The Lay By in Airdrie

Ah, The Lay By – it's one of those unassuming pubs that just hits the spot for a good old catch-up. From what I've gathered from the reviews, the staff are top-notch, always up for a chat and making sure everyone feels included, which really adds to that homely feel. The locals seem like a great bunch too, and I love the idea of popping in for a game of chess on a Tuesday – it's those little touches that make it stand out. Drinks are fairly priced, so you won't feel short-changed after a couple of rounds. On the flip side, though, it's a shame there aren't more recent reviews; the last one's from last year, so it might have gone a bit quiet lately, or perhaps it's just a hidden gem that not everyone's discovered yet. Without a website, it's not the easiest to plan a visit, and being in a smaller spot like Salsburgh, it could be overlooked by those further afield. All in all, if you're after a straightforward, welcoming spot for a pint and some good craic, it's worth checking out – just keep in mind it might be more of a local favourite than a bustling hotspot.