This list is broken down basically by geographical regions within Britain and the UK. I've chosen to group things based on my recent trip itinerary.
Lots of the best stuff here was nicked from the the Helpful Brothers of Edinburgh among others.
Other great links are:
http://www.compulink.co.uk/~dalecu/guide.htm
http://www.caley-heritable.demon.co.uk/
http://www.electrum.co.uk/pubs/
http://wkweb1.cableinet.co.uk/sbooth/index2.htm
BATH
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The Bell
Walcot Street - Bath
tel: 01225 460426 fax: 01225 427441
Regular beers on tap though they change often:
Directors, Smiles - Best, Holly Hops Abbey - Bellringer, London Pride, Courage Best,
Bath - Barnstormer, RCH - Pitchfork (on gravity), Butts - Barbus, Barbus
Just off the centre of Bath. Curl up by an open fire of find a quiet table at the far end - 100 feet or so away - and you'll be content! The staff are efficient and pleasant. You won't have to wait for your pint. This can be a very busy pub at any time of day but it's spacious and open with a quiet side bar for bar billiards. The huge bar is something from byegone years being both old in feel and in decor. At the rear of the pub there is a large covered courtyard complete with plenty of heating where you can eat and drink.
The Curfew
Cleveland Bridge West, Bath Phone 01225 424210
Regular Beers: Wadworth 6X, Henry's IPA,
Geographically the pub is well situated in Bath's fashionable Tapsend district. They serve several beers including Bass, IPA and Wadsworths 6X. The food is also very good with the Sunday Lunches coming speciallyrecommended. There is a large upstairs area, complete with television, couches and a pool table. Here, it is possible to sit in comfort and watch live sport on TV.
Town Centre
Antiquity Hall (Allied Domecq), Hythe Bridge Street Telephone: 01865 249153 [Trendy]
Bar Oz (Bar Oz), Market Street
The Bear Inn (Halls), Blue Boar Lane
The Chequers (Halls), High Street
The Crown Inn, 59a Cornmarket
The Dolly (Courage), Cornmarket
Eagle and Child (Halls), 49 St Giles
The Head of the River (Fullers), Folly Bridge
The Hobgoblin (Wychwood), St Aldates
The Kings Arms (Youngs), Holywell Street
Lamb and Flag (Scottish and Newcastle), 12 St Giles
The Mitre (Beefeater), High Street
The Old Tom (Morrells), 101 St Aldates
Roebuck Market St, Oxford Telephone: 01865 248388 [Trendy]
The Three Goats Heads (Sam Smith), 3a St Michaels Street
Turf Tavern (Hogshead), 4 Bath Place
The Turl Bar (Beefeater), Turl Street
The Wheatsheaf (Whitbread), 129 High Street Telephone: 01865 243276 [Trendy]
The White Horse (Halls), 52 Broad Street Telephone: 01865 721860 [Trendy]
Town Centre - George St and Gloucester Green
The Cock and Camel (Youngs), George Street
Le Eurobar (Whitbread), Gloucester Green
The Fuggle and Firkin (Firkin), 14 Gloucester St
Gloucester Arms (Halls), Friars Entry
The Grapes (Morrells), George Street
The Old School (Greene King), Gloucester Green
O'Neills (O'Neills), George Street
The Wig and Pen (Morland), George Street
Yates's Wine Lodge (Yates's), George Street
Town Centre - Oxpens Quarter
The Brewery Gate (Morrells), 5 St Thomas Street
The Castle Tavern (Morland), 24 Paradise Street
The Chequers (Pubmaster), St Thomas Street
The Duke of York (Morrells), Norfolk Street
The Jolly Farmers (Greenalls), Paradise Street
O.X. One (Morrells), 12 New Road
The Parrot (Morrells), Pennyfarthing Place
Rosie O'Grady's (Morrells), 1 Park End Street
The Royal Blenheim (Halls), 13 St Ebbes
The Wharf House (Free House), Speedwell Street
York
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The Maltings, Tanners Moat, York, 01904 655387, M-Sat. 11-11, Sun. 12-10:30
http://www.maltings.co.uk/beers.html
Plonkers 5 Cumberland St, York Telephone: 01904 655307 [Trendy]
Mount Hotel The Mount, York Telephone: 01904 623307 [Trendy]
