Mcq's: Dunfermline music venue Cobra above Coadys bar has a facelift

McQ’s is located above Coady’s Bar in the city centre’s Pilmuir Street.

Formerly known as the Cobra Bar, the new name pays tribute to Willie McQuillen, who was the first ever road manager for the iconic Dunfermline rock band Nazareth.

The venue’s “main man” James Ward said: “Willie built the PA here, and he did a hell of a lot to help this place. He was a legend both in this pub and in general.

“As soon as we took over the Cobra Club, we called it McQ’s in his memory. My plan was to have a great looking place which is intimate and has a good sound.”

The relocated bar frees up space on the dance floor. (Image: getsetjoe.com) Like many, Mr Ward took a step back from music due to the covid lockdown and a period of poor health. He said: “I came back into the pub after the pandemic looking for a place to rehearse, and all the stuff was still here.

“I got the PA back together and stared to put live music back on. It took a bit of time to find the right guys to get involved with it, but then my friend Corky came along.

“We sat down last year and made a plan to extend the stage, get the PA sorted, move the desk, and move the bar to the corner. There was a lot of wasted space before, so this makes it feel a lot bigger.

“Dougie and Valerie who run the pub gave me and Corky permission to do what we want to make the place the way it is, so I’ve really got to thank them for that.

Bands will enjoy extra room on the venue's stage. (Image: getsetjoe.com)

“It’s the best small venue in Dunfermline if you ask me. When you get a crowd in it’s a great atmosphere.”

Photographer and friend of the venue Joe Graham added: “You’ll not have to shout as much when you order a drink now that the stage is out of the way, and there’s more space for fans to stand and watch the live acts.”

On the booking side of things, Mr Ward said: “I’ll put any type of music at all on here, be that punk, ska, or even DJs.

“I’ve got friends with other venues, so I do watch what bands I put on because I don’t want to stand on toes. Saturday nights are really busy in Dunfermline, but everybody has their own crowd.”