The Courtyard, Bellshill

A very hard to locate pub. Even some locals did not know it existed. It is down the lane between M&Co & farmfoods. Diagonally across from RBS & Coral bookmakers. As mentioned in earlier reviews from a better reviewer than myself, a pub without windows is very off putting. Plus coming in from direct sunlight into a dimly lit area, watch out for that first step into the main bar.

After giving this place such a poor review last time I was here, it was only fair to call in again, but not much has changed since then. The absence of windows and dim lighting still give it the ambience of an illegal drinking den (which it's not, I hasten to add) and you can almost pretend you're in prohibition era USA. This thought alone makes me like it a bit better and at least it's cheap at £2.60 for a pint of Guinness. Carling and Tennents lagers are also available on draught.

Pubs without windows have always disconcerted me (the exterior ones are false), and “The Courtyard” is no exception. If my memory serves me well, it was once part of a “Coopers” supermarket and the former office area at the back, down a dark, dingy alleyway leading off the Main Street, has been converted into a bar. In ancient times, it might justifiably have been considered Dickensian, but now it might be more appropriate to call it IrvineWelshian. It must be something of an unwanted accolade to be deemed the worst pub in Bellshill, but “The Courtyard” succeeds in winning this award. Having said that, the beer was OK.