Bar 1821, Motherwell

A framed newspaper cutting on the wall here tells the unlikely, but apparently true, story of a German man who comes to Lanarkshire on holiday every year with the specific intention of drinking in this pub. This sounds a bit extreme, but I was very impressed with it nevertheless. Typically for the area, there is no real ale, although the usual staple beers are on offer, at reasonable prices. The Dalziel Arms (pronounced Dee-ell, incidentally) consists of an attractive, unspoilt saloon and a smaller lounge with slightly plusher seating and more subtle lighting. These are both served from a central bar, but separated by a partition wall. The wooden flooring, wood panelled walls and impressive gantry give it an old fashioned feel without it being at all false or pretentious. Even the TV is an old style, rather than flat screen, one and the whole place gives the impression of not having changed much in decades. The old teapots, washboards, bottles and jars scattered around the shelves give it a wonderfully cluttered feeling. The bar walls are decorated with deer antlers, Motherwell F.C. memorabilia, group pictures of regular customers and of the town’s steel working past. There is also an impressive collection of foreign banknotes behind the public bar. The Dalziel is about 10 minutes walk south of Motherwell station and Cross, but is well worth the journey along the pedestrian precinct and through the underpass to get to. It's about half way between the station and Fir Park if you're on your way there for a football match.

Tennent's and McEwan's beers. Old photos of the steel works and motherwell football memorabilia on the walls. The pub is within walking distance of fir park.