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The Port O' Leith Bar. What can we say? I remember this place as a favourite when I used to drink here in Leith over 20 years ago. Nothing much has changed other than the lack of tobacco smoke and the addition of some new beverages. Other than that it's the same wonderful place it ever was. You just have to visit the Port at least once otherwise you just won't know what everyone is talking about. (They don't really have a tiger as a guard dog - that's just a Strange Leith picture in disguise)

From the Port O' Leith's own website:

When you've worked up a thirst reading about it, be sure to pop in for a real drink and sample 'Auld Leith'.

The anchor above the door broadcasts the maritime connection. Step inside and you are swamped in the sea of impedimenta adorning the walls. All manner of life is contained within and by midnight it resembles the Star Wars bar, but that shouldn't keep you away. It's impossible to drink alone and even harder to leave sober.

Ship's flags completely cover the ceiling. Mannequins, caps, naval paraphernalia, postcards and banknotes from around the globe deck the walls, all gifts from visiting sailors. Proprietor Mary Moriarty explains:

"I don't know how the tradition started, but it's now unstoppable. Every bunch of sailors leave behind a flag or cap-band, but it doesn't end there. We've also come by a lifebelt and a nameplate from the side of a ship. It's a cute little thing - 15 feet long!"

The Port O'Leith isn't the exclusive domain of seafarers. Past regulars have included David Mamet, Steven Berkoff and Irvine Welsh, author of 'Trainspotting'. When Archaos, the controversial sell-out stars of the Edinburgh Festival, visited Leith a few years ago, the cast adopted the pub as their favourite watering hole. The regular clientele were entertained to jugglers and magicians at no extra charge. Later festivals saw the arrival of 'The Circus of Horrors' to Leith Links (directed by Pierrot Bidon, creator of Archaos ). The members of that cast and crew also discovered the best bar in the area.