The Pear Tree House

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The grande dame of the Southside drinking scene has been standing proud on the spot since 1749, and 2012 sees the thirtieth anniversary of its current incarnation. The Pear Tree’s justifiably famed selling point is the large walled beer garden, providing a jolly place to pass a summer’s afternoon sipping gin and tonic during Edinburgh’s rare spates of clement weather. The pub itself is perhaps more average (brass, wood and dark leather sofas surround the central bar and rather incongruous televisions broadcast inevitable sports or music videos in the corners) although it doesn’t lack charm. There’s no kitchen, although bar snacks are available, and while drinks are certainly on the pricey side considering the student-heavy location, a fair rolling selection of guest ales and a popular Monday-night quiz make this an auspicious spot for an evening’s laid-back conversation.

• High point: Curling up by the fire on the lovely leather sofas
• Low point: Drinks are on the pricey side