The Pint, The Joker and The Pear Tree

I am feeling far more awake and refreshed now after a solid night’s sleep so time to fill you in.

Started my day by heading up Cockburn Street and onto the Royal Mile where I visited a couple of venues before buying myself some food and watching the street acts where I saw a mermaid casually lying in the street. After taking in a few performers I walked down towards the Cowgate to check out another few places including Underbelly where the whole place was buzzing with long queues everywhere and a general hubbub amongst the crowds.

At this point I decided I was in need of a Deuchars so went to a bar/restaurant called Medina (venue 205) on Lothian Street near Bristo Square where I found easily the best pint of the day.  Medina is quite a deceptive place as on first viewing it seems like one small room with a few table and chairs outside but once inside it was actually very spacious and stretched back quite a way. Whilst ordering my drinks I asked about what shows were on upstairs and none of them had any idea! They were all quite pretty though so they were excused...

After leisurely sitting with my drink for a good hour and flicking through the Fringe programme, I decided to see the show ‘Daniel Sloss: The Joker’. Even though he is only 20, Sloss will be huge in the world of comedy. Genuinely hilarious and devilish, as the poor 13 year old who was in the audience with his father found out to his cost.

While waiting for the show to start I decided on the short walk to The Pear Tree (venue 257) where there was live music in the large outdoor area. I got chatting to an American couple who told me they were staying with some relatives for the duration of the festival and had been for the past 11 years! They were fans of Deuchars and said one of the reasons they liked coming back every year was because of the beer!

After the show I went back to the Medina for another quick pint, after eating the greasiest, best burger ever, then headed home after 12 hours, 22 venues and an aching pair of feet. 35 venues done now and a lot more to go.

Check back tonight for an update on my day today where I am going to see Milton Jones of ‘Mock the Week’ fame.

Andy