Edinburgh Pub Guide: Sandy Bell's

Sandy Bell's

The sign outside the front of Sandy Bell's says it all: "Purveyors of fine ales and spirits. Home of world renowned folk music." Meanwhile the pub sign carries the image of a fiddle and the words: "Sandy Bell's Ales & Music"

Interior from the Door Sign Over the Door

Visit this fairly small, very traditional street corner pub during the day and you could be forgiven for wondering what the fuss is all about. What you find is a fairly small bar, divided into distinct front and rear areas by an odd pedimented arch. No food is served, but this is more than made up for by the choice of high quality real ales and selection of over 35 malt whiskies on offer. During the day the pub is justly popular with lovers of good beer, with students, and with its loyal band of regulars.

Sign Outside Sandy Bell's

But turn up on any evening (and some afternoons) and you'll find yourself in a folk music venue that is known worldwide: as someone once put it "a legend in its own opening time". A number of folk artists got their first breaks here and today it is an essential point of pilgrimage for anyone with any interest in folk music coming to Edinburgh.

Inside Sandy Bell's