WHERE HAS OUR SPY BEEN THIS WEEK?
Sometimes the sheer madness of t he Edinburgh Festival can get to you.
There are only so many mime artists and jugglers that you can put up with.
That is why Hectors is a welcome oasis of calm amid the Festival bedlam and any other time of bedlam, for that matter.
Situated in the capital ’ s trendy Stockbridge, with its elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings, it is only 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre.
Pub Spy chose to sit outside this traditional boozer, which used to be Maison Hector, and watch the world go by.
Casting an eye over the extensive and varied drinks menu, I counted three tequilas, 15 whiskies, 14 gins, five vodkas, 12 rums and seven beers and lagers on draught.
A glass of Chenin Blanc is a bit steep at almost £7 but this is Edinburgh, after all.
It was clear that a dog- andchild- friendly pub attracts a diverse clientele and reflects the cool vibe of this neighbourhood.
The food options are also very diverse, with starters ranging from the home made Scotch egg to the more exotic devon crab on toasted sourdough with avocado.
The main menu has traditional favourites like fish and chips but there is also guinea fowl crest stuffed with spinach for the more discerning palate.
Whi le the pub has two large screen TVs, it only shows sport if it is on terrestrial broadcasts. It’s certainly a place to make a night of it, though, as closing time at weekends is 1am.
If you want to escape the Edinburgh Festival but still have some Festival fun, then Hectors could be the place for you.