A candlelit glow lightens the dim interior of the recess known as the ‘coffin’ – on account of its shape – in Dowie's tavern in Liberton’s Wynd, just off the Royal Mile. Snug, cosy and free from outside cares, its other attraction is the landlord’s kindliness and discretion.
Dowie’s has become a favourite haunt of the poet Robert Burns, since he arrived from his native Ayrshire on 29 November, 1786 for his first visit to the capital. Burns rates John Dowie one of the finest landlords he has come across in the city.