The Oxford Bar, Edinburgh

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Oxford Bar

Well known as the regular haunt of Inspector Rebus from the popular novels, this is located down a quiet side street and unlikely to attract much in the way of random passing trade, but presumably does well enough due to it’s literary connection as well as the locals.

Internally it’s divided in to two halves, with the smaller half to the left containing the bar counter and a couple of adjoining rooms to the right. The left-hand half is actually fairly small with limited seating options. Paintwork is mostly pale yellow with dark wood panelling on the lower part of the walls and there were various old black and white pictures and branded mirrors on the walls. A shelf housed a small collection of books including dictionaries, film guides and beer guides. The adjoining rooms to the right felt a little cosier with a slightly deeper shade of yellow paint and much colourful artwork which looked as though it may have been for sale. A small brick fireplace was off to one side and a tiny TV mounted on a shelf up in the corner, although fortunately this was not in use on our visit. Padded bench seating was around much of the perimeter with tables and chairs elsewhere.

Unfortunately, despite four hand pumps on the bar, none were in use. Three had pump clips reversed, whilst the fourth appeared unused. I queried this with the barmaid who muttered something about a “delivery due tomorrow”. Even worse, there was no cider on tap. Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this, it felt a little shabby in places and the lack of any beer did nothing to improve my disposition towards it.

On 18^th November 2022 - rating: 5
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