The Cumberland Bar

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

This review is taken from the 2011 edition.

Famed for its sunny beer garden and rightly so, The Cumberland is very much a New Town pub. Located slap bang in the centre of the heritage district, it specialises in cask ales and has eight fonts to choose from including Taylor’s Landlord and Deuchars IPA, as well as a rotating guest beer showcasing offerings from smaller independent breweries for only £2.50 a pint. There’s also an impressive selection of malt whiskies. The dark wood panelling, imposing bar and vintage paraphernalia make The Cumberland every inch the traditional pub. There’s no noisy jukebox or TV (save for the odd game of rugby or golf) – just low key banter from the locals. Typical pub grub is available if you’re hungry: think home-made steak pie, haggis, fish and chips, as well as a selection of ciabattas and wraps – though more ambitious things may be in the offing. Outside, the beer garden is a veritable sun trap during summer months. It’s popular with local residents, and some who come from further afield to bag a table when the weather is fair.

• High point: The beer garden
• Low point: Mellow might mean too low-key for some