Your favourite Edinburgh pubs

[JudyJudyJudy]

4 minutes ago, **** the SPFL said:

They really are the dugs baws we were in last sunday only for a couple of drinks think it’s new owners or staff from Northern Ireland so hope they are still doing the toasties 

I’ll need to check it out 

[Morgan]

1 hour ago, JudyJudyJudy said:

Yes I like that too  down to earth and good prices . Used to have a good karaoke . 
 

I like “ the golden rule” and “ bensons” too . 

Bensons is/was a haunt of the one and only @Locky

 

That fact alone, makes a visit there a very good idea. He’s an excellent chap.  👍

[JudyJudyJudy]

2 minutes ago, Morgan said:

Bensons is/was a haunt of the one and only @Locky

 

That fact alone, makes a visit there a very good idea. He’s an excellent chap.  👍

Oh right ! Yeah he seems a decent guy 

[New Town Loafer]

On 24/09/2022 at 22:18, Morgan said:

It’s the hip word for ‘problem’ though, isn’t it?

 

You really didn’t think that I took your posts ‘quite personally’ did you?   

 

Behave yourself.  👍

 

Nothing hip about it, alas.

 

No bother, son. Bit strange the way you seem to like jumping in on run-of-the-mill posts of mine, as even others have noticed. Glad we can all move on, though.

[Morgan]

22 minutes ago, New Town Loafer said:

Nothing hip about it, alas.

 

No bother, son. Bit strange the way you seem to like jumping in on run-of-the-mill posts of mine, as even others have noticed. Glad we can all move on, though.

Aye, let’s ‘move on’.

 

Son.

[Harry Potter]

Miss the oak pub, was a regular there in the 80s and early 90s, 

Now a place to eat called the Torphin.

[Locky]

On 25/09/2022 at 19:19, Morgan said:

Bensons is/was a haunt of the one and only @Locky

 

That fact alone, makes a visit there a very good idea. He’s an excellent chap.  👍

 

 

Still very much a Bensons man on a matchday. I'll be there sharp on Saturday morning, and result depending, I'll be there when I should be home for tea on Saturday night.  

[N Lincs Jambo]

19 hours ago, Harry Potter said:

Miss the oak pub, was a regular there in the 80s and early 90s, 

Now a place to eat called the Torphin.

 

Used to drink in there quite a bit during the week back in the 80s and at weekends have a couple there before heading up town. Preferred the bar to the lounge. Never saw any trouble in the bar but the lounge was a different story. The Harp was ok as well. Quite often went in there if it was kicking off in the Oak. 

[the general]

On 22/09/2022 at 11:21, EIEIO said:

Was in Mathers at the West End before a lunch with a mate at the Edinburgh Rendezvous on Tuesday. Pretty unchanged old school boozer £4:15 for a pint of Deuchars , excluding the barmaids , I was the youngest person in there and I'm 64.

 

I think they have got rid of BT Sport

[the general]

On 25/09/2022 at 19:29, **** the SPFL said:

Best toasties in Edinburgh 

 

That King of Feasts guy who does thr food is awesome

Voted top 20 sandwiches in the world or something

[Fxxx the SPFL]

11 hours ago, the general said:

 

That King of Feasts guy who does thr food is awesome

Voted top 20 sandwiches in the world or something

Didn't realise that

[Footballfirst]

On 22/09/2022 at 21:49, Janbo1874 said:

 

St Vincent 1982 murder.

 

A MISSING shotgun used by convicted killer James Baigrie 13 years ago,

was discovered earlier this week by a man out walking his dog.

The weapon with which Baigrie shot barman Ron Lockhart, 40, during a

raid on an Edinburgh pub, was discovered along with five cartridges in

undergrowth on the edge of Blairadam Forest, near the murderer's former

home at Centre Street, Kelty, Fife.

Yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector John Nicholson, one of the

detectives who arrested Baigrie for the brutal murder, said:

''It'samazing that this weapon has turned up after all these years.''

