Itchy Edinburgh Drink Reviews and recommendations

Bar Kohl

Don't be fooled by the rather tatty church-like exterior of this self-acclaimed vodka bar. In truth, there's so many vodkas here you'll be stared at for ordering coke as a mixer. The cocktails are to die for as are the prices, but you'll find yourself caring less and less as the night goes on - or after several hundred mint vodka shots -. Bar Kohl packs out at the weekend which doesn't make the toilet access any easier, as you step into the tardis-like booth half-pished. But then, it wouldn't be a night out if you didn't end up on someone's face, no matter how accidental.

Cloisters

We like to go to Cloisters and pretend that we're old, unhappy divorcees or failed novelists, drowning our many sorrows. It's something to do with the atmosphere of the bar; no telly, no music, people reading and playing chess. And, crucially, talking. Cloisters is a bar where people go to drink ale (they have a wide selection) and actually talk to each other, without keeping half an eye on whatever boring football scandal is unfolding on Sky Sports. It's bright in the summer and cosy in the winter, and it's welcoming all year round.

Fearghus Roulston