Sat on Ferry Road was a pub that couldn’t recover from covid, though had been a gathering place for locals for many years.
The Doo’Cot, a ‘30s style public house, was popular with locals for decades due its ‘family’ atmosphere - though many considered the watering hole to be the right pub, situated in the wrong place. Their competitive prices and traditional décor were attractive, and lack of TVs or jukeboxes kept the ‘Sunday with the kids’ feeling going.
Sadly, it wasn’t enough for the people of Drylaw and owner Ian Byars handed in the licence in September 2014. Locals lost a meeting place for the community, and even local councillors made their feelings known about it’s closure.
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As The Doo’Cot announced their closure, Inverleith councillor Iain Whyte said: “The Doo’Cot is a popular pub and it’s got a large family area.
"There’s always been the feeling too that it’s a good pub but in the wrong location, or it’s an ideal place for a pub but not that kind of pub.
“Although there are some other pubs, most of them are quite a walk away so hopefully it will be back in use soon. It is not that long since it was heavily refurbished and I imagine it will be attractive for someone to run.”
Surely enough, it was attractive enough for someone to run - and reopened back in 2018 under new management. It was hugely popular with both locals and tourists alike, though could never truly shake the feeling of ‘right pub, wrong location’.
Once the pandemic broke out and pubs were ordered to shut, the Doo’Cot never made a return. That being said there’s nothing to say it never will, with rave reviews from those who darkened its doors.
Take a quick look on Tripadvisor, and you’ll see that visitors were generally pretty impressed by the Doo’Cot. The latest review, taken just before the spot was forced to close down, gave a five star rating.
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It reads: “A perfect stop for a drink, and a happy atmosphere.
“Passing by, I went in here and was warmly welcomed by Robert who is the manager. Very pleasant ambiance and Robert is obviously happy in his job, which was reflected in his cheery helpful manner.
“Highly recommend this pub, which even has an explanation of its name on the wall.”
Another was in agreement: “Great pub.
“Knowledgeable locals who were very welcoming and good company, beer spot on and reasonably priced. Definitely return next time I'm in Edinburgh.”
Sadly, the person who made this review back in 2019 will be sadly disappointed when they return to Edinburgh as the Doo’cot is no longer. The community of Drylaw has been left without a pub within walking distance from their homes as it stands, making a trek further afield if they fancy a pint.
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