Mr Nicholson, who was a detective sergeant when Baigrie was arrested,

added: ''We searched for that gun for days in Blairadam and elsewhere.

We even partially emptied a reservoir and had divers looking for it, but

there was no trace.

''At one time we feared Baigrie had it when he was on the run, or it

might still be in the hands of an associate, but it has obviously lain

undisturbed for all these years.

''Although it is rusty, it could have been made useable again and I am

extremely relieved that this mystery has been solved and that the gun

has been recovered. We were always worried it could end up back on the

street.''

He said that during the search for the gun, police discovered 68

sticks of dynamite, which Baigrie had stolen from Lassodie Mine, in

Fife, and hidden in a bag in Kelty.

Also hidden with the firearm in a black bin bag was a driving licence

stolen with the getaway car used by Baigrie and 18-year-old John Wilson

in the robbery at the St Vincent Bar, in April 1982.

Baigrie, who was 30 at the time of the raid, was soon arrested and

jailed for life by Lord Hunter at the High Court in Edinburgh.

At the time, Wilson, who was sentenced to six years' detention for his

part in the raid, took police to Blairadam Forest where they found

overalls, masks, and keys, but the hiding place of the shotgun remained

Baigrie's secret.

Ten weeks after being sentenced, on October 16, 1983, Baigrie escaped

from Saughton Prison.

Using a smuggled hacksaw he cut through a cell window bar, then risked

his life crawling along a narrow ledge for about 40ft, before descending

60ft down a drainpipe and cutting through a metal fence with wirecutters

to escape.

He had dressed in a track suit and trainers in the hope of being

mistaken for a jogger. His ruse worked and he faded into the night. For

16 months, the ''desperate and dangerous'' Baigrie was on the run,

evading a massive nationwide police manhunt.

In March 1985, he was traced to a van parked in Philbeath Gardens,

London, and police laid seige for two days. Fearing Baigrie might kill

again, marksmen fired two CS gas cannisters into the vehicle before

closing in, only to hear the shot as Baigrie killed himself.

The Baigrie story brought back a personal memory for me shortly after he escaped from Saughton. 

 

One particular evening I had been playing snooker before starting  a nightshift at Bankhead in Sighthill. The overnight work had gone well, so I got the chance to get away early the next morning (about 4:30). I decided to walk up to Wester Hailes Centre to catch an early bus home. I had my snooker cue case under my arm when a police car passed slowly on the carriageway opposite me on Wester Hailes Road.  I was aware of the policeman looking across at me, but he drove on. A minute or so later I then became aware that the police car was coming up behind me on my side of the carriageway, but at my pace about 30 yards behind me.  Eventually he pulled alongside me, once he was satisfied that I wasn't Baigrie and that I wasn't carrying a gun case. 

 

To be fair to the copper, he told me about Baigrie and asked where I was going. He then gave me a lift home.  

[Jeffros Furios]

17 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

The Baigrie story brought back a personal memory for me shortly after he escaped from Saughton. 

 

One particular evening I had been playing snooker before starting  a nightshift at Bankhead in Sighthill. The overnight work had gone well, so I got the chance to get away early the next morning (about 4:30). I decided to walk up to Wester Hailes Centre to catch an early bus home. I had my snooker cue case under my arm when a police car passed slowly on the carriageway opposite me on Wester Hailes Road.  I was aware of the policeman looking across at me, but he drove on. A minute or so later I then became aware that the police car was coming up behind me on my side of the carriageway, but at my pace about 30 yards behind me.  Eventually he pulled alongside me, once he was satisfied that I wasn't Baigrie and that I wasn't carrying a gun case. 

 

To be fair to the copper, he told me about Baigrie and asked where I was going. He then gave me a lift home.  

The guy behind the shooting of the fat hibs throbber a few years back had the same surname, 

Probably related and a family of radges .