Grey Horse Inn Main St, Elvington, York Telephone: 01904 608335 [Rural]
College Arms Linton On Ouse, York Telephone: 01347 848312 [Trendy]
Hole In The Wall 106 High Petergate, York Telephone: 01904 634468 [Trendy]
Anchor Inn Lower Dunsforth, York Telephone: 01423 330432 [Food]
Five Lions Inn Walmgate, York Telephone: 01904 625124 [Trendy]
Royal Oak Inn Gillamoor, Kirkbymoorside, York Telephone: 01751 431414 [Rural]
Yorkshire Rose St James Square, Boroughbridge, York Telephone: 01423 322158 [Trendy]
Ackhorne 9 St Martins Lane, York Telephone: 01904 629820 [Rural]
Old Orleans 9-11 Low Ousegate, York Telephone: 01904 620158 [Food]
Black Bull Thormanby, Easingwood, York Telephone: 01845 501222 [Trendy]
Dawnay Arms Newton On Ouse, York Telephone: 01347 4345 [Trendy]
Ye Olde Starre Inne 40 Stonegate, York Telephone: 01904 623063 [Trendy]
EDINBURGH
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Edinburgh Pubs from
Simon G. Boothroyd
The Helpful Brothers' Website
http://www.pubguide.club24.co.uk
and
http://www.compulink.co.uk/~dalecu/guide.htm
http://www.caley-heritable.demon.co.uk/
http://www.electrum.co.uk/pubs/
http://wkweb1.cableinet.co.uk/sbooth/index2.htm
Edinburgh Real ale
---------------------------
ENSIGN EWART
521/523 The Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
Telephone: 0131-225-7440 Opening Hours: Early till Late!
Regular Beers: Deuchars IPA, Caledonian 80/-, Orkney Dark Island.
Ask if The Helpful Brothers (Simon and Boothroyd) are about.
The ENSIGN EWART, one of the finest pubs in Edinburgh, is situated at the top of THE LAWNMARKET in Edinburgh's OLD TOWN. It is also the nearest pub to Edinburgh Castle. It forms part of a building called Milne's Court, which dates back to 1690. It is believed that there has been a pub on this site since that date and probably even before.
The pub is named after Ensign Charles Ewart, "The Hero of the Battle of Waterloo", who captured the French standard, which was in the shape of an Eagle. Thus the symbol of the pub is an Eagle!
Food is served all day for the hungry traveler, prices range from £3 to £6. There is also a good range of bar snacks and light meals in the evening. There is LIVE FOLK MUSIC in the pub on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The pub has a large selection of Malt Whisky, including Highland, Lowland,Island and Speyside whiskies. It is recommend that you try the Macallan 10 Year Old! There is also a regular 10 Year Old and a cask strength Macallan!! The pub concentrates on selling a range of good quality cask conditioned "real ales". There are three "regular" beers, as well as a "guest" beer. The beer is handpumped up from the cellar.
CLOISTERS
Brougham Street, Edinburgh
Regular Beers: Deuchars' IPA, Caledonian 80/-, Dent Aviator, Malcolm's Ale.
Cloisters Bar, in the Tollcross area of Edinburgh, is actually a converted Manse. It is owned by the same company that owns the Bow Bar in Victoria Street. Consequently you will notice certain similarities when it comes to the decor and range of beers. But they are two very different pubs. The customer base is different. It tends to be a slightly younger crowd that goes in there and more "studenty". However, that should not put you off going.
Cloisters is very much a "real ale" pub, as well as the regular beers, there are a large number of guest beers on at any one time. Beers from all over Britain can be found either poured from traditional tall founts or drawn through handpumps. There is a good turnover of beer and the cellar is expertly maintained. Cloisters also has an excellent lunch menu, both during the week, and at weekends. We have had many excellent Sunday lunches there. Vegetarians are catered for too! Like the Bow Bar, it is music free, i.e. a bar for conversation.The barstaff are generally very good.
