The First Edition, Kilmarnock

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The First Edition

This place was very quiet when we had arrived around 10am. The solitary barmaid told us that alcohol was not served until 11am and children weren't allowed in, unless eating. So, we walked back out and I returned on my own later in the morning.

My later arrival found the place to be much busier with drinkers and a few more bar staff to cater for their needs. One of two pubs to serve real ale in Kilmarnock (the other one being the Wetherspoon's), this is the one that doesn't appear in the latest Good Beer Guide. However, the 2 real ales offer something a little different to the 'spoon's. On my visit, there were 2 beers from Stewart Brewing - Pentland IPA & Jack Back. Amongst the craft beer choice was Beavertown Neck Oil, Brixton Reliance & Brewdog Wingman.

I'm not sure, but I think I was the only person drinking the cask ale, which explains its paucity in this town. Other tables of mainly blokes had plenty of pints of lager lined up for them to consume. Indeed one table of 4 guys had at least 8 pints on it. They were clearly very thirsty, or perhaps that explains why they are only licensed to serve alcohol from 11am, instead of their 9am opening time.

The interior is spacious and modern, but is also fairly featureless. This place is ok for something a little different beer-wise, but is not exactly traditional in style. If there is a CAMRA discount, it certainly wasn't offered to me and I couldn't see it advertised.

On 1^st June 2024 - rating: 5
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