Review: Black Bull, Dalkeith

Arts and Craft pub The Black Bull Inn

We were in Dalkeith for the day and stumbled across the Black Bull Inn. Interested by the exterior we decided to venture inside...

The Black Bull Inn was constructed by Dalkeith Public House and Improvement Company. This was inspired by the Swedish Gothenburg movement. Named after the city that started the movement, the Gothenburg movement attempted to control the consumption of alcohol. They did this by issuing licences for the dispention of spirits to trusts who would use the money earned to improve the area (building libraries etc.) as well as control the amount of alcohol served.

Designed by Charles Henry Greig, 1905-06, this 2-storey, L-plan corner building in Arts and Crafts style is a pleasant classic-style bar.

It seemed friendly enough to strangers so we enjoyed a couple of beers whilst watching the rugby. There's a bar and a lounge area. The lounge serves hot food as well as drinks.

Beers on sale include Guinness, McEwans 70 and 80 Shilling as well as standard lagers but sadly no real ale (you have to go to the nearby Wetherspoon for that).

A range of spirits are also on offer with the malt of the month Glen Grant on sale for £2.40 during our visit.