HALFWAY HOUSE
Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh Tel: 0131-225 7101
Opening Hours: 11.00 am -midnight (Mon - Sat), 12.30 pm - 11.00 pm (Sunday)
Regular Beers: Boddingtons, Malcolm's Ales,
As the name suggests, The Halfway House is situated halfway up somewhere in central Edinburgh. Halfway up Fleshmarket Close to be precise, just a short sip away from Edinburgh's Waverly Station. A good place to stop for a rest, the seats are comfy. The Halfway House contains a large amount of railway memorabilia. This includes some excellent pictures and serves as a reminder of the railways past. There is an interesting and varied selection based upon four prominent hand pumps dispensing regularly changing real ales. As for food, the pub is not really large enough to host banquets or serve other hot food for that matter, but you can enjoy an interesting selection of filled roles and croissants but get in early as they go quickly.
THE BLACK BULL TAVERN
43 Leith Street, Edinburgh 0131 557 5121
Across the road from the St James Center you should spot the Black Bull. If you approach the pub from Leith you will have to climb a hill. Sensible people will approach it from the Waterloo Place end, thus going downhill! The Black Bull serves a good selection of Belhaven cask ales alongside of Orkney Dark Island Bitter.
THE CUMBERLAND BAR
The Cumberland Bar, 1-3 Cumberland Street
A traditional real ale pub serving ales such as Murrays Summer Ale, Jennings Cumberland Ale and many guest ales such as Greenking IPA, Tomintoul Stillman and Hopsback Thunderstorm to name a few!!
The Cumberland is slightly off the beaten track but is well worth the trip. It has a small beer garden and a very friendly, traditional bar which serves a wide choice of Malt whiskies and spirits. Traditional pub grub is available such as filled Italian rolls or toasted sandwiches for £1.50 and hot meals such as chicken curry at £3.95. A good value pub.
Opening hours: Mon. - Wed. 12.00midday - 11.30pm, Thurs. - Sat. 12.00midday - 12.00midnight, Sun. 12.30pm - 11.00pm.
TILES BAR
Tiles Bistro is located in the prestigious address of 1 St. Andrews Square, a stones through from Princess Street. It is more a hip and happening pub than a quiet real ale hole but is does have a good selection of Real Ales. The interior of Tiles Bistro is something to be seen. As the name suggests it is fully tiled in an art-deco style which, I may add, is original!!! This bar is a good place for lunches and early evening dinners with the menu starting from £5.00. The bar also boasts a marvelous selection of Malt Whiskies and Real Ales being in the heart of Edinburgh it is an easy location to find and to carry on shopping or sight seeing from.
Opening hours: Mon. - Sats 11.00am - 11pm, Sun. 12.30pm - 11.00pm.
Other Edinburgh Pubs
--------------------------------
RYANS BAR
One of the high spots in Edinburgh's night life is Ryans Bar in the West End of Edinburgh. Located on the corner of Hope Street and Queensferry Street, across the road from Frazers Department Store, Ryans boasts a popular Bar, Café Bar and Cellar Restaurant. The Bar offers a wide selection of beers, spirits, whiskies and soft drinks. It is a popular bar for the locals,
business community and tourists.
The glass fronted Café Bar has a wonderful view of Princess Street and Edinburgh Castle. It opens from 7.30am serving traditional and continental breakfasts and remains open serving lunches and early evening snacks. In the summer months patio tables and chairs are situated outside where customers can enjoy the atmosphere of Edinburgh. A typical choice of dish would be
seafood pasta at £5.95 or a filled bagel / croissant at £3.95 which are also served in the bar itself.
The Cellar Bar is open for lunches and evening meals. Sitting in one of the booths under the streets of Edinburgh you will enjoy delicious food from the A la Carte Menu and service with a smile.!!! On Friday and Saturday evenings the Piano vocalist is a welcomed accompaniment to any
meal!.
