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Irish Pubs

September 29, 2012 by

Article by Sammy Hely

Irish Pubs are as much a part of the local scene as the iconic tiny green fields bordered by stone walls. Whether you’re a beer lover or not, you should visit at least a few Pubs during your visit.

When we traveled in Ireland with family, we stopped at a Pub for lunch. Our nieces were young at the time, and they wanted to know if it was OK for them to go into a bar…. Don’t think of them as bars.

The term pub is short for “public house”. The locals go there to hang out and socialize. Children are served food and soft drinks. Sometimes there is a special section, and they may be asked to leave earlier at night than the other patrons. The legal drinking age is 19 in Ireland.

Irish Pubs are great places to get a decent inexpensive meal. “Pub Grub” earned a bad reputation years ago, but it’s not what it used to be. There are a few pubs that have microwaved meals and wilted salads, but most are really pretty good today. To find the best pub in the area where you’re staying, just ask the host at your B-and-B. You’ll probably get a great tip for a meal and a fun evening.

In most pubs, you order at the bar… both your drink and your food. If you’re unsure how to order beer… just ask. Most bartenders or publicans will take the time to educate you. If you just ask for a beer… you’re apt to get a pint of Guinness. If you want less, ask for a half-pint.

We don’t drink beer much at home, but we love to try local beers when we travel, so we suggest you try some of the local brews in Irish Pubs. There are long handles with plaques on them at the bar that let you know what is on tap. If you ask, they will probably let you have a small taste of one or two to see if you like them… of course, you must order one in the end.

Besides Guinness Stout, there are other ales, bitters, and beers. If you like lighter beer ask for a lager, something like Harp.

Pubs are open for lunch and straight through to dinner and into the evening…. usually from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

If you’re staying in a town for a couple of nights and visit the same pub, you’ll probably be hailed as a friend by your second visit. You’ll only be a stranger in a pub if you want to be. If you try talking to the locals, you’ll soon be in a conversation.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll run into some traditional music. You may find music advertised or it might just happen spontaneously. Musical instrument can be fiddles, flutes, guitars or accordions… or all of the above. But if you’re really lucky you might hear the Irish version of bagpipes… uilleann.

Whether you get music or great food or just a pint and a snack, you’ll find a friendly place to stop in an Irish Pub.

About the Author

This travel tip is brought to you by Stuart Hely of BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in NSW Central Coast accommodation. Check us out for the best accommodation deals, central coast bed and breakfasts, holiday accommodation and beach accommodation.

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Irish Pubs and Nightlife: a unique experience!

September 25, 2012 by

Article by Mairead Foley

No visit to Ireland is complete until you sample a nice creamy pint of the black stuff, for when you stay here you’re never too far from a pub! Irish pubs are renowned the world over, so while in Ireland make sure to pop in and check out the real deal…

It’s really no wonder that Irish people love their pubs. They’re a great meeting place to have a conversation with an old pal, chat over a coffee, enjoy some lunch with friends, watch a match on TV or just slowly sip a pint while reading the evening paper. At night, people come here to socialise and unwind with a few drinks and most pubs have live traditional Irish music so you can sit back and be entertained.

Pubs in Ireland have a unique atmosphere and ambience that cannot be found anywhere else. Your pub experience will be all the better if you mingle with the locals, who you’ll find to be very friendly and sociable. Typical phrases that you might hear in an Irish pub include; “Sláinte” which is a toast to say “Good Health” and “the craic” which means fun.

Traditional Irish pubs are a hit with visitors to Ireland, but there are also plenty of trendy bars, disco bars, super-pubs, not to mention a healthy array of nightclubs, so when the pub calls ‘last orders’ you can hit the dance floor!

If you’re a night owl in serious need of some dancing, partying or socialising then you’ve come to the right place, as Ireland has a legendary nightlife scene. You’ll find disco bars and nightclubs in most towns and cities. If in the capital, head to the renowned Temple Bar area which is crammed with pubs, clubs and restaurants – all the right elements for a great night out!

The drink of choice in Ireland is Guinness – which we probably now consider to be our “national drink”. You can also enjoy favourites such as Heineken, Budweiser, Carlsberg, Harp, Murphy’s and Smithwicks. The average price of a pint is about EUR3.50 but expect to pay more for it in cities.

