Torphichen Arms, Mid Calderback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Excellent staff, friendly clientele. Lots of entertainment going on, good wee pub.
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I was looking to stick the Torphichen on a site that showcases pubs that put on bands, and did a search on google, hence my honest comments.
Usually wouldn't go near a cuisine and beer style online guide but after reading some disagree with some of the comments, so here I am.
Went to the Torphichen in Mid Calder last night (friday 31st August) to meet a mate before a charity night in nearby East Calder. Had a few pints, and it s a good pub. Have gone to the Torphichen on and off since I was a late teenager, and always liked the place, as much a part of Mid Calder as the scenic and historical area it belongs to. (am doing a course in Scottish History)
They let punk rockers in with no problem in those days when getting a pint whilst sporting spiky blue hair was fraught with difficulty in a lot of places.
This is the place that the notorious Burke and Hare told the authorities that 'mad jamie' a friendly simple minded giant of a guy they had murdered) had gone to, (walking to Mid-Calder they said) in the days that this village was a thoroughfare for people traveling fae the toon (Edinburgh) to Glasgow.
I spoke to the manager-ess, (or boss) and asked if my band could do a gig there since there were three rock bands playing that night. Looks like we've got a gig.
The bar-staff were really friendly and attentive, and the new management (they've been there at least six months to my knowledge) seem to want the place to work, it does have the potential to be a really successful pub as stated elsewhere.
They do actually cook meals, and apparently this has been in the last month or two (I had to ask a mate that goes more regularly as I usually only go to pubs at night) and he says the 'new cook' is spot on. The barman poured me and my mate a few of the extra chilled F**sters lager, and to my humble taste bud they were spot on!
Saw one of the bands, (there were 3 on) then we had to get on to the bowling club in East Calder, that's the sort of crazy life-style some of us live!
The Torphichen has always been a good pub, but I am biased because my loyalty goes back about 25 years, (and I want folk to turn up and see my band I suppose) and it was well lively last night, a lot better than some of the bleak pubs that pepper West Lothian, which would fit the more derogatory description given here by one or two folk.
The person who found it hard to find somebody to talk to in the Torphichen makes my mind boggle and left me bewildered, because there were plenty enough folk, and you always meet somebody you know if you frequent any of the three pubs in Mid Calder, whether you are from Mid Calder, Livi, Pumpherston or wherever-but not if you are from say, Australia I'd imagine.
So maybe he was.
cheers
anonymous - 1 Sep 2007 23:30 |
Was in about a year ago and was'nt up to much. But i went back in yesterday and vast improvement. I agree the bar staff are very friendly heard it was taken over since i was last in. Going to go along on saturday night after reading last comment.
clubx - 29 Jul 2007 17:36 |
Was in last saturday night and there was an excellent party atmosphere! Drink prices were very reasonable and bar staff were very friendly. Music was fantasic and i would highly recomend it for a night out. Was told it will be starting food mid August looking forward to it as kitchen opens on August 13th and 3 course meal is �5 on this day only. Can't get better than that for freashly cooked food want to try out Thursday night as quiz is supposed to be good and fancy my chances at play your cards right. Will definateley be back as great value for money.
anonymous - 29 Jul 2007 17:21 |
I agree this used to be one of the best pubs in West Lothian, but now when I go in it reminds me of a deserted western saloon. I can imagine the tumbleweed and look around for the decent beer and live music of old but find it hard even to find someone to talk to.
Regarding food I think you can still buy a bag of peanuts. I expect it won't last much longer unless they wake up, do some market research to understand customers then invest or sell up. Shame, it screams potential. A great location.
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Getting worse. Big sign outside saying "Good food - 7 days a week".Went in last week with the family. Asked for a menu ..... "sorry we don't do food" !!!
No decent beer either so will NOT be back.
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Used to be a good pub but last twice in there most of the beers were not available.
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