Curiofestival recommends the best bars to enjoy a tipple in.

Skullduggery at the Star Bar
No bones about it, this is one of Edinburgh's spookiest bars. A human skull kept in the bar’s cellar has carried a curse so dark that it has seen former landlord’s suicide and a few other unlucky victims. The bar is also built on the site of an old Jewish cemetery, making it truly a place to drink a skinful.

Star Bar, 1 Northumberland Place (0131-557-0627)

Come out your shell
For a touch of decadence grab a booth at the Café Royal and order champagne and sea-food. Set amongst elaborately carved wooden panels and John Eyre painted tiles, Café Royal serves oysters by the half-dozen and provides bubbly to suit most budgets.

 
Café Royal, 17 West register St (0131-557-4792)

Swede delight
In one of Edinburgh’s less-fashionable quarters, is a little gem. Moose nibbles, pickled herring and pear cider give clues to this cosy bars Swedish owners. Sample a selection of imaginative Scandinavian cocktails, including Curio’s fave, Elderflower and Citron Vodka infusion.

Boda, 229 Leith Walk (0131-553-5900)

Café cool
The 1950s diner-style booths and Art Deco interior make City Café a stylish setting to shoot some pool and chat to the friendly bar staff. The bar is one of the city’s coolest hangouts and, at Festival time, a popular haunt.

 
City Café, 19 Blair St (0131-220-0125)

Monkey around
Head through the crowd in this popular pub and into the back room. Step over the reclining bodies and find a comfy spot in their unique Bedouin styled giant bed. Once settled, get a drink and sit back and watch whatever popular film is being projected on the wall for your entertainment. The perfect pub to chill.

Brass Monkey, 14 Drummond St (0131-556-1961)

Haunted sounds
This legendary live music venue is where you’ll find a selection of Edinburgh’s best up-and-coming musicians.  You may also find yourself lucky… or is that unlucky, enough to discover the Whistle Binkies’ ghost.  Staff have witnessed the spectral figure, clad in riding boots and tri-cornered hat. Enter if you dare.
Whistle Binkies,, 4-6 South Bridge (0131-557-5114)

Edinburgh’s queerest pub quiz
Former drag artiste Generous Elbows is your charismatic quizmaster, assisted by his glamorous sidekick Del. Prizes galore (Team Curio narrowly missed out on the £50 bar tab much to the relief of our collective livers). Also free buffet and bingo. Every Wednesday from 8pm.

Baroque bar, 39-41 Broughton St (0131-557-0627)