London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026

Landlord of 'Britain's strictest pub' has tough list of rules for entry

Landlord of 'Britain's strictest pub' has tough list of rules for entry

DRINKERS at Britain’s “strictest pub” have revealed the bizarre rules enforced by its tough landlord.

The Canny Man’s in Edinburgh has long baffled tourists with the no-nonsense list of rules on its front door.

The Canny Man’s in Edinburgh has long baffled tourists with the no-nonsense list of rules on its front door

One punter even told how he was kicked out the pub for not being local

The pub has a 250-bottle whisky collection


A sign outside states: "No smoking, no credit cards, no mobile phones, no camera, no backpackers."

One punter even told how he was kicked out for not being local.

He wrote on Facebook: "I popped in for a quick pint once while waiting for a bus to the city centre.

"When I told the owner I was from out of town, he stopped pouring my pint, said 'Sorry, locals only' and politely told me to leave."

Another punter said: "Being banned for really not doing very much was a rite of passage back in the day. Great Guinness and a proper G and T."

A third said: "I used to go when I was a student - we called it the Junk Shop because of all the dusty stuff hanging about."

Founded in 1871, the pub has kept most of its original decor also renowned for 250-bottle whisky collection Watson assembled, as well as its Bloody Mary and lobster.

Infamous innkeeper Watson Kerr, the great-grandson of the pub's original landlord James Kerr, would refuse to serve punters just because he didn't like the look of them or the way they dressed, the Daily Record reports.

Watson's motto was: "You drink where you want, I'll serve who I want."

He also banned "paper-hatted clowns" spilling out of office parties as well as Christmas decorations and dinner.

Although Watson died in 2011, his family continues to honour the written and unwritten rules he enforced at the pub.

His obituary reads: "He was serious about keeping The Canny Man's as an oasis of peace in a rambunctious city.

"He did innumerable kindnesses for customers, but never publicised any of them - that was not his way."

Many Edinburgh locals have fond memories of Watson's reign over the pub.

Garry said: "I got barred for giving an interview to the local paper saying it was a good pub."

Sarah said: "I used to work there - it's a totally unique, very Edinburgh place to visit so long as you don't have a backpack on. Canny by name, canny by nature."

Mel said: "American here and I think this sign is awesome!"

The owner used to refuse to serve punters just because he didn't like the look of them

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Focus on Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
UK Introduces New Safeguards to Shield Lenders from Bank Run Risks
UK Promotional Products Market Surpasses £1.3 Billion as Demand Strengthens in 2025
Reeves Pushes for Deeper UK-EU Economic Ties to Revive Growth
UK Security Adviser Saw No Imminent Iranian Nuclear Threat Days Before War Erupted
France Signals Warm Welcome for UK Return to EU Single Market Amid Renewed Cooperation Talks
UK Defence Official Criticises Boeing Over Delays to E-7 Wedgetail Programme
UK Urged to Secure Quantum Talent as Minister Warns Against Repeating AI Setbacks
UK Mayors Set to Gain New Spending Powers Under Reeves’ Fiscal Devolution Plan
Western Allies Urge Restraint as Israel Weighs Expanded Ground Operation in Lebanon
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
UK Set to Introduce Steel Tariffs of Up to 50 Percent in New Industrial Strategy
European Governments Decline Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Fears Over Iran Conflict Weigh on UK Consumer Confidence
Starmer Says UK Working With Allies on Hormuz Shipping Plan After Trump Raises Pressure
Iran War and Energy Shock Shake Britain’s Economy and Political Debate
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
King Charles and Queen Camilla Share Personal Tributes to Their Mothers on UK Mother’s Day
Prince William Honors Princess Diana with Mother’s Day Tribute
UK Economy Stalls in January as Households Cut Back on Eating Out
AI-Generated Singer Becomes Viral Voice for Iranians With New Anthem
London Private Club Founder Plans Exclusive Palm Beach Venue Near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
Ed Davey Urges Britain to Build Fully Independent Nuclear Missile Capability
What the UK Covid Inquiry Is and How It Investigates Britain’s Pandemic Response
What the UK Covid Inquiry Is and How It Investigates Britain’s Pandemic Response
US Treasury Links British Polo Patrons to Alleged Venezuelan Oil Proceeds Laundering Scheme
Hundreds Gather in London Despite Ban on Annual Pro-Palestinian March
Two Dead and Multiple Students Seriously Ill After Invasive Meningitis Outbreak at UK University
UK Considers Deploying Ships and Mine-Hunting Drones to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Starmer and Trump Discuss Urgent Need to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Planned Australia Visit Draws Mixed Reaction From Local Communities
Trump Calls on France and UK to Help Safeguard Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route
Boris Johnson Labels Bitcoin a ‘Ponzi Scheme’, Sparking Debate in Crypto World
UK Considers Targeted Aid for Vulnerable Households as Energy Costs Rise
Stellantis Urges Immediate Review of UK Electric Vehicle Sales Targets
Home Office Reverses Course to Allow Some Dual Nationals to Enter UK Using EU Passports
Reform UK Proposes Replacing Top Civil Servants With Officials Aligned to Government Agenda
Netflix Adds Critically Acclaimed ‘Best Film of 2025’ With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
‘The Sums Don’t Add Up’: UK Farmers Hit by Soaring Costs as Iran War Disrupts Global Supplies
Confidential UK Biobank Health Records Found Online After Researchers Accidentally Expose Data
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Trump Urges Britain and Allies to Deploy Warships to Safeguard Strait of Hormuz
Middle East War Highlights Strategic Importance of Strong UK–Ireland Cooperation
Weak Growth Signals UK Economy Was Faltering Even Before Middle East Energy Shock
Marks & Spencer Tops UK Fashion Retail Rankings as Most Considered Brand
×