 |
Edinburgh Castle 950 Geary (between Polk and Larkin) Tel: 415-885.4074 |
||
|
|
There's no shortage of Irish bars in this city, but there's a definite lack (in numbers) of Scottish hang-outs. Fortunately, the Edinburgh Castle has such personality and ambience that there's no need for any other north-of-the-border pubs in our City. The Edinburgh Castle is snugly tucked away on Geary Street on the fringe of the Tenderloin. Isn't most of the Tenderloin the fringe of the Tenderloin? What with gentrification and all. And it is cozy inside. I'm not sure it really is all that much warmer when you cross the threshold (the Scots aren't known for their central heating) but it certainly feels that way. Perhaps that's the illusion after one or two drams from the selection of malts lined up behind the bar. And there is a selection, too. It would be heresy to come to the Edinburgh Castle and order a G&T or some such so stick with your whiskey. Myself, I'd point you towards the peaty warmth of a Laphroaig. The bar also offers some fine fish and chips at a very reasonable price so you can lace your tummy. Edinburgh Castle is home to the Scottish Cultural and Arts Foundation. The pub puts on some brilliant author's readings that always attract a full house of folks. For big name dropping, they've recently had Irvine Welsh (I'm sure he always stops by when he's in town) and Patrick McCabe throw a few of their words around in the murky air of Geary Street. Of course, our own local Alan Black,manager of the Edinburgh Castle, and John Mulligan (author of Shopping Cart Soldiers) amongst others can often be found on such evenings reading their own works. The crowd is usually adoring and heckling at the same time. Other evenings you'll find DJs spinning. Or perhaps a ceilidh which you'd be a fool to miss. There's nothing like a few flings at Scottish country dancing to get the blood moving. We used to have school dances where the local boys school would get shipped in for a Saturday evening of Scottish country dancing with us girlies. They'd arrive with their hip flasks firmly tucked under their jackets. The cool guys would wear their kilts. The uptight ones wouldn't. We'd be lined up in our newest taffeta strapless dress just asking for trouble. Well, as you can imagine, the goal of each boy was to make the girl that he fancied pop out of her dress with a few firm flings. It never took much effort. Whichever evening you go to the Edinburgh Castle, you can be sure you'll find a diverse bunch of people enjoying the best of Scotland. Susan MacTavish Best |
||
|
|
|||
|
Reproduction of material from posthoc is prohibited without written permission. Copyright 2002, Posthoc, Inc. |
|||
