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The Courier
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
I knocked the froth off a few at these Dundee pubs and bars - here's what I learned
Given that Dundee is known for its journalism, it's perhaps no surprise that the city is home to numerous pubs and bars. Fortunately, not all these venues are the tobacco-stained drinking dens of yesteryear. In fact, the City of Discovery's drinking scene boasts everything from rejuvenated institutions to lively music venues. That said, there are a handful of Dundee pubs and bars that stand head and shoulders above the rest. I put on my drinking boots and went to find out which of them are the city's best. The first pub I visit is the Star & Garter. This iconic establishment, which first opened in 1874, was inactive between 2018 and 2023 but had new life breathed into it by father-son duo John and Thomas Justice. This is evident from the moment I arrive. Several people are sat at the outdoor tables, making the most of the sunshine. Inside, the pub is traditionally decorated with a beautiful bar, decorative glass panels and leather seating. Many of the original fixtures are present and they add real character. Towards the rear of the pub is a wood-panelled whisky saloon that is absolutely stunning. John tells me there are '300 whiskies in the building and about 200 behind the bar'. Both rooms have a wonderful atmosphere, and several customers tell me how much they love the pub's old-school feel. The pub also serves many different beers, including real ale. The team do a great job of championing local Scottish beers from the likes of SaltRock Brewing and 71 Brewing. Customers who get hungry are also in luck; the Star & Garter sells pies produced locally by Harvey's Takeaway. On the day I visit, chicken tikka and leek and potato are just two of the options available. Address: 42 Union St, Dundee, DD1 4BE As a pub-bar-music-venue hybrid, Duke's Corner is noticeably buzzier than the other businesses I have visited. Here, live music is played every Friday and Saturday. Open mic sessions give brave customers an opportunity to show off their talents, while a Saturday night DJ provides ample excuse to dance. That said, it's clear that Duke's Corner has plenty to offer during day as well. I'm impressed by the range of beers offered by the pub. The blackboard behind the bar boasts an extensive list that includes a surprising number of sour and fruity tipples, including Vault City's rhubarb drizzle beer. It's not just beer drinkers who can try something new at Duke's Corner. Bar staff know how to make an impressive number of lesser-known cocktails. These include the kiwiido, a mix of vodka, lavender, apple juice, kiwi and soda. Whatever customers order, they are encouraged to enjoy them in the pub's extensive beer garden. The sheltered spot is a real suntrap during the long summer evenings. Address: 13 Brown St, Dundee, DD1 5EG Although it is one of the oldest pubs in Dundee, The Phoenix is also among the liveliest. It is packed when I visit just after 1pm on a Friday afternoon. As with several other pubs on this list, The Phoenix has lovely, old fittings and fixtures. But, along with the dark wooden seats and tables, the pub also has blaring rock music and more than its fair share of eye-catching oddities. A stag's head is mounted on the far wall and stained-glass windows cast multicoloured light across the drinkers. The blend of classic and quirky extends beyond just the décor. 'We've got quite an eclectic mix of customers,' owner Andy Robertson tells me. 'This makes the pub quite unique and very exciting.' He goes on to say that 'people come from far and wide for the real ale selection'. The Phoenix serves five cask beers. Two of these are unchanging stalwarts: Duke IPA from Swannay Brewery and Timothy Taylor's Landlord. The other three are rotating guest beers. 'The previous owner built up good relationships with local breweries,' Andy tells me. 'I've kept that going.' The Phoenix is also known for its famous chilli. Decidedly spicy, this dish is a fan favourite. Address: 103 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DH To step into The Speedwell Bar on Perth Road is to be transported back to the early 1900s. A beautiful, L-shaped Edwardian mahogany bar dominates the main room while two lounges – front and back – are hidden from view by glazed etched glass screens. Mahogany dado panelling completes the lovely space. 'Everything you see is authentic,' owner Jonathan Stewart tells me. 'There's not many pubs like this around any more,' he adds. The luxurious feel of this Dundee pub is complemented by the drinks that are on offer. I spy three cask-conditioned ales and eight lagers on offer, along with numerous bottled and canned beers and ciders. Around 100 whiskies are also served here, including several premium options such as Glenesk 1984 and Coleburn 1981. 