Sandy Bell’s is one of the great folk music venues in Edinburgh and is known by musicians and lovers of traditional music worldwide.
Sessions are hosted in the pub and folk devotees flock. They come from all over Scotland, Ireland, the rest of the United Kingdom and traditional music sessions go on every night and sometimes in the daytime and there is a sessions guide on their website.
PS: they also come for the alcohol. Sandy Bell’s is blessed by some thirst-quenching real ales and, as one of my friends will testify, an impressive range of whisky. He’s tried a few in his time.
Recent facelifts at the atmospheric pub, which is a stone throw away from Greyfriars Bobby and near the city’s bustling student quarter, include an enlarged musicians’ area but the traditional pub – which has also hosted a wedding – remains and it is a joy to visit.
The barman on the day I popped in could not have been more helpful in helping me select a pint which I then savoured.
Sandy Bell’s, 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH
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