If fun is what you’re after, look no further than The Mercat Bar & Restaurant. Perfectly poised between Princes Street and Haymarket Station, The Mercat offers a lively spot for a drink or a meal. The decor is an attractive mix of modern and traditional, with softly lit original features nestled next to contemporary touches. The widescreen televisions add an extra buzz to the already jovial atmosphere.

To start, we chose the haggis and black pudding (£4.95) and the prawn kebabs (£5.25). Both were abundant and left us eager for our mains. We were not disappointed – the honey-glazed duck (£9.95) was wonderfully tender, and the stir-fried vegetables and champ potatoes provided an appropriately light accompaniment to this hearty dish. The massive North Sea haddock (£9.50), coated in a surprisingly delicate batter, was steamed to succulent perfection, and the hand-cut chips were plentiful and delicious. We rounded off our meal by sharing the Eton Mess cheesecake (£3.95), which was expertly adorned with sweet raspberry coulis and crumbled meringue.

Downstairs you’ll find leather couches that can be reserved, plus a dining area offering another cheery yet pleasantly subdued space in which to sample The Mercat’s delightful cuisine.