Woodland Creatures

Under new ownership and with a fresh look, Woodland Creatures reinstates itself as one of Leith Walk’s finest comfort food, craft ale and live music establishments.

The 2019 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Call off the search party, we’ve found Edinburgh’s best mac and cheese. (Probably.) It comes laced with bacon, chorizo, haggis or black pudding with enough stringy mozzarella to create the most Instagrammable cheese pull – if you’re of that ilk. In comparison, the slightly dry beef burger comprised off too-thin patties and an equally okay flatbread take a back seat. Though finally, here's an eatery that layers their nachos properly and isn’t shy on the toppings – hallelujah! Local hipsters typically wash these down with craft beers, perhaps from the popular Beavertown tap, or sip on a cocktail. The coupe of Pickerings Gin, lemon and homemade earl grey syrup, shaken up with egg white, is a liquidised lemon meringue pie. With reggae and funk tunes throughout the week, escalating into electro dubstep come Saturday nights, there’s an addictive energy about the place. When the unpretentious exposed brick and wood furnished bar bustles, you’ll be reluctant to leave. So, best to grab a table on the Leith walk kerb or nip out back through the Narnia wardrobe for a breath of fresh air before diving back in.