London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 01, 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
King Charles Plans US State Visit as UK Strengthens Ties with Trump Leadership
UK Regulator Launches Investigation Into Microsoft’s Business Software Practices
Kanye West Set for High-Profile Return to UK Stage at Wireless Festival
Trump Presses Europe to Strengthen Commitment as Iran Conflict Escalates
UK to Deploy Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Regional Tensions
UK Authorities Face Claims of Heavy-Handed Measures in Monitoring Released Pro-Palestine Activists
Trump Calls on UK to Secure Its Own Energy as Iran Conflict Intensifies
Nigel Farage Declines Invitation to UK Conservative Conference Led by Liz Truss
Trump Warns Allies to Take Responsibility as Rift Deepens with UK and France Over Iran Conflict
How Britain’s Prime Minister Controls U.S. Bomber Access in Escalating Iran Conflict
Trump Urges Allies to Secure Their Own Oil Supplies as Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Energy
Russia Expels British Diplomat as UK Pushes Back Against Pressure
White House App Faces Scrutiny After Claims of Continuous User Location Tracking
BBC Faces Scrutiny Over Allegations of Paid Content Linked to Saudi Arabia
UK-France Coastal Patrol Agreement Nears Breakdown Amid Migration Pressures
UK Police Detain Pro-Palestine Activist Again Weeks After Bail Release
FTSE 100 Advances as Energy and Mining Shares Gain Amid Middle East Tensions
Eli Lilly Seeks UK Pricing Deal to Unlock Renewed Pharmaceutical Investment
Three Arrested in UK After Massive Cocaine Haul Discovered Hidden in Banana Shipment
UK Fuel Prices Poised for Further Surge Amid Global Energy Pressures
Apple Subsidiary Penalized by UK Authorities for Breach of Moscow Sanctions
Western Allies Intensify Coordinated Sanctions Strategy Against Russia
UK Lawmakers Face Criticism Over Renewed Push for Social Media Restrictions
Starmer Signals UK Crackdown on Addictive Social Media Features
Rising Costs Push One in Five UK Hospitality Businesses to the Brink of Closure
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder After Car Strikes Pedestrians in UK, Injuring Seven
Escalating Conflict Involving Iran Tightens Fiscal Pressures and Highlights UK Economic Vulnerabilities
UK Moves to Confront Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Operating in Its Waters
UK Housing Divide Deepens as Older Owners Hold Wealth While Under-30s Face Mounting Barriers
London Demonstration Calls on UK to Recognize Iranian Opposition’s Provisional Government
UK Green Party Vote on ‘Zionism is Racism’ Motion Collapses Amid Internal Disputes and Technical Failures
SNL UK Ignites Debate with Sharp Royal Satire Targeting Prince Andrew and Prince William
EU Proposes ‘Emergency Brake’ to Resolve Deadlock in UK Youth Mobility Talks
Thousands Rally in London to Oppose Rise of Far-Right Movements
Hong Kong Official Rejects Allegations of Surveillance Orders Targeting UK-Based Dissidents
PayPal Expands Cryptocurrency Services to Allow UK Users to Buy and Sell Bitcoin
UK Minister Challenges Reform Party’s ‘Pro-Family’ Agenda as Debate Intensifies
Concerns Grow Over Meningitis Risk Among UK Students Amid Warning Signs of New Outbreaks
Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Schedule, UK Start Times and Full Broadcast Details
Electric Vehicles Seen as Strategic Solution to UK Fuel Reserve Concerns
Rise of Lone-Actor Threats and Online Radicalisation Drives New Wave of Antisemitic Attacks in the UK
Canada Advances Plan to Ban Cryptocurrency Donations in Election Campaigns
UK Faces Looming Medicine Shortages as Iran Conflict Threatens Supply Chains
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in the U.K. Highlights Urgent Need for Vaccination
Fresh Claims Emerge Over Harry and Meghan’s Australia Visit as Insider Speaks Out
NATO Assessment Indicates UK Defence Spending Has Fallen Below Alliance Average
FTSE 100 Slips as Middle East Tensions Weigh on Investor Sentiment
UK Economy Begins to Feel Early Impact of Iran Conflict as Policy Challenges Intensify
Russian National Jailed in UK After Assault Case Linked to Barron Trump’s Alert
Energy Price Surge Accelerates Shift Away from Fossil Fuels in UK Homes
×