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Cavens Arms, Dumfries

20 Buccleuch Street
Dumfries
DG1 2AH

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Quinno _ left this review about Cavens Arms

Dumfries CAMRA Pub of the Year since (almost) forever, celebrated on the window. Not what I was anticipating inside, immediately upon entering is a reception booth for diners to be seated and indeed most of the place is food-focussed. Pushed on to the bar at the rear where there's a long-hooked banquette for the topers and a generally plush environ. Seven cask on from a mix of regionals and larger micros; Swannay, Thornbridge Jaipur, Timothy Taylor Landlord, a collab between the previous two, Fyne Jarl, GK OSH (for it is a Belhaven house), Kelham and one from Born who were new to me. Not much being poured mid-afternoon but the quality of mine were good, the Artesian collab (NBSS 3) and Born Amber (3.5). I can see why it’s a hit with the middle class CAMRAs but I certainly think there’s a couple of other places in town that, on the beer quality (if not choice) and atmosphere, give this one a run for its money and have more seating for drinkers. Still, it’s a default stop for sure.

On 20th February 2024 - rating: 8
[User has posted 5050 recommendations about 5033 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Old Boots left this review about Cavens Arms

A bigger than it looks CAMRA favourite, multi room and multi hand pump pub, COVID rules meant I couldn’t take proper stock of the number of pumps etc but there were 7 cask beers on the menu but not hugely different to JAQPTIO’s visit. People may sneer about CAMRA and hand pull count but this one deserves its GBG place judging by the quality of my Jarl and that’s a beer I know and love very well. I can’t describe the place in detail as Covid forced me into a shed thing with big sports screens in the yard, sorry beer garden, as others have said it’s diner oriented so a casual drinker takes what he can get in the time of plague. I certainly can’t fault the service or beer quality and would visit again if I was unlucky enough to be in Dumfries.

On 12th July 2021 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3209 recommendations about 2920 pubs]


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Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Cavens Arms

Multiple Camra award-winning pub, with an unbroken run as Dumfries & Galloway POTY from 2006 (which may actually say more about the rest of the establishments in the branch area than it does about this particular place). Having said that, it's perfectly reasonable in its own way, with restrained traditional furniture and decor in the various dining (at the front) / seating (further back, by the bar) areas. Seven different real ales from a total of ten handpumps, although with most from England (e.g. Old Speckled Hen, Wainwright and two from Black Sheep) the choice was somewhat disappointing. Thankfully, though, there were also the Fyne Ale Jarl and the Swannay Orkney IPA (3.20) available.

On 19th November 2017 - rating: 8
[User has posted 8066 recommendations about 8066 pubs]


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custodian 42 left this review about Cavens Arms

The best pub in Dumfries by a distance. It's a huge place with the bar on the left hand side. It is aimed more at diners, but there was no problem in getting served and getting what looked like the last table. Staff seemed to be all over the place during my visit. Excellent selection of real ales, although the only two I can remember were Old Speckled Hen and Jaipur (my choice, of course). No surprise that it has been CAMRA pub since 2006!!

On 30th July 2017 - rating: 8
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]


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Aqualung . left this review about Cavens Arms

I get the impression that places like this are much rarer in Scotland than England. Despite being a real ale hot spot it is rather food orientated. You enter into a dining area with another one over to the right and the bar area right at the back. The whole place is carpeted rather than having trendy wood flooring.
There was a tennis match showing on a TV screen in the bar which seemed incongruous but then I remembered I was in Scotland and Andy Murray was playing. I'm not sure if there was any volume turned up on it.
The bar has ten hand pumps which include GK Old Speckled Hen, Thornbridge Jaipur, Fyne Ales Jarl, Black Hole Cyborg,
Dartmoor Jail Ale, Bingham Space Hoppy, York Ghost Ale, Marston's New World Pedigree and Wainwright. There was a sign saying all real ales were £3.10 so I went for the Jaipur which was excellent. My only reservation with this one is that it is rather food orientated but is still well worth a visit. My score of eight is worth a nine in Scottish money. It's GBG 2017 listed.

On 9th November 2016 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2143 recommendations about 2143 pubs]


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Sam Millar left this review about Cavens Arms

Just an update on my previous reviews for this pub. We called again in September (2011). Still as good as ever, with great ale, great food and brilliant friendly staff. A beautiful extension has been built since our last visit and this has provided far more seating arrangements for food and drink.(Although the "bar area" has not changed so you can still sit there and sample some of the large selection of well kept real ales.) Another award for CAMRA local pub of the year, and no surprise at this.

On 24th November 2011 - rating: 10
[User has posted 24 recommendations about 21 pubs]


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Sam Millar left this review about Cavens Arms

I have already written a previous review of this pub. However at the beginning of July we spent another three days in Dumfries (as a stop over en-route to our ferry home to N.Ireland) I just had to sing this pub's praises again! Some of the best kept beer I have ever tasted.(I think we were there around the time of the previous reviewer "Ape Arrody" below, so I wont go into all the beers that were on). Had food in it each day we were there - excellent!! Service brilliant, Staff really friendly. A must if you are in Dumfries.

On 2nd August 2010 - rating: 10
[User has posted 24 recommendations about 21 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Tex Icecubes left this review about Cavens Arms

As you fight your way through the brass tassels on the door you are met by a sign saying please wait to be seated. However if youre just here for a pint walk straight in.
Mainly diners so if you cant beat em me and wifey had a pretty decent meal.
The beer range was totally superb get this
Mouldons Mid Summer Gold
Featherstones Chuzzlewit
Old Speckled Hen
Everards Tiger
Phoenix Arizona
Landlord
But best of all Jaipur IPA at 1.95 a pint
On the wall there was a solitary Queen of the South scarf, pictures of trees and lots of Pub of the year awards.
This is definately the best pub in Dumfries. I even sneaked away while wifey was shopping and had another pint.

On 9th July 2010 - rating: 8
[User has posted 28 recommendations about 26 pubs]


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Sam Millar left this review about Cavens Arms

This is a "must visit" pub, right in the town centre. CAMRA local pub of the year for 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 - enough said !! A good mixture of regular and guest beers, all in perfect condition. An excellent range of good value meals are served each day from 11-30 am to 9-00 pm (except Monday). If you are in the Dumfries area don't miss this one!

On 2nd February 2010 - rating: 10
[User has posted 24 recommendations about 21 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


ROB Camra left this review about Cavens Arms

This pub has the best kept ale in Dumfries, my only gripe would be that is very, very full on a weekend night. Can't blame them for being good though. Several guest ales including one from Phoenix which is my local brewery. All the way to Dumfries to be served something I get at home all the time. Oh Well! Very friendly and efficient staff. It's a very good pub this.

On 26th January 2010 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3216 recommendations about 3127 pubs]