[Smoked-Glass]

Robbos bar was great for match day or watching the away Derby if you couldn't get a ticket 

[Locky]

Anyone on here live down Goldenacre way? In my OP of this thread, I mentioned that Spiers' had made way for a more upmarket bar. Then, I posted in another pub thread about a year ago that it had reverted back to Spiers' last year only to go past it last night and see it's still called The Goldenacre.  Tell me I didn't imagine it? Unless they had the exterior redone and I passed it while the old Spiers' livery was showing through.

 

On the other hand, Oman's is opening back up very soon, and better yet, Kath from Benson's has taken it over. Not expecting much as I've heard it was a bit of a dive, but it's local and my mate stays in Peffer Place too so looking forward to going along for a pint.

[New Town Loafer]

Have recently moved flat and the Roseburn Bar - already a favourite - is now my local. 
 

Happy days. 

[Pennywise]

Does anyone know whats happening with the Doocot? Not been open for months (years?) Such a nice building & a massive beer garden. 

 

No doubt be flats soon 😒

[Morgan]

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

[Ron Burgundy]

39 minutes ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

🤣

[The Real Maroonblood]

43 minutes ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

Classy joint.

[OBE]

51 minutes ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

 

To die for...💥

[periodictabledancer]

On 15/02/2023 at 11:22, Rick James said:

Anyone on here live down Goldenacre way? In my OP of this thread, I mentioned that Spiers' had made way for a more upmarket bar. Then, I posted in another pub thread about a year ago that it had reverted back to Spiers' last year only to go past it last night and see it's still called The Goldenacre.  Tell me I didn't imagine it? Unless they had the exterior redone and I passed it while the old Spiers' livery was showing through.

 

On the other hand, Oman's is opening back up very soon, and better yet, Kath from Benson's has taken it over. Not expecting much as I've heard it was a bit of a dive, but it's local and my mate stays in Peffer Place too so looking forward to going along for a pint.

I used to live down that way a long time ago but  rarely went in as it was full of Hobos and could be very unpleasant. Saturday afternoons were full of gambling addicts constantly running to the bookies next door - you daren't ask for the TV channel to be changed or you'd get lynched. I daresay most of them have died out now and it's a more upmarket clientele. 

[periodictabledancer]

On 22/09/2022 at 21:49, Janbo1874 said:

 

St Vincent 1982 murder.

 

A MISSING shotgun used by convicted killer James Baigrie 13 years ago,

was discovered earlier this week by a man out walking his dog.

The weapon with which Baigrie shot barman Ron Lockhart, 40, during a

raid on an Edinburgh pub, was discovered along with five cartridges in

undergrowth on the edge of Blairadam Forest, near the murderer's former

home at Centre Street, Kelty, Fife.

Yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector John Nicholson, one of the

detectives who arrested Baigrie for the brutal murder, said:

''It'samazing that this weapon has turned up after all these years.''

Mr Nicholson, who was a detective sergeant when Baigrie was arrested,

added: ''We searched for that gun for days in Blairadam and elsewhere.

We even partially emptied a reservoir and had divers looking for it, but

there was no trace.

''At one time we feared Baigrie had it when he was on the run, or it

might still be in the hands of an associate, but it has obviously lain

undisturbed for all these years.

''Although it is rusty, it could have been made useable again and I am

extremely relieved that this mystery has been solved and that the gun

has been recovered. We were always worried it could end up back on the

street.''

He said that during the search for the gun, police discovered 68

sticks of dynamite, which Baigrie had stolen from Lassodie Mine, in

Fife, and hidden in a bag in Kelty.

Also hidden with the firearm in a black bin bag was a driving licence

stolen with the getaway car used by Baigrie and 18-year-old John Wilson

in the robbery at the St Vincent Bar, in April 1982.

Baigrie, who was 30 at the time of the raid, was soon arrested and

jailed for life by Lord Hunter at the High Court in Edinburgh.

At the time, Wilson, who was sentenced to six years' detention for his

part in the raid, took police to Blairadam Forest where they found

overalls, masks, and keys, but the hiding place of the shotgun remained

Baigrie's secret.

