Cosy auld city pub offers a hundred thousand welcomes.. and fab food

It might have been cold outside but there’s nowhere better to people watch in Edinburgh than a table at the Auld Hundred.

The 200-year- old pub in the tavern- heavy Rose Street is a mecca for tourists and locals.

And with the capita l ’ s Christmas market in full swing and shoppers everywhere, there is plenty to take in.

But enough of what’s going on outside. If you like a bit of history with your beer (or wine), then this is the place.

The building started life as a mission hal l before being converted for use as a pub in 1800. Today, it’s a bit more cosy, with exposed warm sandstone walls and comfy sofas.

A spi ral wrought - i ron staircase leads upstairs to the restaurant, which has been cal led Edinburgh’s hidden dining room as, from street level, yyou wou ld never know it was there.

Under the steady gaze of a massive bronze bull wearing a jaunty trilby – random but interesting – Pub Spy plumped for the chicken liver pate on toasted bloomer with spiced fruit chutney for starter and a festive Chrimbo burger for main.

For the first time, the bread to pate ratio was spot- on and, as for the mighty cranberry-infused burger with stuffing and bacon, it was worth nearly dislocating my jaw to eat it. Although the pub’s drinks menu includes a wide variety of wines, beers, ciders, malt whiskys and cask ales, they only do prosecco by the bottle. Tempting. But a glass of the white zinfandel proved the perfect accompaniment to the burger.

The staff were friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was warm, welcoming and festive. The pub is regularly named as one of the capital’s best old-fashioned bars. So don’t expect this place to ever be quiet – but that’s part of the charm.

So wrap up warm, take your drink outside and settle down for an af ternoon of people watching.