Indulge your moods with Magnum

Not only one of the city’s thriving gig venues, the wonderfully eclectic Electric Circus also boasts private karaoke booths that take the sting of public humiliation out of singing out loud. Grab a posse of pals, peruse the cocktail menu and put yourselves down for ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’.

This poky wee eatery just off the Royal Mile has built up a loyal following in the capital for its simple, cheap and easygoing formula: chicken wings galore. Pick from a few dozen varieties, share a couple of bowls with your mates and prepare to enjoy some messy food that’s finger-lickin’ fun.

A well-kept secret on Edinburgh’s drinking scene, the Star Bar is difficult to find but rewarding when you do. After discovering it tucked away in a residential corner of the New Town, you’re free to imbibe its carefully chosen selection of beverages while lounging in one of the city’s best beer gardens or playing table football.

Given its proximity to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, the Brass Monkey on show night can look too popular to be enjoyable at first. Elbow your way through the patrons, though, and you’ll find a comfy back room decked out with massive bed-like loungers (seating upwards of ten) and a projector screening cult films daily.

Edinburgh’s legendary vintage clothes emporium is a through-the-looking-glass world of costumery, clothing and accessories from throughout history. The emphasis is on chic fashions from the ’50s to the present day, but there’s always the option of a Libertines-y army jacket or 1920s flapper dress should you be feeling adventurous.

One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, the Sheep Heid might sound a bit fusty and unfashionable at first, but that’s before you realise they have a fully operational skittle alley on the premises. It’s the perfect relaxer after a jaunt round Arthur’s Seat – and the food and drink’s pretty good too.

Cocktails, Hawaiian shirts and a food menu divided into ‘tacos’ and ‘not tacos’ – what’s not to like about Paradise Palms? Aside from the excellent margarita selection, they also boast a quirky events calendar featuring gramophone DJs and scratch cabaret nights.