The Albanach lies in the heart of the Royal Mile and, as might be expected, attracts a rich and diverse clientele of tourists and young professionals. They are drawn here by the mix of the traditional and new that characterises this pub. The building is traditional, with cut stone walls of Ballachulish slate, Caithness flagstone and drift-wood combining with modern materials such as stainless steel, copper and glass under subdued lighting, all the better to view the major sporting events shown on the plasma screen TV. The Albanach is truly a traditional Scottish bar in a modern context. The beers are a similar mix of old and new, with a selection of quality cask ales on offer, as well as a variety of premium lagers from around the world, including Kirin Ichiban from Japan and Peroni from Italy. The Albanach prides itself on its selection of over 200 malt whiskies, ranging in price from £2.70 to £28.95 for a Glenlivet 1964, and these certainly cater for the discerning tastes of its customers. A dining room area at the back seats forty, and offers a varied menu of freshly produced meat and fish dishes, with good views of the city’s famously Bohemian Cockburn Street. The service is always relaxed and attentive, the food wholesome and hearty. You can have Scottish classic Cullen Skink or goat’s cheese and black pudding for starters, or Lite Bites of sandwiches or oven baked potatoes. Mains include Scottish beef stew with dumplings, chicken Balmoral and braised lamb shank. Desserts include more Scottish classics, such as cranachan or banoffie pie, or you can sample the Ian Mellis cheese board. You are sure to find something to tempt your palate; this is a place that caters for all tastes.