Cross Keys Inn, Lanark

Again, I found the Cross Keys almost unchanged since my previous visit two years ago, with the open fire still burning and a crowd of locals enjoying their night out. The only difference was the fact that an open mic night was in full flow, featuring singers who unfortunately didn't seem to know the words of the songs very well. My pint of Guinness cost £3.20 and Caledonia Best, Tennent's lager, Tennent's light and Magner's cider were also on draught. With the re-opening of the nearby Countryside Inn, this is no longer the only pub in Douglas village, but is undoubtedly the better of the two.

With Douglas’s two other pubs, The Countryside Inn and the Douglas Arms Hotel currently closed and up for sale, this is, at present, the only pub in the village. Despite that, there were fewer than ten customers on the cold Tuesday night I called in. The blazing fire at least provided a warm and cosy atmosphere, however. Prices don't appear to have increased since my last visit, with a pint of Caledonia Best costing me £3. Guinness, Tennent’s light, Tennent’s lager, Budweiser and Magner‘s cider are also on draught.

After a cold day's walking in the surrounding hills, a seat beside the open fire here and a perfect pint of Caledonia Best were both very welcome. My pint cost me £3 and Tennents lager, Tennents light, Guinness and Magners Golden Draught cider are also on tap. The pub itself is much as it was on my last visit, although a pool table might have been added (unless I just didn't notice it last time). With the Countryside Inn currently closed and the Douglas Arms Hotel shut on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this is, at present, the only pub in the village which is open seven days a week.

There is an ancient looking stone fireplace in this bar with a coat of arms and the date “1690,” presumably the year it was built, carved on it. The pub itself is modern, however, having been renovated within the past year. It’s still a pleasant village local, though, serving the usual staple drinks and with a small beer garden/smoking area at the back.