First look: Historic Dumfries pub The Globe Inn to reopen following refurbishment

The historic former coaching inn was made famous for being Robert Burns' favourite howff.

Published 23rd May 2021
Updated 21 st Sep 2023

The Globe Inn in Dumfries is gearing up to reopen in July after a complete refurbishment.

The pub, which was often frequented by Robert Burns, consists of the 1610 restaurant, private dining rooms and bar areas.

Owners David Thomson and Teresa Church bought the Globe in 2018 primarily to preserve the Burns Rooms.

These include the room where Burns spent the night when he was staying at the Globe as well as a private dining room which has Burns' own dining table, his Poet’s Chair and many other original artefacts.

Teresa and David, who consider themselves the custodians of the Globe, have invested heavily in a sympathetic restoration of the entire property, with a view to building up a commercially viable hostelry that’s capable of sustaining the historic Burns Rooms for many generations to come.

Inside there's a colour palette of rich teal, which is punctuated with Timorous Beasties wallpaper, carpets and seat cushions.

Teresa, who took the lead with the interiors, wanted a distinctly Scottish feel but without tartan and tweed and found exactly what she wanted from the Glasgow designers, whose name comes from a line in a Burns' poem.

Original panelling, antique or second hand furniture and thoughtful lighting ensure that the inn still feels like a modern adaptation of its time - even the wooden high chairs wouldn't look out of place in Burns' day.

Local artists were commissioned for the mural on the back wall and three beautiful stained glass windows, which depict scenes from Tam O' Shanter.

With over 300 single malt whiskies behind the bar - including bottles of Man O' Words and Man O' Swords from David and Teresa's Annandale distillery - the cosy snug and main bar are sure to appeal to whisky fans.

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As well as this selection, The Globe will also be the first partner bar for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in the area - and will offer special events and tastings with their whiskies.

A spokesperson for The Globe said they hope that guests will: "slowly sip and savour your way around the sensory delights of some of Scotland’s finest and most intriguing Single Malts.

"Savour your dram quietly in our iconic Snug Bar, or join us for a fun-filled and factual tutored tasting where we’ll explain how Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made and where the characteristic flavours come from.

"We are proud to be a partner bar of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and offer over 50 of their select bottlings.

"Our aim is to make The Globe Inn, Dumfries, one of the premier whisky bars in the World.

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"We look forward to welcoming and hosting like-minded Scotch Whisky enthusiasts from near and far."

For those looking for a bite to eat after a few drams, the food offering comes from a fusion of head chef, Jonathan Brett’s Anglo-European culinary groundings and sous chef, Fraser Cameron’s traditional Scottish roots.

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Private dining options will be available with a range of set menus, including The Grand Dining Room that seats 30, Mrs Hyslops Kitchen and the Burns' Dining room.

Weekly tours of The Globe will be available, where guests can find out more about the artefacts and original items from Burns' time, including etchings that the famous poet wrote onto the windows in his room.

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These will be undertaken by former Robert Burns World Federation president and landlady of The Globe, Jane Brown, whose knowledge and passion is unrivalled. Tours are only bookable at 11am and 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday

The Globe is also home to the Howff Club, whose rooms are located behind what was a secret doorway.

The Globe will open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner only in July and will serve lunch and dinner from August.

For more information and to book, visit The Globe Inn website.

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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