Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson was a 19th century Glaswegian architect now celebrated for sustainable building methods and his Graeco-Egyptian aesthetic. The interior at Thomson’s in Morrison Street is a modern homage to the man and his style. With warm oak panelling, a beautifully detailed oak gantry, black and white checked floor, old-school pub chairs and bar memorabilia it certainly looks the part – very Victorian – although the venue itself opened in 2000.
As with any establishment in Edinburgh aiming to bring in a clientele seduced by tradition there is a good selection of cask beer – from breweries like Oakham in Peterborough, Fyne Ales in Argyll and elsewhere – and lots of whisky. What makes Thomson’s exceptional however is the menu and the star of that menu is the pie. Other items are available – not that many mind you – but Thomson’s steak pies and haggis pies are renowned whether you have beans and gravy on the side, or mash and mushy peas.
Were you to say to someone, ‘Do you know that place on Morrison Street with the exquisite woodwork in the style of Alexander Thomson?’ you might draw a blank. Ask, ‘Do you know the pub with the pies?’ and a yes is much more likely.