Spot the lady in Thomson’s Bar. OK, so there is at least one there. You got me.
Gone are the days when many pubs were solely the domain of the male. However, despite the success of the likes of All Bar One and the general softening of many drinking holes, there are some pubs that are and probably always will be hugely male dominated. Thomson’s Bar on Morrison Street has always struck me as such a place. Its stark exterior that only allows a limited glimpse of what lies inside and then its general no-nonsense interior where sawdust would not look out of place on the floor screams men-only to me. And, quite frankly, if you’re there after work on a Friday, you’d probably agree.
Edinburgh pub Teuchters is on William Street in the city’s West End
Edinburgh is traditionally packed at various times of the year: in August for the various festivals; Hogmanay for the legendary (and overrated) street party; and the odd Saturday or Sunday in February and March as the Six Nations comes to town. With the latter soon upon us, I’ve been to one pub that wears its Six Nations heart on its sleeve, despite Scotland’s limited success in recent years. Situated at the West End, Teuchters will be one of many pubs that will be trying hard to convert customers in the next few weeks.
Positioned around a mile and a half from Murrayfield, Scotland’s national rugby stadium, the exterior of Teuchters (pronounced “choochters”) is a vexillologist’s dream, with the flags of the sport’s six nations proudly flying year-round. There are also numerous signs and menus as the downstairs part of the building is A Room in the West End, one of several pubs and Scottish bistros that are run by owners John Tindal and Peter Knight across the city. However, I’m only interested in the pub and I have to admit I find the exterior a bit of an unattractive mish-mash – a little untidy for this part of town. However, I generally do my drinking on the inside so in we go.
The Persevere is not shy in providing literature and information in general
Where does Edinburgh stop and Leith begin? The top of Leith Walk? Halfway down? I’ve never quite worked it out but there’s no doubt that despite Leith now being part of Edinburgh, it is an area fiercely proud of its history, its community and and its importance in the development of Scotland’s capital city. And nowhere is this pride better illustrated than in The Persevere Bar at the bottom of Easter Road.
The Percy as it’s popularly known is a bit of a gem. Taking its name from the motto of Leith, this is a no-frills, warm, community-focused pub that embodies everything that is good about this part of town. Up to a couple of years ago, it was a bit of a mystery to me as I’d been past it hundreds of times but never popped in. I also had no idea what it looked like inside due to its frosted glass exterior. That has gone, however, the paintwork has been overhauled, the flower baskets proudly hung and its signage shines golden and bright. It’s inviting and it was high time I visited.
Cloisters Bar at Tollcross in Edinburgh worships beer, not God
I don’t go to church. Well, unless someone gets married or insists on Christening their child. Or it’s Christmas Eve and they’re doing carols at St Giles – suddenly I come over all religious then. No, as a non-believer, my most visited church in Edinburgh is no longer a sacred place, it’s a pub. So, is Cloisters Bar near Tollcross worthy of your worship?
OK, so the name is the first hint at the true nature of this building. Situated on Brougham Street, and looking resplendent with its red doors and windows and hanging baskets, there’s no mistaking this place’s former purpose as you enter underneath the sign for All Saints Parsonage. However, once in it’s not as churchy – well, as ornately churchy – as you might expect.
The interior of Bennets Bar at Tollcross has hardly changed since 1906
By a quirk of fate, Bennets Bar in Tollcross was both the last pub I visited in 2013 and the first I visited in 2014. Lucky me, I should think, as a good acquaintance of mine rates this as the best pub in Edinburgh. Now, it’s too early in my pub blogging career to be handing out accolades like that but I can see where he’s coming from.
A drinking establishment of some description has stood here since 1839, however it has not always been Bennets. The current pub was born in 1906 when the King’s Theatre replaced the Taylor MacLeod brewery next door. Since then, not much has changed and for this we should be thankful.
