The Scotts are Coming

In the east end of Toronto, kilts are popping up all over.  Okay, I couldn't resist but there is at least three new "Scottish" pubs that have shown up in the last little while.  McGuigan's, Kilt and Keg, and Kilt and Harp.

This whole thing reminds me of a few years ago when a whole bunch of "Irish" pubs cropped up all over.  The most Irish thing about them was the beer.  Even that was normally putting one of two of the big breweries on tap and calling it a day.  Some cute names on the menu and a nod with adding turnips or something would finish off the Irish menu.  All very stereotypical and derivative.

McGuigan's opened just before Robbie Burns' Day near Gerrard at Jones.  The menu is upscale pub food and the beer on tap is not particularly Scottish.  There are plenty of beers from the UK but they tend to be the usual suspects.  It would be nice to see Tracquair, McEwan, Wee Heavy or Harviestoun on tap or even bottled.  Then there is the ability to bring in Scottish inspired ales as well  (Scotch Ale, Lakeport makes a Scottish style...).  By the time I have posted this, the pub may find its legs and have brought in more Scottish fare.  I will definitely try it.  The food is rumoured to be good but a tad pricey.  We will withhold judgement at this time.

Kilt and Keg is a redo of a local pub.  The outside looks like the typical pub.  It is located across from the liquor and beer store on the Danforth. The only ads on the outside for Guinness and Strongbow.

Kilt and Harp will be opening soon near Danforth and Woodbine.

Kilt and Harp is supposed to be opening tonight -- March 7, 2012. Maybe I will get a chance to go...

It is a little weird that in an area that definitely has Scottish immigrants that these are the most high profile of a Scottish pub that exist.  I'm wondering if there is a reason for that? Anyways, two of these are replacement pubs where a pub sat recently and the other is a new face on the block.  Hopefully, I will get a chance to raise a pint in and to them, soon.