This was my local back in the 1980s, and I can attest that when you went in on a packed Friday night, you'd hold a number of fingers up and that number of pints would be waiting for you on the bar by the time you burrowed your way through. The efficiency of purveying pints was down to the division of labour behind the bar, with one member of staff spotting people coming in and others pouring the pints and (I think) taking your money - one person stood behind the till to cash up and make change. The pints were exemplary, due in part to the amount of beer flowing, meaning it was always fresh, and also to the proximity of the McEwans brewery (now demolished) which was close by up in Fountainbridge - and whose workers were no doubt among the Diggers' post-shift drinkers...
A most wonderful neighbourhood institution. I do think you should give a bigger shout out to the whiskies though - it really has become the greatest whisky bar in Edinburgh. Not only for the huge number stocked, thanks to Kev and his pursuit of rarities and collectibles, but also (yes!) for the value. Yes we do like that, us canny types. £2.80 for a good 35ml measure? Beezer!!
This was my local back in the 1980s, and I can attest that when you went in on a packed Friday night, you'd hold a number of fingers up and that number of pints would be waiting for you on the bar by the time you burrowed your way through. The efficiency of purveying pints was down to the division of labour behind the bar, with one member of staff spotting people coming in and others pouring the pints and (I think) taking your money - one person stood behind the till to cash up and make change. The pints were exemplary, due in part to the amount of beer flowing, meaning it was always fresh, and also to the proximity of the McEwans brewery (now demolished) which was close by up in Fountainbridge - and whose workers were no doubt among the Diggers' post-shift drinkers...
Thanks Thom - glad to know it wasn't just a myth! Seems like a very efficient service they had going.
Rumour was that the beer was so good because they had direct lines from the cellar to the Fountainbridge brewery!
Had the best pint of 80 shilling in the country many years ago, mother's milk !!!
Sadly no longer available, but still a great pub, good choice of beers and whisky's and a great connection with Heart of Midlothian football club.
A most wonderful neighbourhood institution. I do think you should give a bigger shout out to the whiskies though - it really has become the greatest whisky bar in Edinburgh. Not only for the huge number stocked, thanks to Kev and his pursuit of rarities and collectibles, but also (yes!) for the value. Yes we do like that, us canny types. £2.80 for a good 35ml measure? Beezer!!
Yes fair enough - it looks like a great selection. I’ll have to try them next time I’m in - usually I’m too busy drinking the amazing beer!