As I enter my fourth and final year at Dundee Uni, it is safe to say I am extremely well versed in Dundee Pubs. Going to the pub to play Uno and have pints has become an unhealthy hobby of mine; however it seems somewhat productive for this article.
My favourite pubs are ‘old man pubs’- but not the kind where you are stared at as soon as you walk in. The kind with traditional character and age worn wood furniture.
Good pints, people, and atmosphere are essential.
The pubs in Dundee have something for everyone. There’s art themed, traditional, music themed pubs and more-bar type places. Here are my top five!
1. The George Orwell
George Orwell takes the number one spot on my list for many reasons. Firstly the aesthetics. Dimly lit and atmospheric, it’s furnished with the comfiest leather armchairs, fireplaces and ambient candles..
As an English and Philosophy student, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I love Orwell’s. The pub truly embraces it’s literary namesake with its Orwell themed memorabilia, including vintage book covers and a décor that transports you to a book lover’s haven.
More so, they have a great selection of drinks and is one of the only place in Dundee where you can find a Modelo; a Spanish beer that’s a bit like Corona but a lot better.
The best bit about Orwell’s is all the games they have behind the bar. It is here that I began my hobby of playing Uno in the pub. Maybe it’s my inability to sit still but a pub with games is the best.
2. The Phoenix
The Pheonix, can be found at the very bottom of the Perth road and is one of Dundee’s oldest pub’s. It’s quirky but traditional.
It’s a pub where the décor, menu and people have barely changed in decades- which is part of the charm. Both my Mum and Dad, who went to college in Dundee back in the day, say the Phoenix was their favourite pub- so maybe it’s hereditary that it’s ended up on this list.
The Pheonix is unpretentious and welcoming. It draws a mis of students, regulars, locals, and theatre folk (it’s two minutes from the rep and DCA).
The stained glass windows, dark wood, and old brewery mirrors create the warm classic pub setting. It’s cozy and has lots of wee wooden booths and green leather benches.
3. Mennie’s (Speedwells)
Another one of my Dad’s favourites; Mennie’s, or The Speedwell Bar just opposite Sainsbury’s on the Perth Road.
A bit of history for you, it’s an Edwardian B listed Heritage Pub. Built in 1903 for James Speed but known as Mennie’s after the family who ran it for more than 50 years.
I love this pub mainly for its oldy feel and how historic it is.
It has these wee side rooms with fireplaces, which are my favourite to sit in. And generally it’s just filled with good pints and good people.
4. Star and Garter
The Star and Garter is a recent discovery of mine. It’s down in town opposite Assai Records.
It has that old pub feel, just like the previous three, and at the back lies a whisky saloon. I am not one to drink whisky, however this room at the end of the pub is a bonus- its intimate and relaxed. For those who do like whisky, it features over 300 whiskies!
Star and Garter has cheap pints and a free jukebox! Which is why it’s made it on the list. You don’t need to rake through your wallet to find change, you can just put on whatever music you like for free.
5. The Braes
The Braes It is a go to pub, especially if you are part of a society or sports team because you will most likely get discounted pints and food.
Right across from campus, it is rude not to go into Braes after a heavy session at the library. The staff are friendly, and you will always see someone you know. They have a fab quiz and a basement with a pool table.
It is essential that you go to Braes for a melt burger and a couple of pints!
Some other great pubs that didn’t make the list are:
- The Dubliner
- O Marley’s
- Groucho’s
- Tinsmiths
- Tay Bridge Bar
There were a good mix of responses from those who replied to my Instagram, with the best response being:
“The dingiest pub you can find”.
Mennie’s, Pheonix, Orwell’s, Braes, and O Marley’s were mentioned a lot. Balcony- another classic- was included.
Molly Malones, Glass Bucket, Draffens, and Nola were also put forward as the best Dundee pub.
However, it is all subjective. Each pub has something of it’s own to offer. And part of being at uni here is finding your favourite pub. Hopefully this guide can point you in the right direction (to the door of Orwell’s).
Sources: Campaign for Real Ale. [Speedwell Bar, Dundee – CAMRA – The Campaign for Real Ale]
The Magdalen 
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