'We're seen as a destination pub, mainly because of our whiskies,' Jonathan says. The Speedwell Bar was named pub of the year in 2017, and it is not difficult to see why experts hold the pub in such high regard. From the design to the service, everything at The Speedwell Bar is of a timeless quality. Address: 165-167 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1AS Previously a bank, the Trades House is a spacious pub that nonetheless has an intimate feel. This is largely thanks to wonderful wooden interiors and beautiful stained-glass windows, both of which were fitted when the pub opened in the 1990s. Tom Maxfield, who has been coming to the pub since it opened, told me he kept coming back because 'it is such a friendly place'. Aside from a good crowd, the pub also has some 30 beer fonts, ensuring a huge variety – and volume – of beer can be served throughout the day. The Dundee pub also serves an impressive array of wine, including an English white wine and a 0% sparkling wine from Spain. Those abstaining from alcohol can also enjoy alcohol-free cocktails, including a ginger no-jito. Thanks to several TV screens that populate the space, the Trades House is a great spot for those wanting to watch sporting events. I'm told that many customers book tables in advance to ensure they get the best seats for specific matches. A wide range of pub grub classics – like fish and chips, steak and ale pie and scampi – ensure that drinkers don't have to head home hungry. Address: 40 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ET
The Courier
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
5 of the best pubs and bars in Dundee
Given that Dundee is known for its journalism, it's perhaps no surprise that the city is home to numerous pubs and bars. Fortunately, not all these venues are the tobacco-stained drinking dens of yesteryear. In fact, the City of Discovery's drinking scene boasts everything from rejuvenated institutions to lively music venues. That said, there are a handful of Dundee pubs and bars that stand head and shoulders above the rest. I put on my drinking boots and went to find out which of them are the city's best. The first pub I visit is the Star & Garter. This iconic establishment, which first opened in 1874, was inactive between 2018 and 2023 but had new life breathed into it by father-son duo John and Thomas Justice. This is evident from the moment I arrive. Several people are sat at the outdoor tables, making the most of the sunshine. Inside, the pub is traditionally decorated with a beautiful bar, decorative glass panels and leather seating. Many of the original fixtures are present and they add real character. Towards the rear of the pub is a wood-panelled whisky saloon that is absolutely stunning. John tells me there are '300 whiskies in the building and about 200 behind the bar'. Both rooms have a wonderful atmosphere, and several customers tell me how much they love the pub's old-school feel. The pub also serves many different beers, including real ale. The team do a great job of championing local Scottish beers from the likes of SaltRock Brewing and 71 Brewing. Customers who get hungry are also in luck; the Star & Garter sells pies produced locally by Harvey's Takeaway. On the day I visit, chicken tikka and leek and potato are just two of the options available. Address: 42 Union St, Dundee, DD1 4BE As a pub-bar-music-venue hybrid, Duke's Corner is noticeably buzzier than the other businesses I have visited. Here, live music is played every Friday and Saturday. Open mic sessions give brave customers an opportunity to show off their talents, while a Saturday night DJ provides ample excuse to dance. That said, it's clear that Duke's Corner has plenty to offer during day as well. I'm impressed by the range of beers offered by the pub. The blackboard behind the bar boasts an extensive list that includes a surprising number of sour and fruity tipples, including Vault City's rhubarb drizzle beer. It's not just beer drinkers who can try something new at Duke's Corner. Bar staff know how to make an impressive number of lesser-known cocktails. These include the kiwiido, a mix of vodka, lavender, apple juice, kiwi and soda. Whatever customers order, they are encouraged to enjoy them in the pub's extensive beer garden. The sheltered spot is a real suntrap during the long summer evenings. Address: 13 Brown St, Dundee, DD1 5EG Although it is one of the oldest pubs in Dundee, The Phoenix is also among the liveliest. It is packed when I visit just after 1pm on a Friday afternoon. As with several other pubs on this list, The Phoenix has lovely, old fittings and fixtures. But, along with the dark wooden seats and tables, the pub also has blaring rock music and more than its fair share of eye-catching oddities. A stag's head is mounted on the far wall and stained-glass windows cast multicoloured light across the drinkers. The blend of classic and quirky extends beyond just the décor. 