Given a minor facelift during 2013, 99 Hanover Street (formerly a bank) holds its place as a big player in central Edinburgh’s bar scene and aims to grab the attention with its striking gothic flourishes, chandeliers, flickering candles, opulent drapes and a DJ booth fashioned from an old piano. A weighty drinks list features more than 350 different spirits and some 30 cocktails ranging from a kaffir lime daiquiri to Picardy punch (Grey Goose vodka paired with peach liqueur, lemon and Earl Grey tea); also look for the daily mixes served in special 250ml bottles. There are plenty of reasonably priced wines too, plus Scottish ales and craft beers from around the globe. Expect live entertainment seven nights a week, although food is generally confined to buffet-style nibbles for big parties.