Something of a hidden and unknown entity on Leith Walk, its turquoise exterior belies its modernist and stylish interior design. The Horseshoe still seems to be fairly unknown but comes heavily recommended as a trendy, if still locals-oriented, pub.

The Venue
The Horseshoe is a seriously interesting place which sees lots of sophisticated and tasteful artwork adorn the walls, particularly the eye-catching portraits of jazz-players in full verve at the entrance.

It has very artsy neon-lighting, spacious, comfortable leather couches, and, rather predictably, a horseshoe-shaped bar. It has plasma screens and most impressively, a series of stained glass windows along one side. Quirky lamps abseil down from the bar’s upper echelons like multicoloured teardrops and the roof of the bar is a huge dazzling window. Also spectacular are the inlets of fiery lights opposite the bar filling small niches in the walls and casting shadows upon the bar.

The People
Although the Horseshoe’s interior would not look amiss in the centre of George St, it is actually located in the middle of Leith Walk and, naturally, is filled with local Leithers. This is the ultimate ambivalence of the Horseshoe: the strides it has taken to become a new funky pub and its difficulty in shaking off the same clientele. However, the Horseshoe doesn’t really seem to mind and, in fact, this becomes the Horseshoe’s charm. The punters seem fairly lost as to why the place is so stylish or charming and the conversations are the same ones as found in the less salubrious drinking dens near the bottom of Leith Walk.

The Drink
A wonderful altruism towards the over-50s sees special reductions on every drink to that particular demographic. They get 30p off every pint and similar deals for spirits. For those still in the grips of youth, Tennants is £2.70, Stella £3, Best and 70 Shilling is £2.50 and Guinness is £2.90. Bottles of Becks are £2.20, Budweiser £2.30 and Smirnoff Ice £2.40. The malt of the month is £1.45 and Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort are £1.35 or £2.40 for a double. House wine is £9.95 per bottle.

The Last Word
A wonderful encapsulation of the changing nature of Leith and a testament to the extent of which some bars have changed in the area, despite an often stubborn refusal for wholesale change from the local rank and file.

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