Trades House, Dundee

This is a fine looking city centre pub located at the corner of Nethergate and Union Street. It takes its name from the fact that before it was a branch of the Bank of Scotland it was originally one of the major trading warehouses in the city and externally it has some fine stained glass windows depicting several of the trades that have contributed to Dundee’s history, such as bakers, engineers and weavers for example. The interior was refurbished in August last year which included dividing the large open plan room into separate areas more aimed at dining and the inclusion of booth seating into these areas. The interior is equally impressive and Belhavens do have some fine pubs, but the downside is that despite this one having a massive impressive curved bar , it’s all keg and McEwan’s 60 or 80 Bob is as good as it gets for a bitter drinker. Another downside is the popularity of the TV screens in here and I think I counted six plus a large pull down for the important live games and as I visited during one of these it was difficult to find a vertical drinking spot where you were not in full view of one of the screens. But despite these negatives I would also concur that it is well worth popping in here for a quick half to take a look before perhaps crossing the road to the Bank Bar opposite, especially as in my experience it is one of the more popular bars in the centre of Dundee and was always lively when ever we walked past it.

Although this former bank has only been a pub since 1997, this Belhaven creation is still a fine-looking place, both inside and out, with decorative windows, wood-panelled walls, an ornate ceiling and a impressive bar-back. Also has the Stags Head dining area to one side, a screened snug with a few dining tables called The Victoria at the back and another small area known as The Albert behind a lower partition. So far, so good, but the big downside is the complete absence of real ale. However, it has a huge number of (possibly over 30) keg taps dispensing a full range of Scottish and UK-wide beers (including a couple of IPAs) plus Guinness and several ciders. I made do with the McEwan's 80/- (£1.55, half), and it's certainly worth a quick visit to take a look around.