The Hawes Inn, South Queensferry

Very nice and cosy inside with lovey decor and furnishings. The younger staff are friendly, but the older staff are robotic and snooty. The prices (and the pub itself) is geared toward tourists instead of actual Queensferry people. They need to find a better balance.

This historic 17th Century pub commands a spectacular position directly under the southern approach to the Forth Railway Bridge and is a magnet for tourists who flock here to take in the panoramic views. The is also of interest to bookworms and film buffs having featured in Kidnapped and the 39 Steps respectively. My memory may be hazy but when I came here many years ago I recall this being a quiet and fairly smalln basic traditional, rustic little pub so I was quite sursprised to find it has now morphed into a huge expansive empire incorporating a hotel and restuarant and sprawls through 4 adjoining buildings. There are so many separate drinking areas that you could possibly have a drink in here each night of the week and feel like you are in a different pub every time. Each section has its own character ranging from quaint to Corporate but the overall impression is that it is very contrived and tailor made to satisfy coach tour crowds. The décor is quite formulaic throughout and naturally, the Bridge is the centre of attention regarding the wall displays. Gents will note the historic framed newspapers in the loos, not sure what the ladies get for their money. The ale selection was very ordinary with 2 of the 5 hand pumps out of use on my visit (a Saturday lunchtime). Of those available, Greene King IPA, Adnams Broadside and Caledonian Deuchars were hardly made the most exciting of choices although they are Cask Marque accredited and the quality was decent enough. For the drivers and non-drinkers they also have a selection of interesting and quite cheap non-alcoholic cocktails. The food was typical pub grub aimed for the masses and priced between £7-15. Majority of the people queuing at the bar were ordering food which created a frustrating wait for anyone just there for a qiuick pint. Given the length of the bar, surely a food orders only section would make sense. Also, given the size and awkward layout of the pub, introducing table numbers might prevent staff carting meals around looking for the appropriate recipients. On the whole it is a place that is far too tourist orientated to appeal to the more discerning pub goer although it does appear to be a notch above some of its neighbours who are equally geared towards tourism but look a bit more pretentious. It is one of those pubs where the location takes over and if nothing else, it does make a fine spot for a couple of pints outside admiring the spectacular view, weather permitting of course.