By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:12:55 +0000

Can someone PLEASE explain exactly what we have here?? THE RED SQUIRREL
I frequented this bar a couple of years ago when it opened as ‘The Vat & Fiddle’ personally myself and Partner loved the atmosphere, the staff and of course the food and drink which was much more reasonably priced then. We stopped going every week only because of a change in our financial status due to THE RECESSION, just like millions of other people in this country we could not afford to go out as much ‘DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE BOTH WORK’.
Friday 16th December 2011 we had our 1st proper night out in many months which included going to HMV picture house to see the one & only ‘SAXON’ we were very excited and really looking forward to the night.
We had visited The Squirrel previously so knew it had changed hands and went a bit upmarket, with its proximity to HMV we called in for 1 pint before going to the gig specifically because we know drink prices in HMV are ridiculous and did not intend to drink much in there at all. During the concert we had 1 plastic cup each not even a full pint of alcohol(Guinness & Cider) @ £8.40 in the 3 hours.
As the gig approached the end I offered to go back to the Red Squirrel and get us a drink in before the rush started, which i did so & Sat at a table contently waiting for my Partner who arrived at the door 5 minutes later. You can not imagine the look on my face when I noticed THE BOUNCER having words with a group of men and then my Partner who just happened to be behind them. When I asked what was wrong THE BOUNCER said he was refusing my Partner entry into The Squirrel for which he could give ‘NO VALID EXCUSE’ when asked again ‘why’ the BOUNCER just replied ‘NOT TONIGHT’ I had just paid £7.20 for our two drinks (Pints) which I could not drink on my own while my Partner waited outside in the cold.
To say the least I was furious, It completely ruined the atmosphere and enjoyment of our evening. In all fairness the Manager offered me a full refund for the drinks I purchased which I obviously accepted before leaving.
There was absolutely no VALID reason and this can NOT be good business practice for the venue. In fact I can only assume that
The BOUNCER was simply being discriminative towards my Partner who has a problem with walking from an accident in his childhood, or he simply did not like the way he dressed or looked. My Partner is a gentle Lamb who would not hurt a fly and does not even look aggressive.
WHY HAS THIS WHAT USED TO BE A VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY BAR GONE DOWNHILL, IF THIS IS GASTRO UP-MARKET YOU CAN KEEP IT!!
WE WILL ONLY BE BACK TO GET THE NAME OF THE BOUNCER AND THE COMPANY ADDRESS AS I WILL BE TAKING THIS MATTER FURTHER.

By: A Daft Scots Lass

A Daft Scots Lass — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:06:07 +0000

Love the chips in a cup!

By: David

David — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:14:27 +0000

I love this place - the bar nibbles are great and the beer selection is phenomenal! Hopefully it does not go the way of the other places that have occupied this space!

Comments on: Lothian Road’s Red Squirrel Bar

By: Heather

By: A Daft Scots Lass

By: David