Cool Places
Café Royal Circle Bar
19 West Register Street Edinburgh EH2 2AA
One of Edinburgh's finest historic bars, the Café Royal has been in its present premises since 1863, with elegant stained glass, fine late Victorian plasterwork and uniquely painted Doulton ceramic murals giving the place a sense of reverence that's nicely matched by its down-to-earth regulars and convivial buzz. It's not necessarily a place for real-ale aficionados, but there's decent beer served from the huge island bar, as well as excellent seafood-dominated bar food from the same kitchen as the neighbouring (but less engaging) Oyster Bar – a smarter seafood restaurant.
