Britannia Hotel Edinburgh

You'll find this bar tucked inside the Britannia Hotel on Belford Road, just off the Dean Village area where the tourist buses can't quite reach. It's the kind of place that exists purely out of necessity rather than passion - somewhere to grab a pint when absolutely everywhere else has shut, or when you're staying at the hotel and can't face venturing into town. The 24-hour opening might sound promising, but don't mistake availability for quality. The atmosphere has all the warmth of a hospital waiting room, and the drinks selection feels like an afterthought. It's functional rather than enjoyable - the bar equivalent of a packet of biscuits when you're properly hungry.