Aikman's, St. Andrews  

Something of a St Andrews institution, this has one of the best, and most adventurous selections of beer of any pub or bar in town, and a moderately respectable offering of whisky too (We were impressed that one of our companions ordered some "cheap generic shit" as part of a round of tasting different drams, and they knew immediately what to come up with.) There are two bars - a basement bar (or beer bar), which can get hot and (usually not too unpleasantly) shouty, and which is more drinks-orientated. At street level, the wine bar is rather more high-ceilinged and equally well suited for a meal, or indeed just a snack, with a group of friends as it is for drinks. Service is pretty exemplary, even when it's crowded - this can easily become a home from home, and has its own mini-cult on Facebook, even among those former students of the Auld Grey Toon who have strayed far away long ago. Bands - from rock to ceilidh to all sorts - and comedians have been known to hold gigs upstairs, too. One major failing - and the principal reason why this place doesn't warrant a four-pint rating: the toilets are horrible.

reviewed:
23/02/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ale - regular guest beers

occasional gigs

quiz night Sunday

pub food

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