Q: Festival season in Edinburgh is not the best time to find a quiet cafe or bar in the West End. Usually, I pop into the Caley Hilton to grab a coffee or a quick drink - the prices are actually comparable to other bars in that area, like The Rutland or Hudsons. I'd been in a few times before, visits I would have given probably 4 stars. On this occassion, however, the list of issues just kept growing. The menu on my table was an old one, which hadn't been replaced. Fair enough, if what I had chosen from that menu isn't available, I'll choose something else. Having chosen, the waiter goes to check if they make it. They do. Having ordered soup, I order a side of something a little more substantial. He'll go and check if they have those (it was on the new menu). He comes back. He takes my wine order. He comes back. What type of wine was it that I wanted? He brings me a glass of red. Waiting for my order is lessened by the fact that I have brought work with me to do, but after 30 minutes waiting for soup and a small side, it's starting to get laughable. Eventually, my soup arrives and it's not what he told me it was. It was susposed to be sweet potato and it's very definitely parsnip. I have no aversion to parsnip and I've got about 15 minutes until the person I am meeting in relation to the work is turning up, so I just eat it. I need something in addition to the wine! The side has been turned from a good scottish option to a fusion food nightmare....haggis balls in an asian steamer? Seriously? The whole meal is a special kind of bland awful and the service makes Fawlty Towers look like good customer service. By the time company joins me, I'm still waiting for my change from paying the bill. If they think I'm tipping a ridiculous amount for that experience, they are sorely mistaken. Eventually, not only is there no wait staff to ask if we want more drinks, but I have to go and ask for my change and a receipt. I'm sorely disappointed as I had previously spoken highly of the Caley Hilton and how it was usually an oasis away from the Christmas shopping or Festival crowds. I like trying to find positives in everything but, even trying to justify it as Festival time when staff are likely to be stretched, the standard was still appalling. Very very disappointed, Hilton!

A: negative

Q: Oh Yogurtland.....why can't I resist your calling? I had to run an errand and saw this location next to a Fedex Office...perfect! I dropped in and ordered: Double Cookies & Cream, Strawberry, and Cheesecake...topped with Peanuts, Captain Crunch, and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup for around $4.90. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Co4cQNWyAYv7Hw8jKcEKJg?select=VcouxvxQ0Sl310XRxn9HOg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Co4cQNWyAYv7Hw8jKcEKJg?select=8xzd9ms7YvNaEAvn1irgsQ It was of course awesome! The line was very short too....even though the weather was in the mid-90's....boy did I luck out! Return Factor - 100%

A: positive

Q: The security was outrageous, coming to the states the American boarder asked for less ID. Passports are pretty legit. Do I look like the kind of person who wants to be detained in both the US and Canada? The drinks were good, worth the money? No. The bartender spent most of the night (and by night I mean the whole 45 minutes I could stand it there) throwing around cups and attempting to flair bottles. Many cups hit the ground. He cared more about trying to show off than actually helping people which is probably why I didn't tip, which is something I need a real reason to do. Verdict: I won't be back. Recommendation: If you're looking to over spend and be ignored all night this is the place for you! If you're looking for people to do their jobs and pay a little less it's mill street, walk around and follow the crowd.

A: negative

Q: Very nice. Love the patio section - nice view of downtown. Servers are super nice and helpful, too. Happy hour (3 PM - 6 PM) has some great prices for cocktails, beer, and wine. Pretzels with fondue are so delicious - soft, chewy, salty! Crispy shrimp are awesome. The portion size is good for the price and the aioli takes the shrimp over the top. Tried some of the chacuterie meats, which were also great. Love the crusty bread they're served with. Will definitely be back for more good eats and drinks!

A:
positive