The Speedwell or Mennies as the bar is affectionately known is a 1903 listed building in the heart of Dundee’s west end, the shop having retained all of its original shop front and fittings.  The Speedwell is in fact the only bar in Dundee which has been listed for the quality of its interior, and one of the few surviving pubs mentioned in the definitive 1983 book “People’s Palaces, Victorian and Edwardian Pubs of Scotland”.

 The Speedwell was featured in The Daily Telegraph’s (3 April 2009 edition) list of 70 great British Pubs - of which 5 were Scottish, citing the bar as “best for local charm” and “a reason in itself to visit Dundee”.

The Speedwell attracts a wide range of customers, however a major part of the business is its local customers.  In terms of product choice, the bar offers a wide range of products from cask-conditioned ales (CaskMarque and CAMRA recommended), to permanent mixed gas beers and a wide selection of draught standard and premium lagers.  In addition, The Speedwell offers a range of spirits (35mls measures), an extensive range of over 150 malt whiskies and a selection of imported and bottled products.  If you do not feel like an alcoholic drink, there is plenty to choose from in the soft drinks and NABLABS selection to hot beverages from the Brasilia espresso machine.  This wide range of products is designed to cater for differing community preferences.  Being a grade 1 listed building and interior, the bar does not have a kitchen, however customers are encouraged to bring in hot and cold delights from the local bakeries to enjoy with a drink and great company. 

 Product variety is a very important part of attracting and retaining clientele, however, it is not purely the range of products on offer which this attraction and retention is based upon.

 As a result of The Speedwell being positioned at the top of Dundee’s Perth Road, it is often seen as the starting point for Stag & Hen nights and smokers.  These groups mix well with the locals to create a cosy atmosphere.

The Speedwell is also a popular meeting place for viewing satellite/terrestrial sporting events such as rugby, football, golf, tennis and cricket.  The bar with its three wide-screen televisions offers an ideal venue.  The customers often organise their own sporting events, for example, charity cricket matches along with frequent football games and domino competitions.  Furthermore, the Chinese game “Go” is played in the sides rooms on Monday nights.  The local Harris Academy F P rugby club has used Mennies for over a century as a meeting place for post match analysis over a pint and a pie or a curry.  Another club hosted by Mennies is the MCC hill-walking club who base their monthly outings from the bar.

 From time to time, the bar offers live music events and in addition, on Tuesday nights, a local group of fiddlers entertain customers using their own original Scottish folk music. These events make for a real community feel throughout the establishment and customers keep making new friends and coming back for more. 

 The bar comprises three sections: - the main bar and two authentic Edwardian sitting rooms complete with fireplaces.  This is ideal as it caters for different groups of people from those simply there for a quiet drink and a seat to those who prefer to stand at the bar and take in the atmosphere.

The lounge (above) is also used as a meeting place for The William Topaz McGonagall Appreciation Society who have worldwide links with other McGonagall groups.  The Speedwell is the world headquarters for this Literary Society.  They organize an annual coach trip – following in the footsteps of McGonagall, to Balmoral Castle for example, with poetry recitations by some of the members. Many overseas visitors enjoy hearing young Jonathan recite McGonagall’s “ Beautiful Loch Leven” while he serves their drinks! The society additionally hold an annual St. Andrew’s Night celebration.  The Rooms are also home to annual Burns Suppers and to Christmas parties including a pensioners’ Christmas party where one of the locals dresses up as Santa Claus and distributes goodie bags.

 The bar itself organises brewery (Caledonian/Belhaven) and distillery (Blair Atholl/Erdadour) trips and some of the customers enjoy the meticulously planned golf outings.  Promotion nights and tastings sometimes take place when customers have the opportunity to sample some of the products on offer at the bar.

 A popular local event is the “doors open day” for Dundee’s most architecturally important gems in which The Speedwell, as a former Dundee City Council “Building of the Month” participates.  Staff at The Speedwell give guided tours of the pub with complimentary Dundee Cake and a refreshment.  They explain its architectural features, mechanics and heritage.

 Due to the listed status of the building, The Speedwell, while not fully wheelchair accessible, is Disability Discrimination Act compliant. Due to adjustments facilitating access to goods and services along with the team’s can-do attitude, the bar remains popular among those with limited mobility. The overall atmosphere of The Speedwell is one where customers can always be assured of a friendly welcome with safety the keynote, having been Best Bar None accredited since the scheme’s inception.   Whether they are in for a morning coffee, a teatime drink, a night out or just to simply relax. There are no strangers here… just friends we have yet to meet.

© J. A. Stewart, J. I. Stewart & S. M. Grubb 2003