'We've got quite an eclectic mix of customers,' owner Andy Robertson tells me. 'This makes the pub quite unique and very exciting.' He goes on to say that 'people come from far and wide for the real ale selection'. The Phoenix serves five cask beers. Two of these are unchanging stalwarts: Duke IPA from Swannay Brewery and Timothy Taylor's Landlord. The other three are rotating guest beers. 'The previous owner built up good relationships with local breweries,' Andy tells me. 'I've kept that going.' The Phoenix is also known for its famous chilli. Decidedly spicy, this dish is a fan favourite. Address: 103 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4DH To step into The Speedwell Bar on Perth Road is to be transported back to the early 1900s. A beautiful, L-shaped Edwardian mahogany bar dominates the main room while two lounges – front and back – are hidden from view by glazed etched glass screens. Mahogany dado panelling completes the lovely space. 'Everything you see is authentic,' owner Jonathan Stewart tells me. 'There's not many pubs like this around any more,' he adds. The luxurious feel of this Dundee pub is complemented by the drinks that are on offer. I spy three cask-conditioned ales and eight lagers on offer, along with numerous bottled and canned beers and ciders. Around 100 whiskies are also served here, including several premium options such as Glenesk 1984 and Coleburn 1981. 'We're seen as a destination pub, mainly because of our whiskies,' Jonathan says. The Speedwell Bar was named pub of the year in 2017, and it is not difficult to see why experts hold the pub in such high regard. From the design to the service, everything at The Speedwell Bar is of a timeless quality. Address: 165-167 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1AS Previously a bank, the Trades House is a spacious pub that nonetheless has an intimate feel. This is largely thanks to wonderful wooden interiors and beautiful stained-glass windows, both of which were fitted when the pub opened in the 1990s. Tom Maxfield, who has been coming to the pub since it opened, told me he kept coming back because 'it is such a friendly place'. Aside from a good crowd, the pub also has some 30 beer fonts, ensuring a huge variety – and volume – of beer can be served throughout the day. The Dundee pub also serves an impressive array of wine, including an English white wine and a 0% sparkling wine from Spain. Those abstaining from alcohol can also enjoy alcohol-free cocktails, including a ginger no-jito. Thanks to several TV screens that populate the space, the Trades House is a great spot for those wanting to watch sporting events. I'm told that many customers book tables in advance to ensure they get the best seats for specific matches. A wide range of pub grub classics – like fish and chips, steak and ale pie and scampi – ensure that drinkers don't have to head home hungry. Address: 40 Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4ET
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 firefighters injured after truck overturns on Hamburg Mill Road in Summerfield, EMS says
SUMMERFIELD, N.C. (WGHP) — Three firefighters suffered minor injuries after a firetruck overturned into a ditch Saturday afternoon, according to Guilford EMS. Around 3 p.m., while returning from a live burn training in the 4200 block of Hamburg Mill Road, the firetruck toppled over between Battleground Avenue and the marina on Lake Higgins. The truck was already on its side when it slid into a boulder, causing most of the damage to the front side of the vehicle. One firefighter was taken to a local medical facility for treatment. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The truck, a 2002 model known as The Phoenix, has a remarkable history, according to Summerfield Fire. It was severely damaged in a 2023 electrical bay fire before entering service. During that incident, a garage door fell onto the truck as crews were making entry. After extensive restoration, the truck was officially commissioned in 2025. A push-in ceremony and dedication took place on March 31 of this year. It had been back in service for only about two months before this accident occurred. The truck is valued at approximately $1.1 million and has a capacity of 3,500 gallons of water. On Friday, it was just driven by the fire chief. Officials say they firmly believe the truck played a crucial role in saving lives, both in Friday's accident and during the 2023 bay fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Corrections bill passed along party lines advances to House
