9 COSY PUBS & INNS TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND

For three months of the year, every year, Scotland gets very very cold. So we’ve come up with some great Pubs for you to wait out the cold with friends and family in a nice cosy Scottish pub. It doesn’t matter if your ideal cosy winters day is you sat by the fire, we’ve got lots of ideas that will surely keep you warm, enjoy your favourite comfort foods, wines and whiskies that will not only keep you warm but also lighten up your winter days. Continue reading to find out or list of lovely Pub spots to help you beat those winter blues. 

1. CLACHAIG INN, GLENCOE

Glencoe is not just a pub, but it is a step into history itself. It survived a volcanic eruption to the 1692 Glencoe Massacre Scotlands most infamous massacres in Scottish history. Luckily that is all in the past, nowadays all you get when you step into the  Clachaig Inn is a warm welcome. 

It has a distinctive character that can only be described as lively and warm. Because its location and history make a brilliant spot to stop and take in some Scottish values. Clachaig Inn offers a wide selection of dishes, so there’s something for everyone and this is why we’ve even featured it in our up and coming series ‘Lean, Mean, Scottish Cuisine’. The menu is a blend of modern culinary ideas made with the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced when possible. After a lovely Scottish scran, help keep the culinary adventure going by heading over to the bar to enjoy a wide selection of alcohol. The Clachaig’s stock boasts real ales, Scottish Gins and a series of Scottish Melt Whiskies. For those wanting to stay over, book as soon as possible to guarantee you get your place, and you’ll receive a fully cooked Scottish breakfast.          

2. THE SLATERS ARMS, CANNIC

After a long day of exploring the highlands, you’ll need to rest and recharge and there is no better place to do it than at The Slaters Arms. its cosy surroundings make everyone that enters feel like they’re at home. Situated near both Glen Cannich or Glen Affric, it boasts some incredible views for you to witness while enjoying some tasty grub. They offer an amazing battered haddock and chips and mouth salivating homemade steak pie. If your lucky, you might even get some dinner guest, the owners three dogs are usually around somewhere. 

 3. THE BOAT INN, ABERDEENSHIRE

Dinner with a view? Check. The Boat Inn looks out onto the River Dee, which is one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world. The Historic Inn is a fan favourite amongst the locals as well as with tourists due to its history, location and its consistent food and service. Its beautifully styled interior design create a lovely atmosphere, especially when the fire is roaring. Be sure to loosen ya belts before heading in though, with items on the menu such as breaded scampi and Scottish reared rib-eye steak, you may soon find that your eyes are bigger than your stomach. 

If you plan to stay long in Aberdeenshire, make sure that you book a short stay here. With its modest interior design, balconies and comfy beds, it creates a lovely minimalist Scottish vibe, could you ask for more?

4. THE JOLLY JUDGE, EDINBURGH

Edinburgh has a lot to see, touch and try, and this is why after all of that it is important to have a good meal. With its low beamed ceilings, log fires and serene atmosphere, the Jolly Judge is the perfect place to get a sense of Edinburgh without having to walk anywhere. The Jolly Judge also boasts a wide range of whiskies, real ales and high-quality pub food, you will leave feeling warm and satisfied.

5. THE LOCH NESS INN, DRUMNADROCHIT

Everyone has heard of the Loch Ness Monster, but the real star attraction around the Loch Ness is the Loch Ness Inn, which continuously entertains guests old and new. Loch Ness Inn uses traditional tweed fabrics along with a contemporary interior design to make guests feel like they’re living the High-Life while on holiday. The Inn has been featured on Taste Our Best articles from only blogs, so you can bet that the food will not disappoint. They also have award-winning ales from the Brewery Bar for you to try. Something worthy to note is that they are a Dog-friendly establishment, which also has some lovely dog-friendly twin rooms. 

6. THE DRAKE, GLASGOW

This drake doesn’t rap, it boasts a quirky exposed stone wall layout and luxurious Harris Tweed Seating. Because of this, it draws people from off the street to come in and stay for a few hours. So after you’ve been exploring the gorgeous city of Glasgow, get your boots into The Drake for some after adventure prime Scottish scran, including braised shoulder of lamb and pan-fried hake. Let us not forget about the desert! The Drake has some lovely sweet treats for you to enjoy after your meal. Highlights include sticky toffee pudding with ice cream and toffee sauce and The Drake Mess which is their classic take on the Eton Mess! 

7. DREEL TAVERN, ANSTRUTHER

There are very few places that are as so well renowned for their high-quality food and drink as much as Dreel Tavern. With most of its food and drink sourced from local suppliers, this pub is quintessentially Scottish. If you are just stopping off for a quickie scran, or you want to grab a table and sit down for a proper meal, the cosy surroundings of Dreel will make you feel at home. The menu at Dreel Tavern is always changing and adapting on the first Monday of every month, so tantalise your taste buds with dishes like crab or tomato linguine and venison.

If you fancy visiting Slaters Arms for more than just a meal then not to worry, they provide three self-catering cabins fully equipped and insulated to keep you cosy during those cold autumnal and winter nights.

8. THE SNOW GOOSE, INVERNESS

The winds of change blow time and again in Scotland, and when they do, there is nothing better than to gather by the fire and try out some hearty pub grub. There is so much to sample here at the Snow Goose, and funnily enough, the snow goose chicken and mushroom pie is one of the plates we would suggest trying. We would also suggest the mighty house burger, for those that have a bit more of an appetite. Along with the amazing homemade food, make sure to try out their extensive drinks menu to compliment any meal you end up having. From local ales to craft beers and gins, you will never be short of choice when you pay a visit here. 

9. THE STEAM INN, MALLAIG

Heading up to Mallaig? Or just taking a trip on jacobs steam train? Whichever it is doesn’t matter too much, but what does is making sure that you stop off at the Steam Inn to try a good old hearty pub lunch with a whiskey or a Scottish malt. The Steam Inn only use the freshest locally procured ingredients so that you can have the best dining experience to offer, while at the same time still offering genuine homecooked dishes. A firm favourite with visitors is their seafood delights, including fresh seafood chowder.

Ended up staying longer than expected? Book one of the Steam Inns lovely bedrooms. One of its newly refurbished bedroom suites offers panoramic views overlooking Mallaig harbour to one side and sea views out to the Isle of Skye on the other.

For more places to visit in Scotland please visit: www.ivisitengland.co.uk