Pubs - 3
Geocaches - 3
Previous Edinburgh Pub Walks - Rose Street, Royal Mile around the Castle
First blog of 2018 comes from a City known universally for it's New Year celebrations. I have a chance to slowly knock off all the CAMRA Good Beer Guide Entries and will continue to use their Pub Walks Series to discover new locations and old favourites.
Tonight's walk is a bit of a mis-match between Walk 1 and Walk 2 in the book. Doesn't matter, I will get there in the end.
Tiles - 1 St Andrew Square - Isle of Arran Brewery, Dark
I've walked past this on the way to the other Walk 1 pubs, the Cafe Royal and Guildford Arms, many times but always ignored it. The signs says Cafe/Bistro. It's not in the GBG but is the first entry in the Pub Walks book and I am starving. A new experience awaits.
Walk 1, Pub 1 |
Inside of Tiles |
Can't stay long though, I need a new diary. Google indicates that Waterstones is open to 9pm. I have 15 minutes to get along the length of Rose Street and avoid temptation, either from previously found pubs or trying to take photos.
How can you resist Edinburgh under a Wolf Moon. |
The Blue Blazer, 2 Spital Street - Allelic Drift
Pubic Triangle navigated and I can confirm the Burke and Hare lapdancing bar is still patriotically maintaining local legends through the art of Strip Tease. The Blue Blazer is a proper old school boozer and entry in the Good Beer Guide.
A two roomed bar, seemingly lit by nothing stronger than candles. It creates an atmosphere appreciated by middle aged bloggers, old guys at the bar reading the paper, bearded hipsters and encouragingly, students.
Blue Blazer |
This is Allelic Drift |
Geocaching GZ - The Vennel - leads to the Grassmarket |
Castle Arms Above - Visited in Walk 4 |
Always a Favourite |
First off, I get one of the funky little narrow tables to attempt the Times Sudoko Super Fiendish. Nothing says ambition like three pints and mental arithmetic.
The two pint width tables of the Bow Bar |
At first, I mistake the smartly dressed balding man as just someone who is speaking a touch too loudly. In a protracted 30 minute debate that ebbs and flows like a ceilidh, it becomes apparent to the pub that something is going on. A hush descends so we can hear the man's beef. He's had a few too many samples of the 130 types available and has been banned from anymore.
Eventually, its just him shouting at the bar staff and bewildered looking tourists avoiding eye contact. When he is eventually ejected, there is a loud cheer from all present. Apart from me - experience shows that you don't goad people on whisky benders.
Of course, he hears and takes exception to this spontaneous applause. Back in he comes, and starts getting physical with some young Americans who stand their ground. It looked like it could have got messy but sensing he is outnumbered and outclassed he leaves once more, shouting loudly "Eff You you Whisky C*nts".
I've googled and this is not the name of the Sleaford Mods new album.
Excitement over, Sudoko completed, pen returned to the harassed bar staff and a slow walk back to the hotel.
Where there's always a view to capture |
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