The Jolly Judge

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2010 edition.

Set just far enough back from the Royal Mile to avoid being spoiled by excessive tourist footfall, the Jolly Judge enjoys a peaceful basement spot on James Court, which belies just how enviable its location is. The low, beamed ceilings are familiar to connoisseurs of the city’s more traditional pubs, although a recent makeover has sucked a little of the well-weathered charm from the place. On the upside, though, the bathrooms are much smarter than one would have a right to expect in a pub of this age, while the surviving collection of banknotes from around the world pinned above the bar reaffirms the Judge’s popularity with visitors from abroad. Outdoor seating is a godsend during summer months, while a warm drinks menu of hot toddy, brandy and port, Irish coffee and Bailey’s latte keeps regulars cosy in winter. Other attractions include a Monday night pub quiz (8.30pm start, £1 entry per person), a range of around 30 malt whiskies, and cheap and cheerful home-made soup and toasties at lunchtime.

• High point: Cosy and full of character
• Low point: Recent refurbishment has been kind only to the bathrooms