Colinton Inn – A community haven
Plus George Best's legendary night out in Edinburgh: An eyewitness writes in.
As the days start getting noticeably longer, I’m starting to think about going camping for the odd night here and there. I’m a fair weather camper, not interested while it’s this cold. But once the weather improves a little, I’ll think about going somewhere close to town.
I’m sure one of the first spots I’ll return to is Bonaly Reservoir, a lovely spot easily accessible via a bus and a short, sharp uphill walk. I’ll be sure to pop into the Colinton Inn on my way – an unassuming local’s pub on the edge of the Pentland Hills.
At first glance, it’s quite generic, with off-the-peg posters and decorations dotted about its walls. The beer selection is unimaginative but the cask I had was very nicely kept. But it’s one of the most inviting, cosy pubs I’ve been to. A warm welcome from the staff, combined with a comfortable atmosphere generated by the patrons makes this pub worth visiting, whatever the time of year.
The chaser – George, meet Pete
A little epilogue to last week’s review of The Jinglin’ Geordie, thanks to a reader.
Pete Forster was at the North British Hotel on that fateful night with George Best and the French rugby team. Pete had been at the Scotland v France rugby match at Murrayfield, and went to the hotel afterwards in the hope of getting his programme signed by some of the Scottish rugby squad.
Pete’s wife Anne sent this in to Edinburgh Pub Reviews: “Whilst he was there he met a very pished George Best at the bar in the basement. He bought George a double G&T & got his autograph on the rugby programme.”
I suggested Pete’s G&T had a hand in getting George Best sacked by Hibs – which he was the next day for missing their match. Anne replied: “Yes that would be right, Pete says he wasn’t the only one that night helping George lose his job”.
Thanks to Anne and Pete for the story and the photos below. (The Forsters are also the source of the 1979 Edinburgh Pub guide which I occasionally quote from in this newsletter.)
One more thing – thank you to everyone who completed the Edinburgh Pub Reviews survey since the start of the year. I’ll now take your responses and use them to improve this newsletter over the next year. I really appreciate all the kind words and the constructive feedback you left.
I’ll now leave a general feedback form open – feel free to leave any questions, comments or suggestions at any time.