Pubs can serve until 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Most pubs turn on and off their lights to tell customers that it’s last orders and you definitely know it’s time to go when you hear the barman shout ” have you no homes to go to?!!”

Socialising in Ireland has taken on a new dimension since the introduction of the smoking ban. Now smoking is not allowed in pubs, which has in turn created a cleaner and more sociable atmosphere. But don’t worry if you’re a smoker, as you’ll find most pubs have a smoking shelter, smoking hut or a beer garden.

If you have kids in tow bear in mind you’ll have to head away early as children aren’t allowed in the pub after 10pm in the Summer and 9pm in the Winter.

About the Author

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit www.GoIreland.com for all you need to know before visiting Ireland, like what to see and where to go. View B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering all over Ireland, as well as hotels like Dublin hotels .

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Dog Friendly Pubs in Suffolk

September 24, 2012 by

Article by Will Averill

Dog Friendly Pubs in SuffolkWhether you’re visiting Suffolk for the first time, or are a frequent visitor, or resident, it’s nice to know where you can go with your pets. Suffolk has a wide range of Dog Friendly Pubs dotted all over. While some request that you keep your pets in the outside garden or terrace area, many allow pets inside the pub as well. Here is a selection of pubs across Suffolk which allow pets either in the pub or in the garden.The The Sorrell Horse Inn in Woodbridge offers an open door policy to pets. Well behaved dogs are allowed in the pub, and the pub features an outdoor garden area open to both people and pets.

The Griffin Inn in Yoxford allows dogs in the public bar and garden, however, they do ask that you not bring your pets into the restaurant area.

The Red Lion in Needham Market allows well behaved dogs.

In Bury St. Edmunds, The White Horseallows dogs in the pub and garden areas, though not in the inn rooms. Also in Bury, The Bush has a well behaved dogs allowed policy in the pub.

Ipswich pub The White Horse at Tattingstone has both an open pet policy in the pub as well as featuring a garden which is dog friendly. Also in Ipswich, The Greyhound allows well behaved dogs.

Anchor Inn in Nayland has a terraced area where pets are welcome. The Inn, however, is pet free. The Bildestone Crown allows well behaved dogs in the pub, as does The Kings Head Inn in Orford, which allows dogs in both the pub, and in rooms. The Cock Inn in Polstead is also a good place for pets, with dogs allowed in the pub.

In Lindsey, The Lindsey Rose allows well behaved dogs. The Cherry Tree in Belchamp St. Paul allows dogs, excepting during meal times. The same rule applies at The George and Dragon in Long Melford, where dogs are allowed as long as food isn’t being served.

Crown Hotel in Southwold allows dogs in the bar areas, but not in the rooms or dining areas. The George in Cavendish has a terrace which is pet friendly, though dogs are not allowed in the pub itself.

Woodbridge’s The Ship Inn is dog friendly, as is The Angel Inn Wangford (though dogs are not allowed in the rooms). Royal Oak Inn in Framlingham has an open door policy for pets, as does the Butley Oyster in Rendlesham. Finally, The Brantham Bull in Manningtree has a great garden which is pet friendly, though they do ask that you be sure and clean up after them!

With so many options to choose from, you’re never far from a dog friendly pub in Suffolk. If you’d like more information on Dog Friendly places in Suffolk, click here., or check out Dog Friendly Beaches in Suffolk.To find out more about what’s happening in Suffolk, check out Suffolk Tourist Guide

About the Author

Will Averill is a freelance writer working with Suffolk Tourist Guide.

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The Three Best Pubs in Brighton

July 22, 2012 by

Article by Paul Silver

Brighton has one of the highest number of pubs per head of population for anywhere in the UK. It’s a tourist city on the south coast of the UK, less than an hour’s train ride from London. There’s a great social scene in the city, and most of it revolves around pubs and drinking, from the cram-them-in tourist bars, to the family friendly traditional pub.

It’s difficult to narrow down the huge selection to the best three, so I’ve cheated and given an extra venue in each category:

Best pub for food

It’s a foodie town and many Brighton pubs offer excellent grub, but the best has to be the Sussex Yeoman, on Guildford Road. A regularly updating menu of fine, locally sourced, fresh ingredients cooked by a chef who really loves food and understands how to make meals that will blow your socks off.

