MONTROSE

Montrose is a small town on the east coast of Scotland of about 10,000 people. It can be reached by bus via the A92 from Dundee or by train straight to the town centre.

Montrose is reached from the south by a bridge cross a narrow inlet which is the River South Esk. Before it reaches the sea the river forms a 3 mile diameter round basin. The Montrose Basin nature reserve is here with a wide variety of birds and plants, and leisure activities

Beyond the High St the town opens up with many green squares and Montrose FC football park, then the cricket and rugby clubs, followed by several golf clubs and from after these the promenade along the shore looking over the beach.

Nearby are The House of Dun, Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre and Edzell Castle.

visitor guide visit Angus

Coming off of the train walk up to the town via crossing a roundabout and out the third exit. Along this road turn up to the left to go to the town centre. On This road is The Picture House and B@r now closed. Further up is the High St. and straight across the road(s) past the statue is The Market Arms. Coming out of here turn left and walk along to the end of the High St.

At the end of the High St turn down to the left. At the foot of the hill is The George Hotel and on the opposite corner is Sharkeys. Continue along this road as George St becomes Ferry St. The Caledonian is two corners along and further down at the end of the road is Anchor Bar.

Leaving Anchor Bar walk back up the road turning first right then first left and on this street is The Neptune Bar. It is only recognisable by the red T as it has no name on the wall. Leaving the Neptune there is the longest walk of the tour. Continue along what is Erskine St and gross over to Melville Gardens and walk up past the Town hall. This takes you to Montrose Academy (unfortunately not a pub). Turn left, then right along the front of the school and this leads to green squares, called mid-links, on you right. Continue up this road (Provost Scott's Road). Half way up the third grassy square is The Links Hotel and on the next corner is The Park Hotel. Continue up Provost Scott's Road to turn up, 2nd left, Carnegie St. At the top of this is the Golf Inn.

Turn right out of the Golf Inn, then left along North St. This brings you to the main road, Murray St. Across the road and up to the right is The Northern Vaults. On leaving here walk down Murray st towards the town centre.

Walking towards the town centre there is The Blackhorse Inn. Just after when the road widens out, also on the right, is The Royal Arch.

Cross over the High St and go down, New Wynd, which is second on the left. On this street there is The Star Hotel and, a little further on, The Albert.

Walk back up to the High St and cross over to go down the street on the right which was the street we came into the town from the railway station. Here find B@r which we missed out at the start of the tour.

Picture House is an old cinema full of TVs (including giant screen). It is a Belhaven dining pub with plenty of different types of seating and alcoves.

Have a half pint here

• Heavy/bitter:     Belhaven best

• Lager              :     Peroni;  Carling;  Tennent’s;  Stella

• Cider              :      Strongbow                                          Guinness

The Market Arms has a long wooden floored dark bar running along left-hand wall. There is seating opposite the bar. There is a small room immediately to left of entrance. The counter curls round at the end where the bar opens up to more seating. There are lots of TVs. The outside is usually in that it has two ‘balcony areas either side of the door where smokers can stand. According to various mirrors this was Sunday Mail pub of the Year 2009 and Best Beer Pub in Scotland 2008.

Regular in Good Beer Guide (CAMRA) - including 2023, 2024

Have a pint here

• Real ale : Scapa Special, Island Hopping; 3Bulz

• Heavy/bitter : Caledonian Best; McEwan’s 80/-;

• Lager : Tennent’s; Peroni Fosters; Carling; Haver Lee; Coors Light

• Cider : Strongbow Guinness

The George Hotel has a restaurant to the right and a bar to the left. the long thin bar is often fully reserved for excellent bar meals which reduces the space. There are some stool at the counter but not a lot of room for standing. The décor is attractive. Lunch and evening meals; dogs welcome.

Have a pint here

• Real ale : Deuchers; Landlord

• Heavy/bitter : Ember; Caledonia Best

• Lager : Tennent’s; Stella

• Cider : Magners Guinness

The Caledonian looks like a corner pub but actually just stretches up the main street. The corner entrance brings you to a small seating area to the left and a stunning, tall, long wooden serving counter running up to the right.  The counter practically touches the wall leaving very little room to squeeze past the stools. Beyond the bar is a snooker room and beyond that some lounge seating.

Have a pint here

Heavy/bitter      :Caledonia Best; McEwan’s 70/-; Bass

Lager              : Tennent’s;  Stella; Bud

Cider              :Magners                                   Guinness

Anchor Bar is one large one room with bar along the left hand side. Stools at bar and seating around dance floor in front of Karaoke. There is a large outside seating area which is partially covered to create a smoking den.

Have a pint

• Heavy/bitter           :         Caledonian Best; McEwan’s 80/-

• Lager              :     Tennent’s; Fosters; Carling

• Cider              :     Strongbow                                          Guinness