On a recent trip to the Washington DC area I was introduced to a fantastically Scottish place - The Royal Mile Pub in Wheaton, Maryland.
Located in Montgomery County, just north of Washington DC, I walked in the front door of The Royal Mile and was immediately transported to one of the many pubs scattered across Scotland. Unlike some places that try far too hard to be Scottish and end up as nothing more than a laughable caricature, this was an experience as natural as if I walked in off the High Street. While a few obviously schlocky items are displayed for those without a clue of what it means to be Scottish (Sadly a lot of people), the overall feel of the pub is one of a traditional warm Scottish welcome. It begins with the warm, inviting interior, continues with the fantastic collection of whiskey, including my favorite - 18 year Glenfiddich, and culminates in a menu of delicious Scots favorites, from which I ate with glorious abandon!
From the Haggis (I had two), smoked salmon, or Orkney egg "Starters" to the shepherd's pie, fish and chips (nice big pieces of Cod), or the lamb stew (with barley, neeps, leeks & carrots), the food was delicious and in a word, outstanding! I ate far more than I should and enjoyed it even more than that. The beer list is just as extensive as the whiskey, though in my mind if you have a good whiskey, who needs a beer? But if beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed.
The staff are friendly and only too eager to help you enjoy all the Royal Mile has to offer. I left the pub full, happy and a wee bit lit. All together a very good time. The last thing I took away from The Royal Mile was the best T-shirt I have ever found in Maryland. It comes in blue or black with a lion rampant on the front, while the back proudly proclaims "We're not a family, we're a clan". So, if you are in the Washington DC area and in need of a wee dram, a gid meal, anither wee dram, and some really good food fae hame, The Royal Mile is well worth your time.
To visit the Royal Mile Pub's web site just click on the title above.
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