Locally the Yeoman’s Sunday roasts are legendary and so popular if you want one it’s best to book at least a week in advance to ensure you get a seat, and that’s with two or three servings each Sunday. If you’re not that organised, you’re welcome to turn up and enjoy a beer while you hope for a slot to open up. The bar staff are very friendly so at least you can enjoy a nice chat while your hunger grows looking at the gorgeous food being eaten around you.

Vegetarians are well served in Brighton, and the best veggie and vegan pub food is served in The George on Trafalgar Road. It regularly wins prizes for it’s vegetarian fare, which is so good it’s even made this inveterate meat-eater think switching to an all-veg diet wouldn’t be so bad.

Best pub for beer

Brighton has it’s fair share of chain pubs serving the same three lagers, a poor cider and a mediocre ale, but look around a little and you can find a number of wonderful independent pubs serving local beers from Harveys and Dark Star, two Sussex breweries. You’ll receive a fantastic pint in any of these pubs, but in my opinion the best beer to be had is in The Greys pub, on Southover Street.

As well as having a regularly changing selection of properly cared for local beers, and beer tasting festivals, the tiny Greys pub also has a range of carefully selected Belgian beers to choose from. Their food is pretty cracking too. In fact, the only thing stopping The Greys being the perfect pub is it’s size. Unless you get there early, there’s never anywhere to sit in what is one of Brighton’s smallest pubs. Still, even if it is busy it’s well worth squeezing in for a quick pint, the quality is well worth the lack of elbow room.

Honourable mentions go to The Battle and The Evening Star, both close to Brighton’s central rail station. The Battle has a range of well kept Harveys beers, brewed just eleven miles away in Lewes, and the Evening Star has some marvellous Dark Star beers, also locally brewed. Both will give you a friendly welcome as well as a fine beer.

Best pub quiz

There’s nothing like a good pub quiz to give you something to argue over with your friends when you’re having a pint. There’s not a huge number in Brighton, given the number of pubs, but you could probably find one on every day of the week if you’re quiz obsessed.

For a fun free quiz, The George Quiz at, unsurprisingly, The George on Trafalgar Street, is the best to go to. Get there early and have some nice vegetarian food, as mentioned above.

The quiz is a mixture of general knowledge and specialist rounds, with a wide enough range that you’ll be able to answer something over the evening. It’s free to enter and there’s generally meal vouchers and some beer as the prizes for the top teams. If you have sensitive hearing, take ear plugs as Mike, the very affable host, has a voice that doesn’t drop below eleven, even when he’s using a PA system. For regular visitors, have a check for the quiz on Facebook as Mike sometimes gives hints about what rounds are coming up, and you get to request rounds on particular topics.

As an honourable mention, The Caroline of Brunswick pub hosts The Geekest Link once a month. It’s a SF/Fantasy/geekery themed quiz and a lot of fun if you’re at all geeky minded.

The wide range of pubs in Brighton means there’s something for everyone. If you’re visiting the city, it’s well worth having a wander around areas like the North Laine, Hanover and The Lanes to find the gems of independently run pubs. If you’re a local, you’ll know how spoilt for choice you are.

About the Author

Paul Silver has lived in Brighton for ten years. When visiting, he recommends the Cavalaire, a bed and breakfast in Brighton with excellent service.

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Pubs the place of Amusement in Delhi and Bangalore

