Davidsons Mains, Blackhall, Drylaw

Davidsons Mains, another village in the city, boasts many famous former residents like Alistair Sim and my grandparents. A rural, rather than a town village (I know what I mean) but it is not that long ago that Davidsons Mains was a semi-rural community with a farm on its doorstep and Shire Horse competitions. Home of the Royal High School, which though now a council school, still attracts those who like such status to its catchment area. D. Mains, as we know it, lies close to historic Cramond Village.

Blackhall is a large residential area on the main route to Queensferry. A mixture of turn of the century large houses and tenements and 20's and 30's bungalows.

Drylaw is a 1950's housing estate (scheme, we call them) which has grown up over the years and is now quite sought after. Has a white church at its centre with a distinctive 'Threepenny Hall', so called because of its shape being like an old threepenny. Down the road is Muirhouse, mainly flats, and Pilton built on the site of an old farm earlier than Drylaw and initially housing people moved from the Leith slums.

The Blackhall Lounge
28 Hillhouse Road
EH4 0131 332 3660
Relatively new (ie less than 50 years) pub in a row of shops in Blackhall, quite a small select area that spreads widely as surrounding areas add it to their address! Cosy, welcoming with Maclays and S&N. My dad's dog used to love its packet of crisps here.

Norhet Bar
Main St Davidsons Mains
EH4 5BZ 0131 336 0121

The Doo'Cot Roadhouse
731, Ferry Rd
EH4 2UA 0131 332 8769
A real local bar in Drylaw, a 50's housing estate between Blackhall and Granton. Has had a colourful history and was effectively burnt down a few years ago. Now it is a well run working people's bar with a quality pint of 80, good service and great blethers.

The Telford Arms
76-78, Telford Rd
EH4 2NF 0131 332 4647
About 20 years old, this pub on the treacherous main road dividing Telford and Craigleith, has worked hard to maintain its apparent aims - civilised local place to drink and to have decent food/meals at a decent price.

The Village Inn
80 Main Street, Davidsons Mains
EH4 0131 336 2655
Previously the Muirhouse Arms but known as McKenzies. Revamp several years ago was a great improvement with interesting features like stone walls exposed and highlighted. Food served family meals area. A nice pint of Calders 70. Marked the night of the famous Mike Hollis's 250th (or was it 300th?) pub.

Ye Old Inn
Main Street, Davidsons Mains
EH4 0131 336 2437
Known locally as 'Malones', this lovely building was refurbished a good few years ago, extending the back out in a kind of conservatory. It is a nice job, keeps its old rustic character and a great improvement on the old bar, but the wee dark wood panelled lounge with the coal fire suffered a bit. Country feel (see the Davidsons Mains intro) and the brasses on the walls are not out of place. Serves food and has real ales. Beer garden backs on to Safeway's car park - very handy. Especially good is the childrens play area.