Best kept secrets: Carriers Quarters Toastie

It must have been early 2008 when Espen,my new workmate at the time, first suggested a Friday lunchtime pint and toastie. In the passing years this had grown to be a tradition, albeit a irregular one that has seen many a coworker come and go over the years. The short walk to Henry Hall's Carriers Quarters in Leith isn't quite far enough now that I know whats it holds in store.

The Carriers Quarters Toastie (hence forth known as the CQT) is thing of dreams, the mythical beast of foods, pure ambrosia if you will. I don't think I've ever deviated from a CQT Chilli & Cheese in nearly four years, I just keep going back for more.

This sandwich is bursting with home made Chilli, and oozing with sharp cheese. The break is cut like doorstops, I dare say they get three of these from a loaf. Washed down with a pint, this behemoth of a sandwich only sets you back around £6.50 which is the most pleasant surprise of all. I challenge you to find a pub knocking out any toastie and an alcoholic beverage for under £10 in todays world.

The Carriers Quarters is a historic tiny bar dating back to 1785. The front room is almost all the bar itself, stacked with bottles wrapping wall to wall. The back room four stone walls decorated with barrels for tables with ample space for a big party. The lack day light and a clock (and daylight for that matter) remind me a little of casino tactics, you forget where you are once you've been there an hour. Ah, might as well stay for another. I've still yet to make it down for this, but apparently the self serve breakfasts over the weekend are a steal at £4.50.

Check out the honest and plentiful reviews on Google and BestPubs for more feedback.

Down in Leith

You're actually spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking down in Leith. Within a couple of hundred yards there are two Michelin Star restaurants (might be a few years before I start taking about them), the award winning Chop Chop, even the independent burger bar Diner 7, and my personal favourite The Kings Wark. But there's a special place in my heart and my belly for the CQT. This is unfussy pub grub at its finest.

Head down for lunch, order a CQT, have a pint, have another pint, just don't expect to get much work done afterwards.