June 17, 2012 by

Article by Arun Gupta

Pub is also known as a public place this is used as a drinking place which is part of British, Irish and Australian culture. The folk of Great Britain has been drinking at the era of Bronze Age when the Romans arrived and made the first pubs. After all the pubs becomes so famous worldwide soon and its opens Almost in every country. Also in India the pub is doing a good business in all major cities like Delhi, Bangalore etc.Pubs is the classic place to get hilarity and commingle with their friends and lovers it?s a place which make your mind tension liberated and in the mood of fun shares your hope with your mistress and makes your party in the old English style.After all the pubs becomes so famous worldwide soon and its opens Almost in every country. Also in India the pub is doing a good business in all major cities. Outlandish who comes to India they likes the pubs in Delhi. Delhi has myriad pubs which is highly full-blown which makes the city highly cultural.Pub junket In the 1950s some British pubs provide a “a pie and a pint” which were easy to cock but in 1960s and 1970s this was modified into a “Chicken in a basket” means roasted chickens with chips served on a napkin dishes were increased but the quality were dropped it?s all happen by the introduction of microwave ovens and freezer. Entertainment and Attraction PointThe Pubs is place of joy because of gamming and music. The games which mostly played like the well-known darts, skittles, dominoes, cards and bar billiards but today video games and slot games are also available. It?s a party place folk loves to come at night especially at the weekends they hang out with friends or mistress get make their weekends gladsome. This public house is the main hub of meeting, drinking and party the owner has to issue license and it is all legal. In India European country left a big impact. Indian people become trendier and they like European life style. The college students also celebrate the party in these pubs and night clubs. The Outlanders appreciate about the Delhi Pubs because they feel their native environment. Some Hotels and resorts have their own pubs built in it. All these attract the foreign and also maintain the Indian economy condition. Mainly the pubs, bars, night clubs all are booked at weekends or any occasion like New Year. The big companies conduct their events in these and advertise. It makes the India most developed city. It changes the Indian tradition. Bars in India are mainly clustered in metro cities, like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc. Bangalore is sometimes referred to as the city of pubs as there are over 200 bars and pubs located in the city. The state of Goa also has a large number of bars and pubs because of tourism. The rest of the country has very few bar formats. In the last few years, many international brands have entered the market, like ‘Hard Rock Cafe’, ‘TGI Friday’s’, Ruby Tuesday’s’, Pop Tate’s, ‘Ministry of Sound(MOS)’, etc. Similar chains of bars are now starting to emerge from within the country.

About the Author

Arun Gupta is an experienced content writer, I have written several articles for different topics like spa, restaurants, salons etc. Now I have written articles for Bangalore pubs, Delhi pubs, Gurgaon pubs, Noida pubs etc.

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5 Reasons Why Pubs Are Better Then Nightclubs

June 3, 2012 by

Article by Ben King

No just to make clear, this article is not bagging nightclubs, rather, it is just proclaiming the brilliance of pubs in their entirety. As both a pub and nightclub lover, the appeal of nightclubs is by no means lost on me, however this is a pub website and as such, the majority of people reading this are here because of their love of pubs.

So after giving this article some extensive thought, here are the top 5 reasons why pubs make for a better night out then nightclubs. This is not to say you shouldn’t go to nightclubs… just keep this in mind before you forgo the pub.

1. Pubs Have No Dress Code

With pubs, the anxiety of will you get in, are you wearing the right clothes and so on are non-existent, unlike nightclubs which revel in their own pretentiousness. With pubs, one feels they are always welcome, unlike their moody counterparts where one week you can be best friends, and the next you’re just that stranger standing at the door.

2. Pub Bouncers Are Better

And that’s assuming there even is one. For whatever reason, most pubs don’t feel the need to put a massive, roided up muscle man at the door to “welcome” patrons, unlike nightclubs where it is mandatory. Moreso, if a pub does seem to require a bouncer, they tend to be a little more relaxed, and join in celebration when someone drops a beer, as opposed to feeling the need to escort them from the premise.

3. Pubs Are Cheaper

Why a drink in a pub is half the price of a nightclub I will never know, however this is the case and will be for the near future. Pubs are cheaper and as such… are better!!!

4. Pubs Are Everywhere

To go to your favourite nightclub undoubtedly requires a bus, tram, train or taxi ride, whereas to get to your local pub requires nothing more than a short walk down the road.

5. Pubs Are Like Cold Pizza

Just like cold pizza a pub may not be good… but it is never bad, unlike nightclubs which can be just plain shit.

So undoubtedly the debate between pub and nightclub lovers will rage on, however no doubt this article has given you as a pub lover a bit of ammunition when a night clubber decides to speak up.