Ten weeks after being sentenced, on October 16, 1983, Baigrie escaped

from Saughton Prison.

Using a smuggled hacksaw he cut through a cell window bar, then risked

his life crawling along a narrow ledge for about 40ft, before descending

60ft down a drainpipe and cutting through a metal fence with wirecutters

to escape.

He had dressed in a track suit and trainers in the hope of being

mistaken for a jogger. His ruse worked and he faded into the night. For

16 months, the ''desperate and dangerous'' Baigrie was on the run,

evading a massive nationwide police manhunt.

In March 1985, he was traced to a van parked in Philbeath Gardens,

London, and police laid seige for two days. Fearing Baigrie might kill

again, marksmen fired two CS gas cannisters into the vehicle before

closing in, only to hear the shot as Baigrie killed himself.

Not a very lucky place by the looks of it - I'm sure there was a shooting/murder in the same boozer in the late 60s/early 70s. 

[Mackem Midlothian]

2 hours ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

 

I've heard it's a real blast at Hogmanay.

[Marvin]

2 hours ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

 

Oh aye. 🤣

[Marvin]

2 minutes ago, Mackem Midlothian said:

 

I've heard it's a real blast at Hogmanay.

 

[heartgarfunkel]

3 hours ago, Morgan said:

Is the Anchor any good?

 

 

Drove past it the day on way from Seafield to Kirkcaldy, looked shut 🤷‍♂️

[The Real Maroonblood]

The Hermitage Bar in Morningside used to be Securicor the security firm.

Does anyone have a photograph when it was Securicor?

[AndyNic]

12 minutes ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

The Hermitage Bar in Morningside used to be Securicor the security firm.

Does anyone have a photograph when it was Securicor?

 

I remember when it was Morning Glory. Was it Securicor before that then?

[The Real Maroonblood]

2 minutes ago, AndyNic said:

 

I remember when it was Morning Glory. Was it Securicor before that then?

It was.

I’m going back about 50 years at least.

[Tott]

29 minutes ago, AndyNic said:

 

I remember when it was Morning Glory. Was it Securicor before that then?

It was  originally called  the Hermitage Bar..early 90's im sure.

Edited March 20 by Tott

[Morgan]

1 hour ago, AndyNic said:

 

I remember when it was Morning Glory. Was it Securicor before that then?

It was craftily signed as Morning (then the word ‘side’ in small letters running up the way), then Glory!

 

 

 

 

[Stuart Lyon]

18 hours ago, The Real Maroonblood said:

The Hermitage Bar in Morningside used to be Securicor the security firm.

Does anyone have a photograph when it was Securicor?

Sorry no photo of it as a Securicor office. Here is some information about the site.

 

If you zoom in on the first photo you can make-out Commercial Ba. The second photo which is a screenshot from the POSD of 1906-7 shows the Commercial Bank was there from at least 1906-7. The third photo is very old and I don't know the date it was taken but if you zoom in it has a reference to part of the the location being a CAB office.

[been here before]

13 minutes ago, Stuart Lyon said:

The third photo is very old and I don't know the date it was taken but if you zoom in it has a reference to part of the the location being a CAB office.

 

 

 

Early 1900s would be my guess. Roughly about 6.20.

[Stuart Lyon]

10 minutes ago, been here before said:

 

 

Early 1900s would be my guess. Roughly about 6.20.

AM or PM?

[been here before]

13 minutes ago, Stuart Lyon said:

AM or PM?

 

I reckon PM given the amount of folk knocking about.

 

As far as dating goes, looking at the tram its not horse drawn nor does there seem to be electric cables. Electrification of Edinburgh trams began c1920 so its prior to that.

 

Horse drawn trams couldnt really handle the long steep gradients in Edinburgh so an underground cable system was introduced where the trams could grip the wire and be pulled along. In the foreground of the picture you can see theres a 3rd 'rail' inbetween the tram tracks. That began in Edinburgh in 1888.

 

The last horse drawn tram was around 1906/7 and looked like this...

