Memories of former Edinburgh Hibs pub the Cabbage & Ribs in Leith now gone but not forgotten
Once as part of a matchday as the game itself, I’ve been reminiscing about the pub dedicated to Hibs that was just a goal kick away from Easter Road Stadium.
The Cabbage & Ribs on Albert Street was always packed before Hibs matches, until closing its doors for good in March 2008 due to a lack of customers outwith matchdays in Leith.
Obviously rhyming slang for the Edinburgh football team in green and white, the pub was a tribute in itself to Hibernian FC, with old strips, photos and memorabilia adorning the walls.
I used to love going there before matches full of optimism, with the Hibs memorabilia everywhere you looked enough to instil added pride in my football club and kid me on that we might actually win that day.
And I would then return after games for a quick pint before catching the bus home, normally to drown my sorrows after another defeat.
I went to ‘the Cabbage’ for a few years on and off, but I do remember a full season in the early 2000s when I would head there to meet friends and family before every home match to sing some songs and drink some pints.
I’m not sure if it was the ‘bevvy’ playing tricks with my memory, but I do, believe it or not, seem to remember we had a decent season, qualifying for Europe, and possibly also making it to the Scottish Cup final. But obviously, as a Hibs fans, I try to black out those trips to Hampden, given that they all but one (2016) ended in disappointment, as the cup hoodoo carried on for yet another year.
All in all I have some fantastic memories of the Cabbage and Ribs, where I would join my fellow Hibs supporters before and after matches and enjoy the day out.
And although there are plenty of Hibs-leaning pubs in Leith close to Easter Road Stadium, there isn’t an obvious successor to the Cabbage & Ribs, and I for one would love to see a watering hole shrine to my club return, if nothing else, to make trips to Hibs home games more enjoyable.
And it appears many of my fellow Hibees also remember this matchday staple watering hole with great fondness.
Commenting on the Hibernian Retro Facebook page, Vicky Hunter said of the Albert Street pub, formerly known as the Clan Tavern: “Loved this wee pub, I used to live right next to it in Dickson Street, great for footy and the occasional pub lunch.”
Richard McRae said: “Used to live above the Cabbage. Great pub and great atmosphere on match days!”
While, Thomas Hutson added: “Miss that boozer! I got my finger caught in the toilet door n ripped my nail out, that was before I even had a pint!”
Some fans recalled football memories at ‘the Cabbage’. Bill Stevenson said: “I remember watching a game v Celtic at Parkhead on a Sunday night and there was absolute carnage when Marc Libra equalised for a 1-1 draw late in the game! Great pub and great memories!!”
While, John Trotter recalled celebrating in the pub after a famous derby victory over Hearts in 2000: “I spent the aftermath of the 6-2 game in there. Wisnae a quiet night!”
Rachel Brykajlo added: “I had some great times after the game in that pub.”
And Hibs fan Alex Hill summed up the Cabbage and Ribs perfectly: “I loved going in there before a game, set you up for the match.”