The New Bazaar, Dumfries

Two open rooms form this almost riverside pub, the counter is to the left on entering, with two banks of a standard keg choice bracketing four hand pumps. Two pulls were in use; Marston's Pedigree on one and Taylor’s Boltmaker on another, the Pedigree was as good as it usually is these days, the Boltmaker was good but not Yorkshire good. A fair selection of malts complements the beers. Furniture is brown and traditional with wheelback chairs, bench seating and rectangular wooden tables. The bar back is rather splendid too. Plenty of banter among the middle aged customers. A plaque outside commemorates the first formal meeting of Queen of the South football club here in 1919, fans of the club apparently meet here pre and post home games and it is one of the local pubs depicted in the murals on the wall of Palmerston Park. As well as English beers the beer mats were from Fullers and the glass from Hall & Woodhouse, most odd for south west Scotland.

Two-room establishment overlooking the River Nith, with the entrance leading into the bar area and a lounge with more in the way of seating to one side. In some ways, has more of the look of an old-fashioned social club than a pub. However, on a quiet Tuesday lunchtime, the landlord proved excellent company and I really enjoyed my brief sojourn here. Two of four handpumps in use, offering Theakston XB and Gunner blonde ale from Campbell's in Peebles.