The Four Candles - JD Wetherspoon

You'll find this 'Spoons occupying a prime spot on George Street, sandwiched between the chain stores and just a stone's throw from the Cornmarket bustle. Unlike some of the more raucous Wetherspoons haunts around town, The Four Candles manages to strike a surprisingly civilised balance - yes, you'll get your £2.50 pints and curry club specials, but without feeling like you're drinking in a youth hostel common room. The interior's got that familiar Wetherspoons template - think burgundy carpets, wooden panelling, and historical plaques you'll actually stop to read after your third pint. It's particularly handy for a quick breakfast before hitting the shops or a reasonably priced lunch that won't completely derail your afternoon. The staff keep things moving efficiently, and you're close enough to everything that matters without being right in the thick of the tourist scrum.