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Sandy Bells, Edinburgh

Pub added by elizabeth mcgraw
25 Forrest Road
Edinburgh
EH1 2QH

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Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Old Boots left this review about Sandy Bells

Long thin corner pub, sadly I caught it on a music night so it was rammed, that’s actually every night plus afternoons at the weekend. It is a famous folk music pub. Fairly unspoiled interior with an impressive bar back and other fittings. Two banks of three pulls of Scots beers plus a couple of T-Bars of the usuals for Edinburgh. Otherwise the beer was excellent so I went back when it was quieter the next lunchtime. The beer was just as good and the banter from a mob of auld fellers in one corner was pure class, cheaper than a good many pubs in Edinburgh too.

On 18th February 2023 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3209 recommendations about 2920 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Bucking Fastard left this review about Sandy Bells

Looking a bit scruffy from outside with an old Forrest Hill Bar sign visible ,this is an old school boozer with a strong folk music vibe.The bar runs down the right side,there is a small bench along the front window below the short side of the bar,some small tables opposite the bar,bar stools and then a wider back area where musicians will hang out.There's an eclectic mix of customers and I revelled in it's earthyness.
There was a lot of real ale ,on my trip Inveralmond Ossian and Lia Fail,Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted,Orkney Dark Island and Mild and Fyne Jarl (NBSS 4).A very decent selection and a fun atmosphere means I will return.

On 19th November 2022 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2709 recommendations about 2709 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


hondo . left this review about Sandy Bells

Proper old style pub serving 5 real ales. Best to visit at night and catch the traditional music.

On 3rd January 2015 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 2883 recommendations about 2820 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Sandy Bells

Definitely went into this famous folk pub at the wrong time, as it was very quiet (and frankly rather depressing) at lunchtime. Anyway, the small, traditional interior is divided into two parts by a wooden screen with a limited selection of basic furniture and dark decor. Four of the five handpumps were operational, with Isle of Skye Red Cuillin being the most interesting offering (£2.80, but not in the finest condition). Overall, difficult to rate as I suspect that it would score a lot higher if you caught a cracking eveing music session...

On 29th January 2012 - rating: 6
[User has posted 8061 recommendations about 8061 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Roger Button left this review about Sandy Bells

The Sandy Bells, an Edinburgh institution for traditional folk music, appears to be the sort of pub that got a little left behind on the timeline.

The small basic bar is divided into front and rear sections by an arched wooden screen with the bar extending along most of the right hand side. The furnishings are quite rustic with some window sill seats, padded benches, small tables and a fine high backed settle. At the far end are a couple of tiny drinking ledges making the most of the limited space that is available. The walls contain song lyrics, sheet music and photos of the various folkies that have turned up over then years. A basic TV is housed in the far corner.

Drink wise, there were 3 ales across 5 hand pumps, 2 from Inveralmond (Ossian and Chillie Ale) and Deuchars IPA. Some 30+ whiskies were also available. I didn’t note any food availability.

My afternoon visit didn’t coincide with any entertainment despite the Edinburgh Festival being in full flow and there were just a couple of hardy drinkers occupying the rear end. I get the impression that when the place is in full flow the atmosphere would be terrific although I can imagine it being somewhat cramped. Next time I hit town, I would definitely check out a music night.

On 14th December 2011 - rating: 7
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


dragonfly xxx left this review about Sandy Bells

traditional,old style pub.famous for traditional scottish music(fiddles,guitars,accordians)frequently joined by tourists or passing local musicians.good selection of drinks and reasonable prices,friendly staff

On 17th January 2011 - rating: 7
[User has posted 21 recommendations about 21 pubs]