The Mariner Bar and Restaurant Newcastle in Dumfries & Galloway

31/12/2023: Having read of this new gastropub in the papers I decided to check it out with family and friends up from Belfast. The verdict all round was that it's an excellent pub on all fronts and we only got a brief snapshot of it on the night. As soon as you step in the door, it's got a real craft beer pub feel about it. There's an excellent selection of ales and lagers on display, as well as a full range of spirits. In a county and a country where most pubs stock the bog-standard brand names, it was great to see such a selection of Fermanagh and German brewed proper beers. In fact if one of those brand names hadn't already used the slogan, I'd say it's probably the best craft lager stockist in the world of Fermanagh. There's also a micro-distillery of whiskey too, hence the name Glenwinny also attached to the pub. And the sampling of that should hopefully be part of another visit some day. The roaring fires and decor definitely creates the right ambience for sipping hot whiskeys on a winter's evening. And last but not least, the food was very good too, whether starters or mains, with generous portions and lots of locally sourced portions. On the whole it's definitely a place that's the product of a very clear vision about what it wants to be - a very well-crafted pub. The staff were friendly, attentive and excellent too. Oh, and I love the framed banknotes in the toilet - it's the little touches like that which make a place memorable.

25/08/2023: Fabulous food and great selection of beers and spirits in a small country village in Fermanagh. Great menu variety, excellent chicken burger and amazing crème brûlée. Great selection of drinks available, lots of different whiskeys and beers. I saw copper stills on my way through the lounge so I think perhaps they also brew.