Friday 4th of June 2010 07:24:48 PM

link
3/09
Double door entrance, inside there's a tiny foyer with an old vanity mirror attached to a small desk. Second door opens into the bar. Very warm and inviting small pub, with a worn plank floor, an old wood bar and plenty of tables. Eclectic knick-knacks abounded on the walls, from a dusty bellows, to a shelf of Whisky boxes and a 19th century secretary desk in the corner. Small art deco lamps lined the walls, with another pair behind the bar illuminating the Whisky selection. The feel was that of a small european pub, worn in and relaxed. Certainly a cut above the countless pseudo-Irish pubs in the city (and there aren't many other Scottish pubs to compete with).

Eight taps poured mostly Scottish and English ales, with one rotating tap that was currently Fullers Winter, previously Capital Winter Skål. In bottles they had the Grozet, Fraoch, etc. line of ancient ales. Selection was limited but interesting. We had very prompt service at a table, and ordered the mac & cheese fritters, which came with a side of chili paste/ketchup stuff. No actual haggis or anything here, but pretty filling pub grub. The crowd was ok, sort of younger, a few groups. It was a nice respite from a cold rainy night, and certainly felt authentic.

Not bad if you're craving a Bellhaven or Fullers on Clark street, and Jake's is only a block away for your US craft fix...