A Gay Pub in Edinburgh

The Claremont Bar in Edinburgh, Scotland was renowned for its fantastic food, varied bar selections, and unique events such as Tarot card Mondays and Gay Nights on the weekends. Customers loved the Claremont Bar's close knit atmosphere, and the pub quickly became a success among Edinburgh residents. Although this small bar closed its doors in 2008, its legacy remains as one of the finest pubs in all of Edinburgh.

The Claremont Bar was opened in 2004 by the notable pair of Jean-Philippe and Robin. These two men ran their pub in a tag team style, working together to create a fun and inviting atmosphere within the Claremont Bar. Upon entering the Claremont Bar, customers would be encountered by Robin working the front while Jean-Philippe laboured in the kitchen. Jean-Philippe was an authentic French chef who was talented in both Scottish cuisine and pastry making. When not busy enjoying one of his superb meals, customers could call Jean-Philippe to order a cake for any type of special occasion. Robin, on the other hand, was recognized by customers all over for his unmatched people skills and friendly demeanour. He helped to foster the Claremont Bar's relaxed aura, and customers always felt at home under Robin's attention. Robin was Jean-Philippe's best friend and a better pair could not have been found to run this bar and restaurant.

The menu at the Claremont Bar was equaled by none. Its bar was always well stocked, featuring a large selection wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails. However, with Jean-Philippe's talent and training as a French chef, the Claremont Bar's food was what really astounded customers. Considering the pub's rather small size, the Claremont Bar offered a surprisingly extensive selection of foods and offered something to suit any palate. Customers could choose from a large list of starters, including bruschetta, a prawn cocktail, cheesy nachos, spicy chicken strips, and the soup of the day. For a main dish, one could select a meat or vegetarian lasagne, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, chicken curry, or one of the numerous other meals offered. The Claremont Bar served breakfast meals all day, satisfying diners with bacon rashers, black pudding, sausages, and eggs. A customer could also design his or her own omelette with one of the many available filling options. The Claremont Bar offered a remarkable selection of steaks, a long list of side dishes, and innumerable sandwiches. Jean-Philippe's training as a pastry chef truly shone through with his outstanding desserts such as chocolate mousse or hot apple pie. The selection of dishes at the Claremont Bar seemed practically endless, and one could always find something that would satisfy his or her appetite. The Claremont Bar was adamant that all of its dishes be entirely natural and created on the premises. Jean-Philippe was a magnificent chef whose undeniable talent could be detected in every bite.

However, the food and beverages at the Claremont Bar were only half of the pub's appeal. The pub was a place of entertainment and offered special events to liven up any day of the week. On Mondays, a Tarot card reader would enter the pub and give readings to customers. Each Tuesday, the Claremont Bars Dominoes tournament would continue, and Wednesdays were 'Crazy Quiz' Nights. Crazy Quiz nights featured fun trivia questions which customers would strive to answer in the hopes of winning a prize such as a DVD player. A different special event would occur each Friday night. Some nights would be karaoke nights, others would host special gourmet dinners, and still others would feature a talented resident singer.

Gay residents of Edinburgh flocked to the Claremont Bar on Saturdays, which were specially reserved as Gay Nights. Gays could congregate at the Claremont Bar for fantastic food, excellent drinks, and a night full of fun. The first and third Saturdays of every month were exclusively 'men only.' Gay men in Edinburgh loved this exciting feature of the pub, although women were somewhat disappointed when barred entry to their favorite food and drink!

The Claremont Bar was also deeply interested in helping charities in any way that it possibly could. For instance, it recognised World Aids Day every year by raising money for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Charity Fund. On World Aids Day, the pub would donate money for every meal or drink purchased. A charity auction was also held. On this day, the Claremont Bar would feature several of its special events (such as Quiz Night or Tarot card reading) all at once. These events were normally free, but on World Aids Day customers were asked to pay a small amount of money to participate, and one hundred percent of the funds that were raised were donated to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Charity Fund. It greatly pleased Jean-Philippe and Robin to be able to assist such a worthy charity.

Sadly, the Claremont Bar had to close its doors in 2008. Where the Claremont Bar once sat, there is now a new pub entitled Elbow Bar and Kitchen. However, the Claremont Bar will always be remembered for its relaxed and friendly nature, its unique and exciting special events, and its delectable food and drink. Jean-Philippe and Robin are sorely missed by the residents of Edinburgh. The Claremont Bar was one of the most superb pubs in all of Scotland, and the legacy of this bar will always be remembered.