Cavens Arms, Dumfries

Multiple Camra award-winning pub, with an unbroken run as Dumfries & Galloway POTY from 2006 (which may actually say more about the rest of the establishments in the branch area than it does about this particular place). Having said that, it's perfectly reasonable in its own way, with restrained traditional furniture and decor in the various dining (at the front) / seating (further back, by the bar) areas. Seven different real ales from a total of ten handpumps, although with most from England (e.g. Old Speckled Hen, Wainwright and two from Black Sheep) the choice was somewhat disappointing. Thankfully, though, there were also the Fyne Ale Jarl and the Swannay Orkney IPA (3.20) available.

The best pub in Dumfries by a distance. It's a huge place with the bar on the left hand side. It is aimed more at diners, but there was no problem in getting served and getting what looked like the last table. Staff seemed to be all over the place during my visit. Excellent selection of real ales, although the only two I can remember were Old Speckled Hen and Jaipur (my choice, of course). No surprise that it has been CAMRA pub since 2006!!

I get the impression that places like this are much rarer in Scotland than England. Despite being a real ale hot spot it is rather food orientated. You enter into a dining area with another one over to the right and the bar area right at the back. The whole place is carpeted rather than having trendy wood flooring. There was a tennis match showing on a TV screen in the bar which seemed incongruous but then I remembered I was in Scotland and Andy Murray was playing. I'm not sure if there was any volume turned up on it. The bar has ten hand pumps which include GK Old Speckled Hen, Thornbridge Jaipur, Fyne Ales Jarl, Black Hole Cyborg, Dartmoor Jail Ale, Bingham Space Hoppy, York Ghost Ale, Marston's New World Pedigree and Wainwright. There was a sign saying all real ales were £3.10 so I went for the Jaipur which was excellent. My only reservation with this one is that it is rather food orientated but is still well worth a visit. My score of eight is worth a nine in Scottish money. It's GBG 2017 listed.