About the Author

Ben King is writer/editor for www.barsandnightclubs.com.au and www.justpubs.com.au

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The pub is Jurnet’s Bar in Norwich UK, location fans! (We were filming another project in there. We don’t generally hang around empty pubs with full camera and lighting equipment. Not since the police made us stop, anyway.)
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Now is the time for Pubs

March 1, 2012 by

Article by James K. Johnson

It’s a tough time for pubs right now! If you are renting, the brewery will be always thinking of ever tougher leasing terms to keep more money in their pockets making it harder and harder for you to fill yours. The government never helps, at every budget raising duty on alcohol and seeing it, along with the other favourite, tobacco, as a soft target for raising tax revenues as they can claim that they are doing it for the good and health of the U.K.’s population. New laws from local government try to ban ‘happy hours’ and attempt to fix lowest prices on landlords. Only the often maligned E.U. coming to the rescue through it’s own laws banning price fixing has so far stopped the U.K. government from pushing through with them. Then of course there was the smoking ban…So the modern publican needs to be very flexible and imaginative in order to promote and establish his or her venue. One way in recent years that pub owners have found new customers is by offering great food as well as a place for drinking. Expanding the services offered can only be good for trade and will attract new clients and keep the present ones interested. Very important in this respect is to make the interior of the pub look warm and inviting. The interior decor, carpeting and furniture should be renewed well before the time it begins to look worn and tatty. Most important is the pub furniture. Customers will expect to be comfortably seated in an attractive environment so the choice of good quality pub chairs and pub tables is key. There is so much choice available now compared with only a few years ago that it’s best to first decide whether to go for a modern look or traditional and whether to use wooden pub chairs and pub tables or opt for metal, or of course combine the two.Traditional pub furniture incorporates some very well known names of pub chairs, for example the Mates, Captains and Bosun’s chairs and the ever popular Wheelback and Windsor chairs, combined with small wooden bar stools. These are ideal bar chairs for drinking and great as restaurant chairs, ideally with the addition of a simply upholstered seatpad to give your diners a bit more comfort. When choosing traditional pub chairs it is important to do some research about the product. In recent years many factories have been opened in the far east making these chairs for the domestic market, that is, dining chairs and tables for people to use at home. As they don’t get the same harsh treatment as a pub or restaurant chair, they have been encouraged to use inferior types of wood for e.g. rubberwood, often with inferior quickly made joints. These chairs are sufficiently strong to last a twelve month guarantee period for domestic use, but will not withstand half that time in a pub. Glued wood to wood joints on rubberwood chairs are poor too as the timber is not very porous. It is quite brittle too, so that screwed joints can often split with only little stress. It is wise to find pub chairs that have been made from European beechwood as this timber has the best qualities for pub furniture manufacture, being both a very hard wood which is resilient to knocks and still supple enough to survive without splitting or the joints loosening if the chair is knocked down regularly- as it is sure to be in a busy pub environment. The best pub chair factories are still to be found in Eastern Europe, Romania, Czech republic and Bulgaria having many famous and long established factories. Ask the furniture supplier that you intend to buy from which timber is used for their pub chairs and which country they come from. For a more modern chair choose styles with simpler vertical or horizontal backrests and straight cut tapered front legs. These chairs often have American sounding names e.g. Boston, Washington or Dallas.Traditional pub tables and bar tables include the Refectory table with simply shaped wooden ends joined by one or two horizontal bars, the Wellington or Trafalgar table with decoratively turned vertical pedestal supports coming off an ‘X’ shaped base along with straightforward rectangular and square four legged pub tables with the legs either turned to give a colonial style appearance or cut straight or with a taper for a simpler and cleaner and more modern ‘Shaker’ style look. For pub tables it is acceptable to use rubberwood in their manufacture since the components are much larger and thicker which of course increases the strength. The important aspect to consider with pub and bar tables is the construction as while the appearance may be good and the table seem strong, the proof is six months later after hundreds of hungry diners have had their lunch from them! For the strongest pub tables go for cast iron, with the Scroll, Bar table, Girlshead or Brittania table being among the most famous. Modern versions of cast iron tables are widely available now too with simple tubular pedestal central supports attached to round or square ridge design bases or domed or pyramid shape bases being available in black or chrome plate. These are ideal restaurant tables too having the best legroom of any table with the tube pedestal centre. Some pub furniture suppliers have their products tested by independent U.K. testing Companies like FIRA, (The Furniture Industry Testing Association). These Companies have machinery that will push twist and abuse tables and chairs in a way that represents the kind of treatment – and mistreatment – that they will receive during regular contract use. They make a full report and if the pub chair or bar table is successful they give a certificate describing the use for which it has been tested. Ask the Company you intend to buy from if they have had their furniture tested by one of the U.K. testing houses. If they have, and they can provide certificates with their Companies and their product’s name on, then you can be reassured that the furniture will last the course.

