It is written, we shall go to The Staggs (aka The Volunteer Arms) once a month. The reason is simple; Nigel the Landlord will put on the best Light, Hoppy Ale that he can get his hands on. Not only that, he ensures that the Ale will be available to our party as we arrive in the early afternoon. There will always be a choice, when we finish one cask there are two more waiting to be enjoyed. This is service of the highest order. That this ritual is in Musselburgh, a town east of the capital and we are coming through from Glasgow is all the more significant.
Our party of nine assembled at Queen St for the train at 11.00. Due to the bizarre way in which tickets operate, it is cheaper for us to buy local tickets to Glasgow, a group return to Edinburgh and then a third ticket to Musselburgh. This would not happen with Deutsche Bahn.
We entered the Staggs just after 12.30, Thornbridge (Bakewell, Derbyshire) Kipling at a manageable 5.2% was waiting for us. The pump clip was turned to prevent a run on this superb Dry, Hoppy Ale before we arrived. Most of us consumed this for most of the afternoon. Mein Host appeared to take his bow. Craig was quick to advise him of the wonderful ales we consumed in Ulverston at New Year. The Hawkshead NZPA is a new name to Nigel who is always happy to listen to recommendations. He knows that his customers will enjoy this too and will no doubt track it down soon. Nigel also made us aware that the charming young lady behind the bar was his daughter.
Once the Kipling was finished Hector went up to the bar and ordered a Fyne Ales (Cairndow, Argyll and Bute) Avalanche. At a mere 4.5% this punches above its weight and is refreshing follow up to the Kipling. ‘Why are you not having the Dancing Duck?’ Hector had not even spotted it was on, also I had never heard of it.
Dancing Duck (Derby, Derbyshire) is a micro-brewery which is relatively new to the scene. Their Abduction at 5.5% is exactly what we seek. I did find it to be a bit flat after the Avalanche but it soon hit the spot. This was the final Ale of the afternoon, perhaps just as well.
Who ate all the Pies?
Hector had considered an Edinburgh lunchtime Curry en route to Musselburgh but had the usual Soup et al on the train. This would keep me going until my return to the Punjabi Charing Cross. Euan was the first to disappear out for food returning with a Pie. Howard and Tracey followed suit. Craig and Yvonne may have followed on, but as I barely recognise them these days it was hard to tell.. A Fish Supper appeared, wtf? Are we here to eat or drink wonderful Ales? Each to their own.
Now we are ten
Tracey announced that Andy was on his way through form the West to join us. Complete with his travelling companion he soon settled in.
Meet the locals
With the number of our visits accumulating, the locals are aware that when we are in town the Ale will be especially outstanding. Hector has made a point of talking to the group who assemble on the left side of the bar, we talk the same language, we like the same Ale. They still cannot believe that there is nowhere in Glasgow which can provide the service enjoyed at The Staggs, but then we do not know of any other Public House in Scotland which offers this. This venue is an outstanding candidate for the current national POTY issued by CAMRA.
Time to go
We are told that Nigel appreciates our leaving as much as he does our coming. We instinctively know when the time has come to make our departure; today I reckon we stayed an hour longer than before. We stand up, say farewell and leave en masse.
Meanwhile back in the West
Hector met some minor celebrities, the emphasis being on minors, at Queen St Low Level. With Howard, Tracey and Jonathan the Bon Accord Ale House was our destination, it was too early to call it a night. The Board at the Bon accord was poor, very poor. Augustiner Edelstoff (München, Bayern) at 5.6% is always available, just as well. This was a suitable night cap before Hector decanted next door to the Punjabi Charing Cross for yet another excellent Curry.
A couple of Euan’s Photos:
The pubs visited today
The Staggs Bar – 81 North High Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6JE
The Bon Accord Ale House – 153 North St, Glasgow, G3 7DA
Excellent photos and story of a great trip with supberb company and ales…..long may many more ensue….