The Oxford Bar, Category B listed pub in New Town, Edinburgh, Scotland
The Oxford Bar is a pub in Edinburgh's New Town featuring a layout with rooms arranged along a central corridor and a compact standing bar with traditional dark wood and brass fittings. The interior maintains a simple, no-frills character that reflects its long history as a neighborhood drinking spot.
The building was originally a confectioner's shop before converting to a pub in 1843, marking a shift in the street's commercial character. It gained Category B listed status in 1966, recognizing its architectural and historical importance to the neighborhood.
The pub became famous through Ian Rankin's crime novels, where the fictional Detective Inspector Rebus spends time here regularly. This connection has turned it into a destination for readers seeking to experience the world of the books.
The bar serves cask beers and wines by the glass alongside simple snacks, with a straightforward selection that does not complicate ordering. Expect a cramped layout during busy hours, so arriving during quieter times makes for a more comfortable visit.
Scottish writers Sydney Goodsir Smith and Willie Ross made this their favored gathering place, drawn to its unpretentious local character. The pub also counted actor Sean Connery and mystery author Colin Dexter among its notable visitors over the years.
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