The Voyage of Buck

On the far western reaches of Edinburgh's New Town - if on foot this bar is more of a voyage than others on this list, but it's a mere 15-minute amble from the Assembly Rooms on George Street.

Themed around the fictional William 'Buck' Clarence, who the bar's marketing blurb says travelled to London and then fled with Prince Albert Victor following the Cleveland Street Scandal of 1889 to later return from his global adventures to Edinburgh. The cocktail list is inspired by Buck's travels.

Buck's gaff is a dimly lit pub-like space with deep Lincoln green walls and booth seating. The pub feel extends to five cask ale hand-pumps (just three in use we visited) offering mainstays such as Doom Bar through to more esoteric local brews such as Tiny Rebel's Cwtch.

The creative cocktail menu is largely built around house infusions, these combined with the regarded food offering are worthy of going a little out your way for.