Queens Arms, Edinburgh

A semi-subterranean bar located just off the main drag, first impressions were that it was quite a traditional old pub, but that soon gave way to a feeling that it was all a little manufactured and fake. I don’t know the history of the pub or what it was like previously, and if it really needed a refurbishment or renovation, then they’ve done a very good job. But overall I left with the impression of something designed in a faraway office by a pub design expert. There was narrow wood strip on the floor and large, full height bookcases on a couple of walls were something of a feature. Massive, over-sized light fittings hung from an off-green ceiling that had gold cornice work around the perimeter. There were a couple of exposed brickwork pillars to one side, as well as further exposed brick walling off to the right in a slightly more rustic part of the pub. A couple of TV’s were stuck on the walls, which perhaps rather jarred with the elegant feel they’ve been trying to create elsewhere, but at least the volume was off so these were not too intrusive and instead a decent level of pleasant background music was playing. Red leather seems to feature prominently, being used to upholster padded bench seating, chairs, and even around the top of the bar counter. An unusual feature in the right hand half was some small booths with a small entrance door in to each. Despite three hand pumps on the bar, only one was in use dispensing Five Sister’s Red Pale Ale. The solitary cider was Aspall’s Orchard which is a new one on me, but not being a fan of the company’s other products, I didn’t really feel inclined to try it.

Below street level, which suggests it is probably not as old as they are trying to make out, this is a surprisingly airy and light pub with a mixed clientele and an interesting soundtrack. Four hand pumps on the bar with an interesting selection from four Scottish breweries (see photos). Worth a look in. Date of visit: 21st March 2017