Opening hours are as follows:
Ryans Bar: Mon. - Sat 11.00am - 1.00am, Sun. 12.30pm - 12.00midnight
Ryans Café Bar: 7.30am - 10.30pm
Ryans Cellar Bar: Mon. - Sat 11.00am - 1.00am, Sun. 12.30pm - 12.00midnight
Please note there is a dress code so don't turn up in jeans or trainers!!
PEARTREE HOUSE
The Peartree is a traditional pub set in the historic Peartree House built in 1756 by the Earl of Glencairn who, it is said, had an enormous influence on Robert Burns and his poetry. The Peartree, located at 38 West Nicolson Street, is a small pub but has a large beer garden enclosed in its own wall and gates. It is a very popular venue for students and tourists in the summer and in the winter there is a cosy atmosphere inside. The Peartree has a good selection of ales and whiskies along with the more modern tequilas, Premium packaged spirits and alcopops!!! Traditional pub grub is also available.
Opening hours: Mon - Thurs. 11.00am - 12.00midnight, Frid. - Sat 11.00am - 12.45am, Sun. 12.30pm - 12.00midnight.
THE BLIND POET
The Blind Poet is downstairs from The Peartree at 34 West Nicolson Street. This pub is frequented by students and locals alike and offers a friendly atmosphere.
Opening hours: Mon - Sat 11.00am - 12.30pm, Sun. 6.30pm - 12.30am.
THE WOOLPACK
The Woolpack has an established business and student based clientele and is slightly more up market than your traditional student pub. It is a relatively new building and has been designed with care to detail and efficient service. It is a popular choice in the summer with the glass
fronted doors opening to the street and provides a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits. There is also good food available at an affordable price such as a gigantic home-made bacon and cheese burger for £3.95. It turns into a lively bar in the evenings. You'll find it at 32-34 Potterrow - just round the corner from The Peartree and The Blind Poet!
Opening hours: Mon - Wed 11.00am - 12.00midnight, Thurs. 11.00am - 12.30am,
Frid. - Sat. 11.00am - 1.00am, Sun. 12.30pm - 12.00midnight.
BANNERMANS
This is a traditional pub based in Edinburgh's famous Cowgate area, at 55 Niddry Street. It is packed with students most nights. Lively music is played on Wednesdays and Sundays which could be anything from blues to rock 'n roll! There is a good lively atmosphere and the beer isn't overpriced!!! During The Edinburgh International Festival Bannermans is particularly good
fun as it's near many of the top venues and stars such as Steven Frost from 'Who's Line Is It Anyway' and his cronies become regulars.
Opening hours: Mon. - Sat 12.00midday - 1am and Sun 11.00am - 12.00midnight.
WHY NOT!
Why Not! is at 14 George Street, and is situated in the basement of The Dome Bar and Grill. The entrance is at the side of The Dome Bar and Grill through the ornate gates. The Club was originally the Vaults of the old Bank of Scotland and the ceiling still holds a resemblance to the vaults. It even boasts it's own ghost from days when it was the Surgeons Hall! It is a very popular night club and is often frequented by the rich and famous. On Friday and Saturday
nights there may be queues but everyone thinks it is worth the wait. The drink prices are in accordance with its more up market image and there is a strict dress code so don't turn up in jeans or trainers!!
Opening hours:
Thursday:- 10pm - 3am with a £3.00 entrance fee.
Friday:- 10pm - 3.00am, entrance fee before 11.00pm is £5.00, after 11.00pm is £7.50.
Saturday:- 9.00am - 3.00am, entrance fee all night is £7.50.
Sunday:- 10pm - 3am entrance fee all night is £5.00
THE BOW BAR
Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Tel: 0131-226-7667 Opening Hours: 11.00 am -11.30 pm (Mon - Sat) 7.00 pm - 11.00 pm (Sunday)
Regular Beers: Deuchars' IPA, Caledonian 80/-, Dent Aviator, Malcolm's Ale, White Boar.