About the Author

James K. Johnson is a freelance author who has the vast knowledge in designing of pub furniture and bar furniture. For more information he suggests you to visit: http://www.trentpottery.co.uk

Ask not what your Pub can do for you – ask what you can do for your Pub. Visit www.savethepub.co.uk and show your support. (Posters and petitions are available for download)
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Pubs and bars in Edinburgh have something for everyone…even one or two hangovers!

February 4, 2012 by

Article by Robbie Leys

Famous across Europe and beyond, pubs and bars in Edinburgh attract custom from all over. If you are from Edinburgh and looking to hit the town or simply fancy a quiet pint, your options are endless.

Perhaps you’re planning a stag party or hen party…Edinburgh is one of the UK’s most popular destinations for hedonistic weekend breaks!

For a city of only 477,000 people, we have an exceptionally high number of pubs, bars, clubs and music venues.

How do they all survive? Well…one reason is, the people of Edinburgh have a real appetite for fun and love to let their hair down!

Another reason is the hoards of party-animals from elsewhere who are drawn to Edinburgh to see if its reputation lives up to its billing!

With such a huge variety to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. That’s where this page comes in. I will split this page into six sections to keep things clear and to-the-point – trendy bars, traditional pubs, themed bars, student bars and sports bars.

Of course, I cannot cover absolutely every noteworthy pub and bar in the city of Edinburgh. Not even a 70 year old local man could manage that! However, I have selected a decent number of excellent pubs and bars in Edinburgh that will get you started and give you a flavour of what’s available in this great city.

Traditional Pubs

Out of sheer respect for the history and culture of my home town, I will begin with our quite spiffing traditional pubs.

As a general rule of thumb, you will find traditional pubs dotted all over town, however, there is an over-proportionate number in the Grassmarket, on the Royal Mile and on Rose Street directly behind Princes Street.

What was once a place of execution, the Grassmarket is now a haven for intimate, cosy pubs each with an amusing name and character. Hopping from pub to pub is a simple task as the Castle side of the Grassmarket is practically an uninterrupted terraced building of different traditional pubs. Don’t like one? Go next door!

A two-minute saunter from the Grassmarket towards the Cowgate and up Candlemaker Row will take you to the Greyfriars Bar.

Located opposite Greyfriars Bobby, this pub is the best place in town to learn about the story of Bobby, Edinburgh’s most loyal dog and sample some traditional ale while munching on cracking sandwiches. It is certainly one of the most famous pubs and bars in Edinburgh.

From there, walk up George IV Bridge towards the Royal Mile where you will find Deacon Brodie’s Tavern on the corner. Named after the man who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write the novel ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, Deacon Brodie’s Tavern is about as traditional as it gets and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Don’t forget to read the intriguing story of Deacon Brodie on the outside wall!

If you’re still standing, take a stroll down the Royal Mile where there are plenty of traditional pubs and cafes to choose from. That might be enough for one day, but if you’re well-trained or in training, head on over to Rose Street behind Princes Street.

Rose Street is somewhat legendary as it has the highest concentration of pubs and bars in Edinburgh with cosy little emporiums on both sides of the street. Rumour has it that you will be given the freedom of the city if you can finish one drink in every pub on Rose Street within 24 hours.

At the East End of Princes Street behind Burger King (don’t scroll down just yet) is the Cafe Royal, a beautifully ornate bar with the serving area in the middle, impressive paintings on the walls and brass fittings everywhere. This would be a great choice for an afternoon pint or bite to eat with your partner or a couple of friends.

Trendy Bars

Although George Street and the West End are renowned for their up-market hangouts and places in which to be seen, trendy bars are dotted all over Edinburgh.

Hudson’s at the West End next to the House of Fraser department store has only been open a few years and is a stylishly decorated bar with hotel rooms upstairs. They usually keep the lights down low which can create a slightly sultry mood. This could be a good date-bar. If your date isn’t holding your attention, there are numerous TVs on the walls showing the latest sport!

A walk across Charlotte Square will take you to the start of George Street, Edinburgh’s hub for trendsetters. Bars such as Browns, Candy Bar, All Bar One and Le Monde are particularly popular. Many of George Street’s bars set tables and chairs outside on the wide pavements when the weather is nice.

Le Monde has three distinctive areas each incorporating the styles prevalent in Paris, Vienna and Milan nightspots.

