Frankenstein

You'll descend into what feels like Dr Frankenstein's laboratory beneath the Old Town bustle, complete with flickering candles, exposed stone walls, and tables fashioned from mock tombstones. The theatrical Gothic atmosphere isn't just for show – this basement pub takes its monster theme seriously with cocktails served in laboratory beakers and staff who know their way around both horror films and a proper pint. The food runs to hearty pub grub that actually holds its own against the dramatics, while the drinks menu cleverly plays up the Frankenstein theme without resorting to gimmicky nonsense. It's touristy, yes, but locals pop in too because the atmosphere is genuinely entertaining rather than cringe-worthy, and you can't argue with those late weekend hours when you're crawling the Royal Mile.