Ryries Bar, Edinburgh

I walked into something of a real ale enthusiast’s nightmare here today: a pub with six hand pumps, but all of them off! I was therefore reduced to ordering a pint of Belhaven Best at an expensive £3.50. Budweiser, Staropramen, Carling and Fosters lagers are all on draught, at similar prices, as are Guinness and Strongbow cider. There is also an impressive array of whiskies in glass cases above the bar. Despite banners outside advertising “Nino’s Trattoria” (which presumably occupies the upper floor), Ryrie’s IS still principally a pub, conveniently located next to Edinburgh Haymarket station. It’s a notably attractive building, outside and in, with ornate stained glass windows and wood floors and panelling. It is, however, seriously in need of a makeover, with much of the upholstery badly torn and the foam padding spilling out. There is a limited food menu, with meals arriving by dumb waiter from upstairs. One member of staff dealing with both food and drink orders on a Thursday afternoon was less than adequate, however. This is a lovely old pub, with potential for a much higher marking if the above shortcomings were rectified.

Traditional looking pub filled with foreign tourists and the lower end of Edinburgh's social spectrum. Close to Haymarket station and beware this is a typical station pub. Celtic on the TV when we called in for one, so quite few football fans in. As soon as the match ended some live acoustic music started up. 6 handpumps but only 3 on, but the Caledonian seasonal was in good nick. The main problem was the totally clueless east European girl behind the bar. Only 2 of us waiting and she served the wrong person and then disappeared for 5 minutes leaving the bar unmanned. A blonde girl appeared a few minutes later and she seemed to know what to do behind the bar. She banished the other girl to collect glasses which was more in keeping with her level of ability. There are far too many good pubs in Edinburgh to waste time with this one. We won't be calling again.

Perhaps I caught it on a bad day, but the atmosphere felt rather rougher round the edges than the traditional look - with plenty of interesting details inside and out - would suggest. Six real ales on handpump, including the seasonal Caledonian 'Over the Bar' (£3.30). As well as the station, it will eventually be handy for the tram (ever they ever get round to finishing construction).

Traditional pub located next to Haymarket train station. Early opening (9:00 am) real ale and food available also has an Italian restaurant upstairs.