Half way down Victoria Street in Edinburgh's Old Town lies the Bow Bar. The Bow Bar has retained its traditional charm and style. A notable feature of the bar is the superb range of historic pub mirrors and vintage advertisements decorating the walls. The Bow Bar serves an excellent range of traditional cask beers including a number of frequently changed guest beers. The Beer Board above the bar gives notice of those beers being served as well as forthcoming guest beers. The beer is dispensed in the traditional Scottish manner using Aitken fonts. The Bow Bar also boasts a selection of over 140 different Malt Whisky's, one of the largest ranges in Edinburgh. Although the range of food seems limited in comparison with the beer and whisky, traditional meat pies and filled rolls are served. Note that it does tend to get a bit smoky at times.
Still More Edinburgh Pubs
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The following pubs are all traditional pubs frequented more by locals than tourists or students. All these pubs offer good value for money, friendly service and a traditional atmosphere. They all have a good selection of beers, spirits, whiskies, soft drinks and pub snacks.
THE ARTISAN
25 London Road, Edinburgh, 0131 661 1603
Opening hours: Mon. - Wed. 11.00am - 11.00pm, Thur. - Sat 11.00am - 11.45pm
and Sun. 12.30pm - 11.00pm
THE BAILIE BAR
2 St Stephens Street, Edinburgh, 0131 225 4673
Opening hours: Mon. - Sat. 11.00am - 12.00midnight, Sun. 12.30pm - 11.00pm
CLARKS BAR
142 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, 0131 556 1067
Opening hours: Sun. - Wed. 11.00am - 12.00midnight, Thurs. - Sat. 11.00am - 11.30pm
THE PERSEVERE
398 Easter Road, Edinburgh, 0131 554 0655
Opening hours: Bar:- Wed - Sat. 12.00midday - 11.45pm, Sun. - Tues 10.45pm.
The Persevere (Motto of Leith) is situated at the foot of Easter Road.
Steeped in history dating back as far as 1490, The Persevere serves bar
meals and snacks from midday with last orders at 8.45pm. Also provides a
fine selection of cask ales and wines.
THE ROSEBURN
1 Roseburn Terrace, Edinburgh, 0131 337 1067
Opening hours: Mon. - Wed. 9.00am - 11.00pm, Thurs - Sat. 9.00am -
12.00midnight, Sun. 12.30pm - 11.00pm.
This pub is situated right next to the famous Murryfield Rugby Stadium and
is a must for all rugby supporters. It is also the pub frequented by Hearts
Football Fans.
SMITHIES
47/51 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, 0131 556 9805
Opening hours: Mon. - Sat 11.00am -11pm, Sun 12.30pm - 11.00pm
THE TYNECASTLE
92 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, 0131 .337 7644
Opening hours: Mon. - Sat.. 11.00am - 11.00pm, Sun. 12.30om - 11.00pm.
This pub is situated right next to the famous Tynecastle Football Stadium
and is a must for all football supporters.
Acanthus Cafe Bar 17 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 556 2358 [Trendy]
Balmwell Beefeater 39-41 Howden Hall Rd, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 672 1408 [Food]
Bennets Bar 8 Leven St, 32 Valleyfield St, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 229 5143 [Trendy]
Doves 10a 12a 14 Broughton, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 557 0097 [Trendy]
Fling & Firkin 49 Rose St, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 225 6362 [Trendy]
Fountain 127-131 Dundee St, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 443 7476 [Trendy]
Harp Hotel St Johns Rd, Corstophone, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 334 8235 [Food]
Harry's Bar 7b Randolph Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 539 8100 [Trendy]
Illicit Still 2 Brougham St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 229 4604 [Trendy]
Jinglin Geordie 22 Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh Telephone: [Trendy]
Melville Lounge 23/25 William St, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 225 1011 [Trendy]
Newbridge Inn 31 Bridge St, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 333 3220 [Rural]
O'Neills 82 South Bridge, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 220 2094 [Trendy]
Route 66 6 Baxters Place, Edinburgh Telephone: 0131 556 5991 [Trendy]
Traquair Arms Hotel Innerleithen, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire Telephone: 01896 830229 [Food]
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