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Submitted on Tuesday, 22^nd October 2024
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Volunteer Arms (The Canny Man's), Morningside, Edinburgh

237 Morningside Road
Edinburgh
EH10 4QU

Phone: 01314471484

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Morningside

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Reviews of Volunteer Arms (The Canny Man's) (Average Rating: 8 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Blackthorn _ left this review about Volunteer Arms (The Canny Man's)

A traditional looking Victorian style pub in the popular and affluent Morningside district, I happened to be walking past and hadn’t initially planned on visiting here, but I’m very glad that I did for it is something of a treasure trove within.

It’s divided in to a number of different rooms, with the main bar being on the left at the front, another good sized room to the right, and smaller rooms beyond. In terms of describing it, it’s difficult to know where to start, there is simply so much stuff in there. Décor wise it’s quite traditional, with pale patterned carpet on much of the floor, predominantly either very dark green or dark brown paintwork on the ceilings, and dark red paintwork on the walls. The main bar at the front had an impressive collection of musical instruments hanging from the ceiling, including trombones, trumpets, violins and even a drum, whilst the walls and area surrounding the bar housed an extensive collection of bottles.

A smaller room at the rear was a cosy spot with fitted bench seating complete with green padding affixed to the wall behind and on the bench seat as well as white numbers 1 – 7 fixed to the bench back which I’ve not seen elsewhere and am unsure as to it’s purpose. A number of pictures were on the wall including some cartoon style black and white drawings, a number of swords, china pots and figurines, some very old electrical switchgear, and a brass post-box! The other room at the front continued the musical theme with the ceiling being covered in sheet music and a mannequin dressed in 1940’s style clothing hanging from the ceiling as well as an extensive collection of old china plates on the wall. Even that doesn’t really do justice to it, you really must go and see for yourself.

Beers on tap were 80/ and Edinburgh Gold from Stewarts along with Deuchar’s IPA, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Thistly Cross. Definitely a must visit, and quite possibly my new favourite Edinburgh pub.

On 25^th October 2024 - rating: 9
[User has posted 2060 recommendations about 1962 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Bucking Fastard left this review about Volunteer Arms (The Canny Man's)

It doesn't look much from the outside and the official name of the Volunteer Arms seems to have disappeared but the joy is within.An authentic and unchanged interior with a nesting of rooms and a small snug area to the side of the bar.All kind of items hang from the ceiling.On entering the Australian landlady asked if I had booked,as the dining room was fully booked that day.I said I was just in for a beer and was warmly welcomed but told that seating was only available in the tap room ,side snug or on a bar stool.I noticed brass name tags of departed regulars all around the pews in the tap room.The very fine mirror here is marked Golden Drop. There is a no photograph sign near the fine door to the gents,while the dining rooms were all very ornate .
Three real ales on my trip Stewart 80/-,Pentland IPA and Radical Road Reverse (fine form,NBSS 4).The whisky bottled display was impressive and added to the atmosphere.Gentle ballards were playing with some sing along in Australian !
Given the focus on food,I'm not sure I would base myself here for a session but it's certainly worth the bus ride from the city centre to see the very fine ,and CAMRA listed, interior.

On 19^th November 2022 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2936 recommendations about 2936 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Strongers . left this review about Volunteer Arms (The Canny Man's)

The Canny Man’s is a Victorian pub busy with all sorts of objects, from colonial soldier jackets and old musical instruments to boats and a full sized manakin hanging horizontal on the ceiling. I don’t think there is an inch of wall or ceiling space in the bar and tiny snug to the left or couple of rooms to the right that hasn’t got something nailed to it. There was some background music playing and I didn’t see any televisions. Out the back is an enclosed beer garden full of patio furniture and a separate function room with large table that looked to be decorated much the same as the pub.
The bar supports standard keg and four handpumps, one of which was unused. This left Stewarts 80/- and Edinburgh Gold alongside Deuchars. Food is served at lunch and dinner and the menu is at the gastro end of the food spectrum. I found the service to be polite and you could spend a while looking at all the tat on the walls, but it was all a bit much for me if I’m being honest.

On 4^th September 2022 - rating: 7
[User has posted 5965 recommendations about 5931 pubs]

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