ROBBIES TO ROSEBURN

Just to appease those of you who have been thinking “why the hell haven’t they updated that blog for almost a fortnight?”, those of you who have been thinking “I wonder if they’ve given up yet?”, and most particularly those of you who have been thinking “I couldn’t give a flying pig”, here is our latest collection of ramshackle drinking tales.

Let us first rewind to September 5th, a date which people instantly associate with the IRA bombing of the London Hilton, the UK’s first trunk call from a payphone and our the commencement of our latest trip to Germany. However, regardless of the date, people are never going to be likely to remember a visit to the Turnhouse Bar (35, 100) located inside Edinburgh Airport. Even by Wetherspoons’ standards, this is excruciatingly mundane. The pints of Heineken and Deuchars IPA were, however, necessary pre-flight refreshments.

Despite the quality (and, indeed, quantity) of beer consumed in Germany, this is neither the time nor the place to recount such tales (those of you fortunate enough to be joining us on this escapade may be the lucky recipients thereof). On returning from Germany we felt it was necessary to, erm, have a beer. And so we headed to the Caledonian Ale House (Haymarket, 12, 26, 31, X48, 100), one of the Great Edinburgh Pub Challengers’ favourite and most regular drinking holes. However, given that this was simply an opportune moment to consume a quick pint of Best, a full analysis of its qualities shall be posted at a later date.

On Wednesday 12th September, Scotland played France as the Parc des Princes in Paris. I’m sure you’re all well aware of the glorious victory we achieved, but for those of you who would appear to have been resting under a particularly large rock, we gave the French a right good kicking. This game was taken in in Robbies’ bar (Leith Walk, 7,10,12,13,14,16,22,25,49) , with the usual suspects being joined by Alistairs Brown and Wallace, Greig Bingham and Ian Davidson. Adam “I think I might give up drinking” Johns stayed at home and had a wank instead. Even at this early stage in the Challenge, I’d have to say that Robbies’ is one of my favourite boozer, a statement perhaps aided by its close proximity to my flat. It offers a great range of lagers, ales, whiskies, and is spacious enough to be able to offer a good view of the game whilst being small and busy enough to give rise to an electrifying atmosphere.

The following night, and with the mists of the celebratory hangover finally beginning to clear, myself and Nick were joined by Shetland’s 4th most famous export, Ewen Leask, at the Roseburn Bar (Roseburn Terrace, 12, 26, 31, X48, 100) for a swift half or 3. The Roseburn is another grand boozer, classic old décor and the location for a swift anaesthetic before any visits to T***c****e should our respective football teams be in the vicinity.

Until the next time...

QUOTE OF THE LAST FORTNIGHT: “don't take a picture of your knob for takin' the pish, picture of your pish” – Nick Chadha. Ask for details…