Thomson's Bar, Edinburgh

My route from the Jolly Judge (near the castle) to Ryrie's Bar (near Haymarket Station) took me right past Thomson's, so I thought it would be rude not to call in. One of the barmen welcomed me by dropping a tray of glasses : few if any survived. My choice of Fyne Jarl was just being changed, so I went for the Oakham Citra, two beers that were not to my taste three years ago, but I'm gradually getting used to them. This was fine (NBSS 3.5) and I wished the barman - who remained friendly and good humoured despite his terrible day - a better day tomorrow as I left.

A traditional looking pub on the popular Morrison Street, it’s one single, open-plan room internally, and although there is no obvious sign that it was ever anything else, there is nonetheless a door in each corner, one with etched glass denoting it as the “Public Bar” and the other just “Bar”. Décor wise it’s quite elegant with much wood panelling, including an intricately carved bar counter and backdrop, porches and pillars as well as further wood panelling on the lower part of the walls. The ceiling too was quite elaborate with cornicework forming large inset panels painted in black with some pale green around the permitter. Flooring was large black and white chequered tiles, whilst the walls were covered in an extensive selection of brewery adverts and mirrors. Beers on tap were Swannay Scapa Special, Orkney’s Island Life, Oakham Bishop’s Farewell and Fyne Ales Jarl. After an unusual beer selection, it was a shame that the only cider they could come up with was Somersby from a global conglomerate. Overall, I’ve mixed feelings about this. The décor is perhaps worth a peek, but it seemed a bit lacking in any atmosphere and the poor cider selection is unlikely to tempt me back.

A traditional bar with great wood panelling,a cheque black and white vinyl floor,bar to the right and narrow tables with pew benches and stools.It was lively at 4pm on a Thursday and thankfully the large iron radiators were belting out some decent heat. The ale selection was on my visit Swannay Scapa Special (NBSS 4),TT Landlord,Fyne Jarl and Orkney Dark Island.Good whisky selection too.I would be happy to return ,the authentic boozer atmosphere was noteworthy.

A beautiful one-room bar with lovely wood panelling on many surfaces, including the bar counter at the right hand end, though the presence of two doors from the street suggests that the room has not always been arranged this way. There are four hand pumps, and also four of the Scottish fonts that are still in use in some pubs in the city, though not this one. There are also eight keg fonts for lager, stout and heavy. Real ales at the time of my visit were Fyne Ales Jarl and Oakham Citra, neither of which is to my taste but the Jarl was in top condition. Date of visit: 20th July 2021