Two of my favourite bars in Edinburgh, Amicus Apple and Oloroso are located on Frederick Street and Castle Street respectively which are perpendicular to George Street.

However, their locations and approach couldn’t be more different. Amicus Apple is set in the basement of its building and Oloroso is a rooftop bar. With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Oloroso is the kind of bar you go to with your partner for a romantic drink to enjoy the open air and breathtaking views.

Amicus Apple, while fairly relaxing during the day, is a real party location at night with regular themed parties and lots of crazy fun. A quiet drink at their tables outside on a summer’s day comes highly recommended!

If you are willing to venture a little further out of the way, I can highly recommend Medina on Lothian Street around the corner from the Museum of Scotland.

I can only describe Medina as a kind of North African hippy-den with style. They don’t do tables and they don’t do chairs. Instead they have loungers, beds and tiny stools with holes to hold your drinks. Expect deep reds, oranges and browns in the furnishings, walls and ceiling. I cannot think of a better place in Edinburgh for a cosy drink with your partner.

Themed Bars

My favourite type of bar is a themed bar and luckily we have quite a few excellent themed pubs and bars in Edinburgh. Let’s start on George IV Bridge where they have two bars with very different themes.

Firstly, Bar Kohl is a vodka specialist stocking well over 100 different vodkas from around the vodka-producing world and their cocktail list is one of the longest in the city.

The thing I love about this place is the different types of vodka they have written on a chalkboard on the wall. The locals love to choose a random number without looking at the board and seeing what they end up with. Moderation is the word of the day…

Across the street you will find Frankensteins, the most-famous of all themed pubs and bars in Edinburgh.

All three floors of this converted church is based on the classic Mary Shelley novel so expect near darkness, plenty of electric balls and a food and drinks menu to match the mood. Oh and beware of the rather spooky surprise around midnight…I’ll say no more.

Sticking with this theme of darkness, the Jekyll and Hyde pub is well worth a visit. Probably the darkest pub in Edinburgh, your eyes might need time to adjust when you walk in. Based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, this pub is decorated in a creatively sinister way representative of Mr Hyde’s character. Be sure to find the toilet as soon as you arrive as its discreet location could leave you embarrassed!

On a more Celtic note, Edinburgh’s outstanding Scottish bar at the West End next to the Caledonian Hotel, Ghillie Dhu, focuses on highland music, dance and culture.

Ghillie Dhu is definitely the most impressive new bar in town. Downstairs you will find a large bar area with a wide selection of Scottish ales and whiskies and liqueurs served by men in kilts. Behind the bar, you and your friends can occupy a private booth with small saloon-style swing doors.

A wander up the spiral staircase in the entrance hall will take you into the ceilidh hall where live folk bands lead Scottish country dancing. If you haven’t the foggiest idea what to do, the singer will describe the moves to you and then you will be surprised by how quickly you pick it up as the mood and your dancing partners swing you along!

The most striking and pleasing aspect of this bar is the broad range of age groups in attendance. It’s very refreshing to see the young, younger and youngest socialise and dance together. Of all the pubs and bars in Edinburgh, this is the place to go to sample Scottish culture. While Ghillie Dhu has a loyal following, tourists will find it the insight into the culture, language and dance of Scotland fascinating and thrilling.

Student Bars

With three universities in town, Edinburgh University, Heriot-Watt University and Napier University and a number of colleges there is a significant student population in the city. Student Unions aside, there are dozens of entertaining student bars and pubs in Edinburgh. Let’s take a look at three of the best.

My student days are long gone, yet I still enjoy a good night in The Tron. Situated just off the Royal Mile at Hunter Square, The Tron has three floors and a mezzanine-of-sorts. The video jukebox rules at The Tron with the bar giving you full control of the background music.

The Tron also has a ‘yellow card’ system whereby discounts can be had on a number of popular drinks. With its location close to the bars and clubs of the Cowgate, The Tron is often used as a launchpad for a night-out.

A stone’s-throw from The Tron down the side street next to the Bank Hotel on the Royal Mile is The Globe, another in-demand student hangout. As it is practically underground, the bar is characterised by arched stone ceilings.

The bar is also characterised by cheap drinks. This makes it very popular among students and travellers creating a very convivial atmosphere. The Globe has big TV screens at the end of small caverns which is excellent for watching live sports with a group of friends.

