Bank Hotel

Nestled on the corner of South Bridge and the High Street, the Bank Hotel forms an impressive bookend to Edinburgh’s Southside. Originally the headquarters of the British Linen Bank, it was redeveloped as a hotel and bar in the early 1990s.

Unlike most hotel bars in the city centre, the Bank makes a real effort to pull in off-the-street punters, rather than relying on it’s own guests. TV sports are complimented by regular karaoke, pub quiz and live music nights. Drinks prices are mid-range, and there’s a limited menu of pub food served from lunchtime onwards.

During August the main attraction is the popular seated area out front, looking out onto the High Street and within sight of the top half of the Royal Mile, where the majority of the Fringe’s street performers set up shop.

Pleasant enough mid-week, the Bank is probably best avoided on Friday and Saturday nights, as it does tend to attract more than the occasional troupe of matching-t-shirt-clad stag and hen parties.