The Mad Hatter

The 2017 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

An unusual premises in an odd part of town (although the refurbishment of Haymarket rail station and the coming of the trams might enliven the area), the Mad Hatter has taken a small, low-ceilinged, L-shaped room and turned it into a commendably cosy little destination pub thanks to a brightening makeover. The second establishment run by the team behind Tollcross’ versatile local the Cuckoo’s Nest, it does a bit of everything without over-reaching. The cocktail and wine lists are reasonably well stocked and the food menu offers contemporary pub food at not unreasonable prices, while there’s a pub quiz every Wednesday, a for-hire function area and overspill bar called the White Room downstairs, and a very reasonable lunch deal of salad or panini and sides for under a fiver. Local office workers and those commuting from Haymarket might want to take note of its presence.

• High point: An oasis in an area not well served by bars
• Low point: So hidden away you might miss it
• Notable dish: Cumberland sausage with mash and onion gravy.