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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Iona Young

Edinburgh tourists baffled by 'unwelcoming' sign barring customers from pub

A famous and historic Edinburgh pub has divided tourists with its "unwelcoming" sign outside the front door.

The Canny Man's in Morningside has been a fixture in the capital since it was first opened in 1871. Founded by James Kerr, it has been serving up pints to thirsty punters for over 150 years.

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The venue is famous for its unique sign at its entrance that reads: "No smoking, no credit cards, no cameras, no backpackers."

The sign was recently spotted by Archie Lowe, who took to the Scotland from the Roadside Facebook group yesterday to write: "Strangely unwelcoming sign at The Canny Man's in Morningside."

Receiving over 900 likes and nearly 300 comments, fellow Facebook users were keen to share their thoughts on the rules and The Canny Man's itself.

Some were fans of the sign, with one writing: "Wow! Finally a place where they want their patrons to actually be aware of their surroundings, enjoy them and have actual face to face conversations with each other. What a wonderful place."

A second agreed: "I love this! Put your phone away and converse. Pay with cash. How refreshing."

Meanwhile, a third simply said: "My kind of place."

However, not everyone was so fond of the strict rules. One Facebook user commented: "Sums up Edinburgh snobbery in one picture."

A second shared: "Popped in for a quick pint once while waiting for a bus to city centre, while talking to owner when pouring pint told him I stayed out of town, then he stopped pouring my pint and said 'sorry locals only' and politely told me to leave."

"They don’t want many customers do they," joked a third.

The sign, however, isn't new, and tourists have been put off even stepping inside for years. This is thanks to its notorious former innkeeper Watson Kerr, who was famous for his "unique approach to hospitality".

Mr Kerr was known for refusing to serve people who stepped inside The Canny Man's simply because he didn't like the look of them or the way they dressed. He sadly passed away in September 2011, though his family continues to run the pub and honour his legacy.

In Mr Kerr's obituary on pub's website, it is stated that he "ran The Canny Man’s like a private club and, while the rules were often unwritten, some were indeed put down for posterity in writing".

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With intricate woodwork and a variety of antiques dotted around, The Canny Man's is the perfect place to head if you're sick of all of the new and trendy bars and are after just a no-fuss drink.

Speaking of drinks, The Canny Man's is famous for its selection of whisky, holding an impressive selection of over 250. If that's not your thing, then its famous Bloody Mary or popular Gin and Tonic are also well worth a try.

More information about The Canny Man's can be found on its website.

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