Set in deepest Morningside, this famous little boozer has a reputation as something of a gentleman’s pub which is doing us all a great service by choosing to be open to the general public.

It doesn’t warrant its pretences but,in truth, its all forgiven by the fact it’s one of the most unique pubs in Edinburgh- probably Scotland in fact. An eccentric mix of traditional pictures, wax models and war memorabilia adorn the wall to make it one of the most strangely furbished pubs i’ve ever seen

The whisky collection, and the array of champagne magnums, is astounding. The barman always gives you side snacks with every pint and there are no photographs or, supposedly, mobile phones allowed.

Still, nobody really takes much notice so i recommend you go and have a laugh there.

I don't know about you, but I don't mind surly service and attitude when I'm expecting it! Anyway, it's a great marketing ploy here as the Canny Man's has been renowned for it for donkeys' years and is as popular as ever.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that The Canny Man's is the "mad old aunt" of Edinburgh pubs! You find her slightly peculiar, frustrating at times, but you just can't help but love the old biddy. It's SO Morningside.

This pub's unique atmosphere really has to be experienced first-hand! As long as you go with an open mind then you'll have a great time. It can seem quite stuffy l as you step through the front door to be greeted by many a notice of rules... but at least you know where you stand!

Drinks are averagely priced and there is a good selection. They do delicious sandwiches at lunch time and you can munch away whilst admiring the many ornaments, bits of bric a brac and the odd tat dangling from the ceiling! It amazes me that I seem to see something new everytime I'm in there!

Go on, try it! I dare you!

"No phones, no cameras, no backpackers" reads the sign that greets you to Canny Mans, also known as the Volunteer’s Arms. The inside of the pub is more welcoming though: every wall is decorated with random memorabilia, giving the place a relaxingly cluttered, homely feel. There are huge champagne magnums, instruments, hanging skis and a boxed weasel all in no apparent order. My personal favourite spot is ‘the Churchill Corner’ where you can toast the big man as you sit beside his small shrine. It’s a surreal but warming experience.
In terms of drink, expect to spend over £3 a pint. This is the price you pay for the antique bar, the wide selection of spirits and the unique atmosphere. The staff are famous for being aloof, even rude, but I’ve never seen it. And that seems to be the thing with Canny Man’s: you either subscribe to its bonkers personality or sit in the corner tutting about Morningside prices. Go see, find out for yourself.

I have read many, MANY bad reviews of the Canny Man’s. Accusations range from bad food to racism to blatant snobbery. I’m not sure if my friends and I match whatever ideal client they are looking for, but after 6 or so visits, and despite the conspicuous ‘No Backpackers’ sign at the front door, I have never witnessed any such bad behavior from the staff. This is funny, as I and my guests have been backpackers; perhaps the fact that we were clean and groomed allowed us special permission to be served at this historic establishment.

I like this pub because it’s so quirky—there is so much random stuff tacked all over the walls that it’s entertaining just looking around. Also, the Canny Man’s may have the best selection of single malts of any place I’ve been.

I can’t comment on the food, as I have never sampled anything on the menu, but I can say that this is a cool, locals-only spot to take visiting friends for a unique pub experience.

The Canny Man's is not your average pub. Greeted at the doorway by a highly polished brass plaque declaring all that is not permitted in the place (mobile phones, backpackers...) you might not find the atmosphere immediately welcoming. But it's worth a visit if you get past the clothing restrictions and don't upset the proprietors. Drinks aren't the cheapest, and service by the bar staff in shirts and waistcoats might be willfully rude at times, but the Canny Man's is a place for a different pub experience. Ostensibly a small place, it has two bars and serves up quirkiness in doses throughout the labyrinth of rooms bedecked in crazy bric-a-brac - from stuffed animals to colonial clocks on the walls, to a model naval vessel and female mannequin dressed in black hanging from the ceiling ... Really. Excellent food is also served, and the place is known to some as the choice pub for Edinburgh's Literati. Small and pleasant beer patio out-back.