42) Jack Ryan's Beggar's Bush of Haddington Road, D4

While there has been a pub on this site since 1803, Ryan’s was established in 1916. Once upon a time the exterior was a lovely place to sit and sup on a golden autumnal afternoon, enjoying the murmur of foliage and the nearby reverberations from the Aviva. But the newly installed tent or marquee style setup they now have going has robbed the charm to an extent. The lounge is mazy with wooden partitions zigzagging and intersecting. The bar has an authentic snug and the pub can boast their own brand of Whiskey. Perhaps a Beamish Bonder? It was here in September 2016 that we first started making lists of pubs visited and became altogether more militant about 'spreading our business', sowing the seeds for this present Publopedia. Jack Ryan’s of Beggar’s Bush - the kernel whence came forth an almighty publopop.

UPDATE AS OF AUGUST 2024: ‘Perhaps a Beamish Bonder?’ - so we said in our naivety and greener youth and altogether ginger vinegar ignorance. It is of course a proud Beamish Bonder, and a sterling one too, with far superior prices to any found in the city centre - only a little over five euros at the last check - few pleasures can compete with that provided by a succulent Beamish without blemish served out of doors in the softer light of a later summer’s day when the risk of skin cancer to a balder head is significantly lessened. Jack Ryan’s of Beggar’s Bush is well worth the whistle and the walk - and if you’re a sporty type and like watching lads kicking balls, the Aviva is only a stone’s throw away for all yer fill of rugger and bugger and tomfoolery footie fetish.

So there - what’s not to like, Mike? Bring the bike and leave the yapping tyke at home with the crapping gnome in the gloaming.

Goggle-eyed and… well, what it says on the tin

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