Latest news with #ThomasJustice
The Courier
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
The Courier
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Courier
High street round-up: Dundee pub takeover & Perth cafe shuts
A Dundee publican taking over a historic bar, new arrivals in Arbroath and a Perth cafe closure are among the developments on high streets across Tayside, Fife and Stirling. The Courier has rounded up the latest from pubs, restaurants, shops and hotels across the region in one handy place. Our regular updates will bring you up to speed with what's going on in your local high streets and shopping centres. Thomas Justice, 26, is the new landlord at Caw's Bar on Panmure Street. After some refurbishment at the venue, which dates from the 19th century, Thomas and his staff started pulling pints last week. Tailend Dundee on Nethergate, run by Darren and Jess Spink, closed on April 27. The restaurant and takeaway is being taken on by Mother Hubbard's, which already runs fish and chip shops in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Joinery Coffee Shop in Meigle, Perthshire, has been put on the market. Ann Durston, 52, who has owned and managed the coffee shop since 2016, says she is selling the business due to family circumstances and to enjoy her retirement. Fireaway Pizza opened in the former TSB bank on Albert Street in Stobswell on Tuesday. To celebrate, the store gave away 500 free Margherita pizzas during opening week. Johnnie Orange Cafe and Living Store, on St Paul's Square, closed on Saturday. Johnnie Yuen and his wife, Sun Sun Lau, both 47, have thanked their loyal customers in Perth and say the shop will close for at least six months. Pret A Manger has confirmed its new Broughty Ferry store will open this summer. The shop will have 'an innovative design' and is thought to be one of the biggest in the UK, with seating for 78 customers. The big names moving into Arbroath's new £16 million retail park have been confirmed. Home Bargains, Aldi, MKM Builders Merchant, Costa and Greggs will all move into the retail park off Dundee Road. Plans for a £16 million development on the outskirts of St Andrews have been lodged with Fife Council. The proposal by Aberdeen-based West Coast Estates includes shops and restaurants. Morrisons has hit out at Sainsbury's plans to open a new supermarket in the former Glenrothes Homebase store. The trivial retailer has raised concerns the Sainsbury's store will 'weaken' Glenrothes town centre. A new tenant has already been found for the soon-to-be vacant shop currently housing Regatta in Dundee's Overgate. Luxury sweet firm Hotel Chocolat is advertising for staff and The Courier understands it will move into the unit. Elsewhere in the Overgate, Clarks has opened a new shoe shop nearly two years after leaving its Murraygate unit. The historic British brand has taken a unit previously occupied by Burger King in the centre. A new M&S Foodhall is set to open at Ninewells Hospital this summer. WH Smith is relocating to a new unit – a former hair salon – to make way for M&S. Crieff Hydro has spent more than £5 million refurbishing its eating and drinking areas as it seeks to win more business from locals. The investment is the largest in the history of the family business. The Golden Lion hotel in Stirling has been acquired by an experienced hotelier who wants to 'raise standards and expectations'. New owner Gary Atkinson purchased the hotel, bar and restaurant from Flagship Hotels.
