Shakespeare

You'll find yourself on one of the city's busier arteries, but step inside Shakespeare and it feels properly removed from the Lothian Road chaos. The atmosphere is that comfortable, lived-in sort that only comes from decades of regulars propping up the bar and groups commandeering tables for hours. It's the kind of place where you can nurse a pint and actually hear yourself think, or settle in with mates knowing nobody's going to rush you through your meal. The Belhaven connection means the beer selection is solid, and the pub food hits that sweet spot between unpretentious and actually caring about what's on the plate.