The Cowgate in the Old Town is very popular among students and young people generally with one of the highest concentrations of bars and pubs in Edinburgh. The Three Sisters bar is the biggest and most popular bar in the Cowgate and has a large courtyard at the front which is often used for barbecues in the summer.

Inside, the bar has stone walls and low arched ceilings creating a cavern-like effect. The serving area runs the entire length of the left wall and there is a small dance floor hidden at the very back if you want to strut your stuff. The numerous confessional-like booths along the right wall can be used for more private conversations.

Sports Bars

Although the vast majority of pubs and bars in Edinburgh have televisions and big screens showing live sports (we can’t do without our football in this country!) there are a number of bars which specialise in live sports coverage.

The best sports bar in town is the aptly-named Sportsters. You will find this bar opposite the back entrance to Waverley Train Station and Edinburgh Dungeons on Market Street.

Sportsters is the proud owner of over 30 television screens ranging in size from large to ?ber-large, a large standing area to encourage a stadium-like atmosphere for big games and a restaurant upstairs serving good quality pub-grub. If the game goes really well, there is access to City nightclub from inside Sportsters!

Aussies themselves might cringe at the idea of a chain of Aussie bars called Walkabout, but if you’re into Rugby, Cricket, Aussie Rules and ‘Soccer’ then you can’t go far wrong at Walkabout.

Set in the Omnicentre at the top of Leith Walk next to the Playhouse, Walkabout also hosts gigs now and again making use of the relatively large bar area and adding to the very laid-back atmosphere of the place. There is a cash machine next door as well which often proves very handy…

Those who know me well, will understand that I have to write something about the Standing Order on George Street . Whether you love it or you hate it, everyone agrees that it is a bar of the people and that it’s cheap as chips for a George Street bar.

What I love most about The Standing Order is the fact it’s a converted bank (hence the name) with very high ceilings and many cosy rooms branching off the main bar. You will meet people of all ages in this bar and it is almost always very busy which guarantees an informal, sociable atmosphere.

The Standing Order has wide-screen televisions on the wall opposite the bar and when the Scottish National Football Team loses, I mean, plays, the projection screen is rolled down, the bar is packed and the atmosphere is absolutely electric!

The sound of hundreds of people chatting, laughing and generally having a good time without the din of background music is what The Standing Order is all about. Plus – there are not many places in Edinburgh where you can get a pint for £2!!

About the Author

Robbie Leys is a writer for edinburgh-insider.com, an Edinburgh tourist information site providing tips, recommendations and hidden gems from the locals.

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Rutland Pubs are a Friendly Place to Visit

December 24, 2011 by

Article by Anthony Churchill

Rutland, the smallest county in England, is full of tradition and heavy with culture. Rutland is the oldest of all of England’s counties, and is often called the hidden jewel of England. Part of the history of England that still lives on is that of the Rutland Pubs.

Pubs, or public houses, are something that is unique to England. A pub serves alcohol, sometimes provides public function rooms and accommodation, and generally serves some kind of meals. The pub has often served as the meeting place of small towns, a place where people would meet, get together and spend time, drinking, eating and enjoying each other?s company.

The current Rutland Pubs are no different. They still serve ale, sometimes home brewed or micro brews, and frequently serve locally grown foods. The Rutland area is home to excellent beef, pork and lamb producers, which makes it easy to find excellent high-quality meats. Plus there are also several regional breweries, some of which have won awards for their beers and ales.

Rutland Pubs also carry on the tradition of hospitality. In the past, everyone has been welcome at the pub, and so it is now. When tourists and visitors find the hidden jewel that is the county of Rutland, they can take a break and enjoy the pubs. They can experience the fresh, locally grown vegetables and meats, and the hospitality of the local people.

If you are looking for something to do that’s off the beaten path, you should check out Rutland. It’s in the East Midlands, which means it is easily accessible, and a great place to take a break. Rutland is still beautiful in a way that England used to be a hundred years ago. It’s filled with small villages and market towns. There are several farmers’ markets, so that you can find your own local produce and locally manufactured goods for you to take home. You could stay at one of the many local campgrounds, and enjoy the beautiful countryside. And don’t forget when visiting Rutland, to stop and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many local Rutland Pubs.

About the Author

Anthony Churchillhttp://www.rutlandpubs.com

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