings and parquet floor all original.
A line of traditional beer engines dispense an impressive eight Scottish real ales while an antique brass water tap at the end of the bar allows you to add a splash to your dram. The spirits selection extends beyond Scotch with some an extensive range of bourbons, rums and gins. The publican here also mixes a mean Daiquiri from a small but perfectly formed cocktail menu.
Polite and smartly dressed staff deliver old-fashioned, quality service to a friendly bunch of locals and the odd tourist at prices well below that typical of George Street.