The Bay Horse, Hamilton

A former coaching inn situated on what would once have been the main Glasgow to London road, this is the closest pub to Hamilton Racecourse and gets extremely busy during race meetings. Prints of horse racing scenes alternate with ones of old Hamilton on the walls and the beer jugs hanging above the bar are reminiscent of a rural English pub. The dark red colour scheme and subtle lighting give it a cosy, intimate feel, and the wooden floored, L-shaped bar room is broken up, here and there, by alcoves. There is a sizeable beer garden at the back, with tables sheltered by parasols/umbrellas, although this closes, unfortunately, at 7.00 p.m. Carling, Stella Artois and Tennents lagers, John Smith’s bitter and Guinness are all on draught at average prices. Wines are also available on tap. The impressive food menu includes traditional pub grub, a children’s selection and Indian dishes provided by “The Spice,” an Indian restaurant directly across the road. Pub games are available from behind the bar and “Karaoke and Dance” is advertised every Friday and Saturday night. Being about half a mile away from the town centre, the Bay Horse is a bit different from the other Hamilton pubs and worth a visit if you’re in the area.