Doherty's, Hamilton

Wrong address for Doherty’s - it’s 33-35 Castle Street. Inkspot Homewares Shop is at 23-31 Castle Street.

If, as I suspect, this used to be “The Star Bar,” it was then one of the most down at heel pubs in town. If I’m right, it has been dramatically transformed into one of the better ones. It’s now an attractive bar/lounge with exposed stone walls, a real fireplace (minus a fire, but it was summer), lots of wood panelling and a semi-circular bar against the back wall. It even sells drink cheaper than most of it’s less desirable competitors, with Tennent’s lager at £2.80 a pint. A good draught selection also includes Stella Artois, Guinness, McEwan’s 70 Shilling, John Smith’s, Tartan Special and Magner’s cider. A rear door leads to a narrow alleyway which serves as the smoking area and also to the surprisingly plush lounge, which looks more like a disco with its darkened interior and flashing lights. This can also be accessed via an alley at the side without going through the bar.