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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Gary Armstrong

Edinburgh CAMRA pub of the year is 'backstreet bar' with improvised beer garden

We all have our favourite drinking dens in Edinburgh, that one pub or bar you keep going back to, despite the vast selection on offer across the city.

For some, it might be a fancy neighbourhood wine bar, a city centre haunt where bartenders craft up the best cocktails or perhaps an old-school boozer which has stood still and retained all its traditions while the capital evolves around it.

For beer lovers in the city, for the last five years running, there has been one clear choice.

In February, Dreadnought was again picked out by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) as the Capital's best pub, a further success for the popular Leith drinking spot, which also scooped the title in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

READ MORE: Edinburgh's top-rated bar is Scottish pub with bagpipes people 200 miles away make their 'local'

In March, it was crowned by the regional CAMRA branch as its overall Pub of the Year for 2022, beating off competition from Lothian and the Borders, as well as Edinburgh.

Boasting a brilliant beer 'garden' on an unused road bridge, the North Forth Street spot also hosts popular pub quizzes and is famed for being one of Edinburgh's most dog-friendly bars.

And with a series of rave reviews online, there are a number of reasons that make this place so popular beside its extensive beer offering.

Beers are also available for takeaway at Dreadnought (Instagram @dreadnoughtpub)

For many, it's about the atmosphere and the mix of people you'll meet at the bar.

One recent review says: "There's such a chilled vibe. There’s usually a mix of regulars, locals and folk popping in for the first (but definitely not the last) time and all are made to feel at home.

Another added: "This is my one of my favourite pubs run by such lovely people. Atmosphere is relaxed and feels like home."

A further comment reads: "Cracking local pub, great atmosphere and real community spirit.

"Was a lifeline during the pandemic as they utilised the bridge as a beer garden, meaning I could meet friends safely outdoors."

Yet the service and knowledge of the staff - especially when it comes to beer and cider - is one of the main reasons people keep coming back.

Inside Dreadnought and a look at some of the beers on offer (Instagram @dreadnoughtpub)

One customer, who was over visiting from the US, said: "Hands down the best place we found for craft beer in the Edinburgh area. Owners and staff were friendly, welcoming and utterly genuine.

"Overall a fantastic neighbourhood pub that deserves the accolades you read elsewhere.

"Worth the trip out of the city centre as a tourist if you want to escape crowds and enjoy some great craft beer in a relaxed setting."

Another review reads: "Amazing welcome by the guy serving, who was very knowledgeable about beer. Wish this was my local!"

Of course, the major draw is the beer selection itself, which many people have hailed as 'the best in Edinburgh'.

One punter said: "Excellent bar with an excellent range of beers. There's IPAs, red rye, stouts, porters and other drinks."

A further view added: "The beer selection is almost certainly the best in Edinburgh, with a range of styles, a great choice of cans and plenty of low/no alcohol options.

"They have close ties with the Brass Castle brewery in Malton, but also stock beers from all over the UK and beyond."

And one visitor summed up the thoughts of many, by saying: "The Dreadnought is a great pub. I like the style of the place, has a nice old school vibe.

"The owner and the staff are all nice, they have a good sense of humour and serve with a smile. The locals are a welcoming bunch too.

"Overall its a cracking wee pub that I would love to visit more."

From the feedback alone, it's easy to see why Dreadnought is a serial-award winner. To find out more about them, you can visit their website here.

Have you visited Dreadnought and what did think? Let us know in the comments!

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