Home, Tollcross, Edinburgh

Corrected name to The Cuckoo's Nest

I have always been a big fan of the Blue Anchor and consider it one of the country’s real pub treasures. This thatched town centre brewpub has a brewing history going back some 600 years and is full of charm and character the moment you step through the front door into the central flagstoned corridor. The 2 main bars are to the right whilst on the left are 3 small, intimate snug bars that appear to be later additions within the pub framework. The front main bar is a delight with bare stone floors, settles, cosy window seat, antique table and an upright piano. The walls contain plenty of of interesting photos and momentos including a list of public executions that includes 2 for an assault on the Blue Anchor landlord in 1790. Things aren’t quite as rowdy these days and the atmosphere is very welcoming with plenty of light hearted banter going on between the locals. The smaller rear bar centres on a large fireplace with 2 built in seats and crowned by antique firearms. The tables are converted beer barrels and there are some reproduction posters advertising wrestling matches and warning against stealing oysters from the Helford River. Opinions on the pub’s 4 Spingo beers appear to be divided but I have always found them excellent although you are unlikely to see them all on at the same time. The Spingo Middle (5%) is the prominent brew along with the Special (6.8%) but there is also Jubilee (4.5%) and Bragget, a beer made with apple and honey with no hops, a recipe dating back to the brewery’s origins. I tried both the Middle and Special (very drinkable for such a strong beer) and both very reasonably priced. The Special is also brewed at additional strength for Christmas and Easter. For the non ale fans there are the usual suspects and even the tea and coffee are good value. A full description of the various beers is on the wall next to the bar. At the rear (past the outside toilets) is a beer garden, now partly housed in a marquee where there is a separate open air bar, presumably used for functions, festivals etc. A set of steps leads up to the long brewhouse (the door was open so I had a peek in although I am sure the knowledgeable and enthusiastic landlord would happily show you around if the circumstances allowed it). I have never had the opinion that the pub is merely a tourist magnet as previously suggested and if it weren't for the 500 mile round trip I would happily spend many a night here propping up the bar. On my last visit I took a few bottles of Spingo home and I really am keen to take back the empties.

Originally opened as Bentleys and has also been called The Office, and presently has the name The Cuckoo's Nest. [Edit: actioned, 28/12/09]