Masons Arms

I love Maysons.
It’s a great, loving pub.
Full disclosure: I am not a native to Dalkeith, or Scotland, or Europe.
But I feel at home in Maysons.
I’ve enjoyed Maysons dozens of times. It felt the same 10 years ago as it does today, except for a few upgrades. The TVs have turned to flat screens. The bathroom was recently painted. This is Dalkeith, folks. Nothing but the best.
My first experience at Maysons was as a wee 21 year old exchange student. Full head of hair. Low alcohol tolerance. Wide eyes.
This is the closest pub to where the Wisconsin exchange students live and learn. I know that I learned more in the streets and pubs of Scotland than I did in the classes. Although, I certainly retained more from the classes. Pub lessons are simply ingrained and carried in your DNA.
The staff, especially Gav, is remarkable. Gav looks like he could beat the piss from you in a brawl or a race or a drinking game or a push-​up competition. He also might beat you at snagging a lass. But he’s friendly and attentive and exemplifies the quick-​witted Scottish humor that endears any visitor.
You’ll notice name plates on the walls for old regulars and lots of shaved heads. The men in Scotland can be intimidating. But they can also be hilarious and fun and affectionate drinking buddies.
It’s nearly impossible to match wits with a Scotsman as he barbs you with that killer dialect.
There is a back room for pool. Or you can use it for privacy during a make-​out session. Or for a quick snorting or stomping or stabbing. You know, druggin’ & thuggin’. Use your best judgement and please be discrete. Wouldn’t want to draw attention. Maysons may enjoy the kissing and game playing, but keep the drugging and thugging outside.
There are some convenient alleys nearby which contain a number of 90 degree turns for your quiet moments. Use them as you wish. But always remember the CCTV.
Don’t let my poorly crafted jokes deter you from Maysons. It is a great, small, authentic pub. It’s a great place to relax.
Mind the cobblestone streets as you stumble home. They jump up out of nowhere.