(Photo by) Legislation authorizing the Department of Corrections to find alternative means of imposing the death sentence and limiting inmates' ability to sue over conditions has cleared its second and final committee hearing Wednesday and is headed for the House floor. The bill by Pinellas County Republican Berny Jacques (HB 903) addresses a variety of issues involving inmates in Florida's corrections system, including what happens if acquisition of the drugs needed to put inmates to death becomes 'impossible or impractical.' (Some manufacturers have stopped supplying these drugs for executions.) The state would use by any method not considered unconstitutional. The bill would require inmates to exhaust all internal administrative remedies before they could sue over conditions. They'd have to show they'd suffered a physical injury or sexual act to bring claims alleging mental or emotional injuries. Additionally, the bill extends the period for which a court may authorize an inmate to be involuntarily treated from 90 days to six months. And it exempts from criminal prosecution a prison or jail employee who installs a tracking device on an inmate. The Phoenix reported last year that inmates in at least one correctional institution were required to wear electronic bracelets to monitor their movements. During a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, the measure drew criticism from Broward County Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb, who objected to language requiring adjudication of indigent inmates' claims for damages over a negligent or wrongful act or omission to be completed in just one year. Gottlieb questioned what would happen if the administrative process took longer than a year. 'How does that person not lose their ability to sue under this statute?' he asked. Jacques responded that it was 'highly unlikely' the process would take as long as a year. The committee rejected Gottlieb's subsequent amendment that would have 'tolled' or suspended that one-year time limit. Gottlieb later said he had to vote no on the measure, saying he couldn't support provisions like placing liens on prisoners who initiate challenges to prison disciplinary reports and the different methods of execution provision. Orange County Democratic Rep. Johanna López also objected to the execution language. Jacques replied that the provision would simply allow the state to continue to carry out other constitutionally allowed forms of execution if for whatever reason lethal injection could not be applied. The measure passed 16-5, along party lines. A companion bill (SB 1604) sponsored by Lee County Republican Jonathan Martin has two more committees to move through before reaching the floor. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rise like the phoenix — New transition house opens in Erie
One Erie resident is on a mission to help those struggling with homelessness begin a new life. It's the largest project he has ever taken on, but he hopes his new 'Phoenix House' concept will help many in need. At first, when Matt Bennett walked into the building, it wasn't exactly what he was searching for — but after one look around, he knew what his heart was calling him to do. 'I was here for a different purpose. I was looking around and saw that it was on the market,' said Bennett. 'We just got to it and started making it happen.' Our Neighbor's Place season ending this week At the corner of East 21st and Ash Streets is a property of over 6,000 square feet. It was previously used as a funeral home and was recently sold to Matt Bennett, the founder and director of Erie Housing. Their mission is to help people with low income, veterans, parolees and others transition and rebuild their lives by providing clean, safe, affordable housing. 'I worked with MCRC, the Muticultural Community Resource Center, on housing immigrants and the feed back that I got from the help that I was giving the community, the immigrants just made me ask 'What else can I do to take this further to help people who are already here and struggling?'' said Bennett. 'People do have to pay $600 a month. It's okay if they're paying it themselves or they're funded in some way.' He's calling it 'The Phoenix,' which he said the death and rebirth concept matches the house itself Bennett and his crew have transformed the building into a 19-bed residence with a common area, bathrooms, laundry and more. Both men and women can be housed here, and the sleeping areas will be separated by gender for safety purposes. 'We put a lot of thought into it with security locks,' said Bennett. 'They have their own separate apartment for five women upstairs with laundry, kitchen and they have a separate exit out to the parking lot.' Erie Habitat for Humanity, Erie Insurance partner up to build two new homes Bennett said he has received a lot of community support from volunteers to furniture donations. He believes there should be more options for those who may be struggling. Once he has the Phoenix House open for a while, he hopes to open another transition home in the future. 'Just in the applications that I've been getting realize that I can't take all of these people, but there are heartbreaking stories,' said Bennett. 'So many people in Erie need help.' Applications are now open, you can find the link to apply here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
