The Courtyard Bar, Hamilton

Now called the "Courtyard Bistro" instead of the plain old Courtyard Bar, although the downstairs drinking area looks much the same as it did previously. The addition of an Italian restaurant upstairs presumably justifies the change of name. The bar is compact and cosy and features both an “International” and a “Local” DJ on Friday nights, although it’s difficult to see where they find the space for them. Unspecified “live entertainment” is also advertised on Saturday nights. Close proximity to Hamilton Police Station and the presence of several burly, short haired male customers suggests it’s a favourite haunt of off duty officers who’ve just finished their shifts. On draught are Tennent’s lager, Caledonia Best, Guinness, Strongbow and Blackthorn ciders and Estrella Damm Catalonian lager (the last at a very reasonable £2.80 a pint).