It is rare to find a pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre that has not been snapped up by a large chain such as Wetherspoons or Green King, and even rarer to find a free house that has not been turned into a bistro bar in order to survive.
The Wally Dug on Northumberland Street however is one such bar. Originally built in 1811 as a watering hole for workers constructing the New Town, it has changed hands many times and has been transformed from a bar to a tea and spirits establishment and back again on more than one occasion.
In its recent past the bar was known for a bit of a wild student drinking spot but over the last year it has come under the new management of Michael Freedman. And although it continues to be popular with students in the area, it has broadened its horizons following a facelift and also welcomes working professionals and local residents to its cosy environment.
