Category Archives: Scotland

08/08/26 – Leith and Edinburgh

I spent the day exploring Leith and Edinburgh, starting with some brilliant pubs around The Shore before working my way through brewery taprooms, traditional locals and a couple of extra stops along the way. Leith had a great mix of old maritime character and modern independent brewing, with plenty of excellent cask and craft beer to try. I also called into Shore Distillery and Beets before heading across to Bellfield and Otherworld. Back in central Edinburgh, I finished at two real classics, the Guildford Arms and Café Royal. A cracking final day and a great way to end my Scotland trip.

06/08/26-07/08/26 – Milngavie, Paisley and Dumbarton

I explored a great mix of pubs and brewery taps around Milngavie, Paisley, Renton and Dumbarton. I started in Milngavie with visits to Jaw Brew, The Talbot Arms and Jack O’Beers, where it was great to meet Mike and hear about his plans for the future. From there I headed to Paisley for the historic Bull Inn and Two Towns Down Brewing, before travelling on to Loch Lomond Brewery Tap in Renton. I finished in Dumbarton at No Limits Brewing, meeting Henry and Andy, chatting with locals Martin and Lolin, and even joining them for the general knowledge quiz.

05/08/26 and 07/08/26- Dunblane, Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and Linlithgow

I explored a few different places by train, starting in Dunblane before heading through Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and finally Linlithgow. Along the way I visited some cracking traditional pubs, each with plenty of history and character. Highlights included the cosy Settle Inn, the historic Wheatsheaf, the welcoming Woodside Inn and Platform 3 with its railway theme. I enjoyed a good mix of cask ales throughout the day, with beers from breweries including Orkney, Cromarty, Fyne Ales and Stewart Brewing. It was a lovely day combining train travel, historic towns, interesting pubs and some excellent beer.

03/08/26-06/08/26 – Glasgow

Over a few brilliant days in Glasgow, I explored a fantastic mix of traditional pubs, modern craft beer bars and breweries across the city. I made good use of the Subway, jumping on and off to discover places in the city centre, Merchant City, West End and beyond. Highlights included historic gems like The Laurieston and Old Toll Bar, alongside WEST, Drygate, Three Judges, Inn Deep and plenty more. There was a great mix of Scottish cask and keg beer along the way, with some really friendly welcomes too. I eventually rounded everything off at Grunting Growler after a fantastic few days exploring Glasgow.

06/08/26 – Glasgow Real Ale Festival

I spent a cracking Thursday afternoon at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival, held inside the impressive Briggait. It was a brilliant chance to sample beers from breweries across Scotland, including a few I don’t often come across back home. As always, though, the people really made the day. It was great meeting Emily, Alex and Will, catching up with Jenny and Kenny, and chatting with plenty of other friendly faces along the way. Senga the giraffe certainly stood out too! With a fantastic historic setting, plenty of good beer and lots of laughs, G-RAF was a great afternoon.

13/11/25 – Edinburgh

I spent the day hopping around some great pubs in Edinburgh, each with its own vibe. I kicked things off at Salt Horse for some laid-back craft beer, then headed to the cosy, music-filled Sandy Bell’s. Bow Bar and The Halfway House had that classic old-school Edinburgh charm, and The Jolly Judge felt like a friendly little hideaway. The Blue Blazer and The Hanging Bat mixed tradition with some cracking modern beers. After stops at the chilled-out Teuchters and the lively Fierce Bar, I wrapped things up at the grand Guildford Arms and the Café Royal. Plenty of good pints all round.

16/11/24 – Leith

Historic Pubs and Craft Beer in Leith A journey through Leith, Scotland, which showcases its transformation from a historic trading hub to a vibrant cultural centre. Starting from the Roseleaf Bar Café with its unique drinks and vintage ambiance, the tour includes stops at various pubs like Teuchters Landing, Lost In Leith, and the ShoreContinue reading “16/11/24 – Leith”

08/11/23 – Edinburgh

A trip out from Newcastle to Edinburgh. Well known for its literary heritage, cobbled streets and stunning architecture amongst other things. Started here with Vault City’s “Wee Vault”, before heading to Ryrie’s, Thomson’s Bar, Innis & Gunn, The Hanging Bat, Cold Town House, Jolly Judge and Halfway House. A selection of brewery pubs and ones with stunning insides and really interesting and unique.

25/03/22 – Glasgow (Day 3)

The Raven First call of the day was to “The Raven”, situated not far from Glasgow Queen Street station and owned by Cold Town Beer in Edinburgh. A selection of their own beers on Keg (aswell as Cans), aswell as 6 guest keg lines and 3 beers on cask. Went with their own New EnglandContinue reading “25/03/22 – Glasgow (Day 3)”