'Like a whirlwind': Moira and The Diggers (Athletic Arms)
The Athletic Arms – aka The Diggers – may be known as a Hearts pub with a great whisky selection, affordable pints and epic pies, but as Tallah Brash writes, it's the people that truly make it
“How do you know Moira?”
This is a question posed to me on the night of Moira MacKirdy's 40th by Rab, one of the managers at the Athletic Arms, aka The Diggers. “She works here," I reply with a wink, "but also, she comes to my club night.” Rab looks perplexed as he pours my pint, but not at all surprised. I'm working on my future credentials as a regular, a part of the furniture, so it's lovely to chat with Rab who loves the excitement match days bring to the pub. Moira works behind the bar one night a week (plus days that Hearts are at Tynecastle).
When people talk about Diggers, the impressive whisky selection, 35ml measures, pies and cask ales are all touchpoints. But when I think of Diggers, I think of the community fostered there – the locals who sit in the same maroon upholstered seats every day, the excellent bar staff, Christmas day pints with pals and neighbours, and I think of Moira, her laugh, and what a presence she is in this friendly little corner of Gorgie.
When on shift, Moira is like a machine. But when on the other side of the bar, Moira is like a whirlwind – she knows everyone, everyone knows her and she wants everyone to know each other. She invited 100 people to her 40th; intended for the Snug, the pub’s cosy backroom, party favours and people spilled into every corner of the main bar, Moira seemingly everywhere all at once. Her favourite musician SHEARS delivered a special unamplified performance – it was both incredibly chaotic yet one of the most wholesome things I think I’ve ever experienced.
When I was last in, Moira ripped a hole in the crotch of her jeans and in about five minutes I’m sure the entire pub knew. Nothing phases Moira, it's like her super power. I’ll spare you from the words she screamed at the top of her lungs during her birthday speech in these pages, but if you ever find yourself in Diggers and she's there, ask her yourself; I’m sure she’d gleefully oblige.
The Athletic Arms, 1-3 Angle Park Ter, Edinburgh; Sun-Wed 11am-midnight, Thu-Sat 11am-1am
This article is from issue two of GNAW, our new Scottish food and drink magazine. Free copies are available in venues across Scotland, or read the full thing via Issuu. Follow GNAW on Instagram @gnawmag