Cavens Arms

Shona and Jimmy Hair took over the Cavens Arms on Buccleuch Street in Dumfries in 2026, buying the pub from Gary and Faye Jeffries after their 22 years running it. The pub has picked up the Dumfries and Stewartry CAMRA branch honour in most years since 2006, including Sub-Branch Pub of the Year in 2022 and Dumfries Town Pub of the Year in 2024, built on a rotating line-up of five regular beers and three guest ales from breweries rarely otherwise seen in the area. CAMRA lists the freehold as owned by an individual operator rather than a brewery or pub company. The kitchen serves home-cooked food, including fish and chips and seasonal Scottish dishes, alongside the real ale.