☰The Canny Man's

The Canny Man's — formally the Volunteer Arms — has been run by the Watson family since 1871, and the interior reflects 150 years of eccentric accumulation: the walls and ceilings are covered with antiques, curios, stuffed animals, vintage signs, and objects that defy categorisation. The pub makes its own rules: cash only, no mobile phones, no loud music, no draught lager, and the management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone it chooses. The beer is excellent — the cellar management is impeccable — and the whisky list is extraordinary. One of Edinburgh's great establishments, quite unlike anywhere else.