The Loose Cannon — Restaurant in Halifax

The Loose Cannon is a Scottish pub as might be familiar to the modern Edinbourgeoisie – catering to a tourist looking for a Scottish experience, rather than a local looking for a quiet pint and some greasy scran. It is a fine pub, with a decent whisky list, but it falls short in its Scottishness in a few key ways. First, the food: The menu includes haggis, neeps and tatties, which, within Scotland, would be slightly unusual (though not unheard of), but outside Scotland is somewhat obligatory in any establishment that claims to be Scottish, so that gets a pass. The fish and chips were delicious, however the chips were too thin and the batter lacked that crispy lightness you would expect from any decent chippie. Finally, the dessert selection lacked sticky toffee pudding. Second, the service: The bartender gave the impression that he did not want to be there in a way that suggested he had had Scottish bartending attitudes described to him, but had not actually experienced it for himself. In other words, it seemed he did not want to be there, but he felt he had to, because it was his job, rather than the more traditional sense that the bartender would rather be at home, but is here because you are. It's really not a Scottish experience without the guilt you feel for keeping your server from his microwaved steak pie and Match of the Day highlights. Third, the beer: To fix all of the aforementioned would set the pub in the right direction, but none are entirely essential. The area where this bar truly fell short was the beverage selection. As mentioned already, the range of whiskies was more than sufficient, fine. However, there was not a single Scottish beer to be had. Most importantly, there was no Tennent's. What makes an Irish bar Irish? Among other things, Guinness. For Scotland it's Tennent's. A Scottish pub without that glowing red 'T' greeting you from the bar, front and centre, is really just a pub. A Scott-ish pub. Finally, as a bonus, perhaps they should hire an actor to sit in the corner and rant incoherently at newcomers. In conclusion, as a bar and an eatery, The Loose Cannon was great. As a "Scottish" bar, well, let's just say they used the...

Avoid at all costs! I was excited to try this place although I was disappointed with the entire experience. My partner and I entered the establishment and were instructed to seat ourselves which we did on the patio. The place was quiet as there were no customers inside and only a few tables were occupied outside. After finding a quiet spot to sit we noticed that the table was wobbly, pieces of the linoleum were picked off the edge of the table, screws were wearing through the tabletop, and the table had not been cleaned properly. Also, the seats were cheap plastic patio chairs that looked like they came from Walmart. After reading the menu, I ordered the Chicken Bacon Carbonara and a Keith's that was on special. When the beer arrived it tasted a little off. When the server who took our order (dangly earing in right ear and chipped black nail polish) arrived with the food we had to remind him that we required utensils, condiments, and salt/pepper as he walked away (we never did receive the salt and pepper). My pasta was cold and the chicken was dried out indicating that it had been sitting around throughout the day and was not made fresh. It was also a small portion and came with dried-out bread covered in melted marble cheddar cheese. I would have requested to at least have the dish heated if the server ever checked on us, which he did not. My partner is a slow eater who also finished her meal and the server had still not arrived. After finishing our meals we went inside to pay where another server asked us if we were just arriving for a beverage and I indicated that we were looking to pay. Eventually, our server arrived with our bill after another server located him. I indicated that I was disappointed with my meal as I questioned its freshness. No attempt was made to acknowledge my complaint simply that he (our server) was not the cook. Overall, I was very disappointed with this place and will not be recommending it based on my meal and service. I do believe that my partner's meal was better than mine although this review is based on...

Was in Halifax last night for a concert . I am at the airport about to fly back home this morning . I didn’t know anyone in Halifax , I just came here to see my favourite band , and I just happened upon the Loose Cannon and wandered in before the show . Matt the bartender , I think his friends who were at the bar called him Chissy , was amazing . Great guy. He made my night before the show , as I was all alone. He introduced me to some regulars who were going to the show at the bar , who were awesome people. I was chatting with them about music for about an hour pre show . He was the reason I came back after, this time with some ppl I had met there at the concert . I have never felt compelled to leave a review about a place before , but I felt like this guy deserved the kudos . He was really busy when we came back, but was still incredibly nice and hospitable to us . I will be back for sure on my...