 

 

...which iscremarkably similar to the one in the picture minus the harness thing.

 

Ergo between 1888 and the turn of the century about 6.20pm.

 

 

[The Real Maroonblood]

1 hour ago, Stuart Lyon said:

Sorry no photo of it as a Securicor office. Here is some information about the site.

 

If you zoom in on the first photo you can make-out Commercial Ba. The second photo which is a screenshot from the POSD of 1906-7 shows the Commercial Bank was there from at least 1906-7. The third photo is very old and I don't know the date it was taken but if you zoom in it has a reference to part of the the location being a CAB office.

Thanks Stuart that’s a really big help..

 

[Cranston]

The Penny Black is an old favourite. Used to pour out of the nightclubs at the weekend, then wait on the Penny Black opening at six  in the morning. Saw many a sight in there. Those were the days. 

[Cranston]

Fingers piano bar was another auld favourite. If I remember rightly. Some good nights spent in Rose Street pubs then onto later night establishments. Those were the days.

[PaddysBar]

6 hours ago, Cranston said:

Fingers piano bar was another auld favourite. If I remember rightly. Some good nights spent in Rose Street pubs then onto later night establishments. Those were the days.

An old school pal of mine has been the manager of Fingers for around 30 years. 
 

Always came in handy when here was a massive queue outside 😀

[Stuart Lyon]

On 21/03/2024 at 12:33, The Real Maroonblood said:

Thanks Stuart that’s a really big help..

 

Here's a photo of the building under construction.

 

It came from this site

 

https://noisybrain.blog/2020/02/23/19th-century-morningside/

 

 

 

 

 

[Rupert Pupkin]

When did Joseph Pearce’s become “Your Local Swedish pub” 

Walked past today and noticed it..?

[Stuart Lyon]

7 minutes ago, Rupert Pupkin said:

When did Joseph Pearce’s become “Your Local Swedish pub” 

Walked past today and noticed it..?

Circa 2008 I believe

[Rupert Pupkin]

Just now, Stuart Lyon said:

Circa 2008 I believe

Shows how much attention I pay to things…😳😂😂

[Tazio]

7 minutes ago, Rupert Pupkin said:

When did Joseph Pearce’s become “Your Local Swedish pub” 

Walked past today and noticed it..?

It's been years now, the same people that own Sofi's, The Victoria and a couple of others in Leith. 

[Australis]

Always liked the Old Bell on the southside.

Not been in for a few years though.

 

[the posh bit]

2 hours ago, Stuart Lyon said:

Circa 2008 I believe

 

A decent scran in there. 

[Cranston]

10 hours ago, PaddysBar said:

An old school pal of mine has been the manager of Fingers for around 30 years. 
 

Always came in handy when here was a massive queue outside 😀

Very handy mate. There was always a queue to get in back in the day, and by that time of night, being worse for wear, it was decidedly touch and go whether I got in or not. A good pub, rarely any bother in there. 

[PaddysBar]

56 minutes ago, Cranston said:

Very handy mate. There was always a queue to get in back in the day, and by that time of night, being worse for wear, it was decidedly touch and go whether I got in or not. A good pub, rarely any bother in there. 

It was a great late night place. Get the boy on the piano to play some singalong tunes. 
 

As you say, I don’t remember there being much bother either but Guy was/is a big lad and pretty handy. 
 

I’m sure his bouncers weren’t shrinking violets either😀

[Cranston]

2 hours ago, PaddysBar said:

It was a great late night place. Get the boy on the piano to play some singalong tunes. 
 

As you say, I don’t remember there being much bother either but Guy was/is a big lad and pretty handy. 
 

I’m sure his bouncers weren’t shrinking violets either😀

👍

 

 

It was quite civilised for a late night joint. I enjoyed it. There was another late night joint on George Street, down the steps if I didn't manage the sober test at Fingers. Can't remember the name of it though. Also, do you remember a club near Register House. Had to go up flights of stairs. The B something club. My mate Spike used to take me there, many moons ago?

Edited March 22 by Cranston