---
title: Pubs
date: May 2025
---
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Written by      Mohit Agarwal      Class of 2025
```

It should go without saying that one should go to the pub (i.e.,
a "public house") for those to drink beer. If you must deviate, it is
acceptable to drink a spirit or spirit with mixer (e.g., rum and
coke). Do not order anything outside of these at a pub --- take your
custom to The Rule or some other non-pub.

## In St Andrews

There are very few 'actual' pubs in St Andrews. What constitutes a
proper pub is of intense debate.^[See Orwell, G., 1946, "The Moon
Under Water", [Available online.](https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/the-moon-under-water/)]
A pub is, compared to a bar, a more civilized place, with room to sit,
good beer, a carpeted floor, and, maybe, if you're lucky, a newspaper.

I deem there to be, only the following 'proper' pubs in St Andrews:

* The New Inn,
* The Keys Bar,
* The Whey Pat, and
* Greyfriars.

Aikmans, Molly Mallone's, Brew Co, The Central, The Criterion, The Dunvegan and
Sandy's Bar (at the Union) are all _almost_ pubs. In a pinch, they
will do just as well. The Rule, Main Bar at the Union, The Vic, halls
of residence, and people's flats are _not_ pubs.

BrewDog and St Andrews Brew Co are easy to confuse (in no small part
because they are on the same street) --- the difference however, is
important: suffice it to say that BrewDog will not satisfy a pubgoer's
wants.

## Beyond St Andrews

Outside of St Andrews, there are a few good pubs to head to on a boring night (or day):

* Ye Olde Hotel in Leuchars,
* the Ship Inn in Elie, or
* The Imperial in Cupar

are all excellent.

In Dundee, there is far more choice, including the eponymous
Weatherspons (The Counting House).