I was instantly put off by this bar since they are apparently quite fascist in how they filter out their clientele.
"Home Support Only" is hardly a welcoming sign to be given when you're visiting a pub for the first time. The plan may be to eliminate violence by keeping it for Hearts fans, but it's hardly a great message for anyone else, including visiting away fans.
If anyone has read Irvine Welsh or have at least seen Trainspotting, they may romanticise his visualisation of Edinburgh. They may want to go on a tour to capture the essence of the city, the place where the real people go. If that is the case, I regretably advise against visiting here. In case you're not familiar, Scottish cities are fanatical about their football, and although thousands of people can have an adult debate about it, you get those who like to frequent the football bars and would pan you in if you declare yourself a Hibs fan.
There used to be a history of football casuals in Edinburgh. Some of the ideology has been carried forward from the 80s into this century, so pubs dedicated to one team should not be frequented unless you are local, love Hearts or can play clueless enough for the punters to think you're endearing.
I had my eyes down in here during a week day just to see what it was like, and while I experienced no trouble it's easier for girls. I sound sexist, maybe, but it's sadly true. The clients were really nice to me but they might not be as nice to guys. As Stuart experienced it was not the same for him, and as Amy said it's best avoided unless you live around here.
That's my bit of street smart education done for the day. By all means try it out - you might meet a nice local. But there are plenty other pubs up town which are more accomodating. It's right by Tynecastle so it's not a ridiculous notion that it's home support only, but even though it may be to prevent arguments from forming, it's still a bit offputting. read more