The best pubs Scotland

With more than 700 different whiskies and a beautiful changing selection of real ales, one can hardly go wrong in pushing the doors of this institution. Dating back to the 19th century, the Pot Still has preserved its beautiful interiors, behind its discreet little green front. The location is ideal for discovering the country's many single malts and whiskies from all over the world, especially as the establishment has been awarded the "Icon of Whiskey Scotland Whisky Bar of the Year 2019" prize, following many others! Also to be tasted: its exceptional pies.

This great Irish bar on popular Victoria Street has built its success on daily gigs made possible by the presence of bands every night. The atmosphere is effervescent and people come more to party than to chat. The room is quite dark and has relatively few tables. Students and residents of most youth hostels have discounts on drinks: remember to ask! And on the drinking side, you will have a wide choice of scottish gins, scottish whiskies (and irish whiskeys), scottish craft beers...

Pandas are not only honored at the zoo in Edinburgh. A bit of a hipster with an imitation barber shopon the front - no, no, you're not mistaken... push the door! It's an old hidden bar, like in the prohibition era -, Panda's & Sons is an ideal place to settle down to chat while sipping a cocktail with popcorn, the great strength of the establishment. The decor is eclectic, with a Victorian saloon feel and a nice wooden bar. The cocktails are original and very creative.

This is without a doubt the best pub in the Royal Mile. In the quiet of a dead end, people passing by see him less often, but locals know he is there. Its terrace is very pleasant in good weather and its warm room partially in the basement, with a low ceiling, comes straight from the Middle Ages. Small and friendly, the regulars come to chat by the fire. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful and will be able to help you choose from a wide variety of whiskys, ales, stouts and ciders.

Black Isle opened its pub in Fort William in 2019. This excellent organic and local Highland brewery is in full development and so much the better. You can of course taste their beers, and no less than 27 draught and pump beers, plus canned and bottled beers from all over the world, as well as organic wines and Scotch whiskies, with a cheese or meat platter. The wood-fired pizzas are worth a visit for lunch or dinner: local ingredients, vegan and gluten-free options

The Abbostford is barely pushing its door down in time. Its splendid circular central bar, made of dark carved wood, was installed in 1902 and has not moved since. On the ceiling, beautiful green and gold moldings catch the eye as you enjoy one of six traditional beers or a dram of whiskey. A lot of locals come here to chat, especially white collar workers at afterwork time. The few tables on the pedestrian street of Rose Street are quite popular. Upstairs is the restaurant area, which is more chic: think about it for dinner.

The bird and the bear... It's a whole story that the map tells you, and you won't be "spoilt" by it. This place has something enchanting and trendy at the same time, with a US rap soundtrack from the 2000s. The room with its mezzanine is superb, with a decor that invites you to escape. You will be able to sip a cocktail - suggestions depend on the time of day -, in the classics of the genre or among the creations of the staff. You can also eat on the premises: the dishes served are original and well-cooked, with, once again, a beautiful inventiveness.

Nice pub on 3 floors, with 3 bars. The decor is inspired by Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory, and the monster even comes up every hour, leaving a hole above the main bar counter. We come to eat, drink and enjoy. Several animations are scheduled throughout the week.

Here is a real little architectural jewel of Edinburgh's heritage. It has one of the finest and best-preserved Victorian interiors in the country. Splendid ceramic frescoes under a beautifully decorated ceiling and the stained glass windows, of rare beauty, were designed by the same company that supplied the House of Lords. We'll have to search a bit between Princes Street and St Andrew's Square to find the entrance, but it's worth it. We drink four hand-pulled beers and the lunch break is very enjoyable.

One of the oldest pubs in the city owes its name to one of the most mysterious creatures in the Highlands, unless tonight to the legend of the great white stag that would have disarmed King David I during a hunting trip in 1128, without hurting him. Before disappearing, a silver cross appeared on the animal's forehead, between its woods.... The pub, which dates back to 1516, serves an excellent haggis and one offers a fairly large choice of whiskies. Every evening from 9pm, musical groups come to warm up the atmosphere until late at night.

A huge classic of Fort William, the Grog & Gruel is popular in premises, hikers and visitors. In a very traditional setting, we come to drink good real ales at the end of the day, after hiking or visiting program. It is also possible to eat simple dishes, with the usual burgers, steaks, fish & chips and peaks, but also more original things such as pasta, pizzas and Mexican recipes. The floor welcomes the restaurant, while the bar is on the ground floor.

Good pubs are not uncommon but such a beer garden is a blessing in Edinburgh. On sunny days, especially when there is a match, its huge outdoor tables are stormed and the atmosphere is guaranteed. For the rest of the year, the pretty 18th century house covered with ivy is more than a bargain and many students enjoy the fireplace and the games on offer, over a homemade beer, a good burger, quesadillas or nachos to share. A huge classic!

This festive establishment is housed in an old and spacious church. Fervent promoter of Scottish culture, he organizes every Friday and Saturday ceilidh sessions, the famous traditional national dance, with drinks, 3 courses, traditional dance & music, then DJ. Concerts take place every night of the week, at different sessions: 4pm, 7pm and 10pm. You will also be able, upon registration, to offer you the unusual experience of a cocktail masterclass. Finally, fans will appreciate the broadcasts on the many match nights.

The building is modern and somewhat lacking in soul, but has the advantage of being superbly located in the heart of the Glen Nevis. It is therefore an ideal address for those who stay nearby and cannot or do not want to push to the city centre. Several local beers are available, such as those from Loch Ness Brewery, and there is also a good selection of whiskies. You can also have lunch and dinner thanks to a traditional pub food menu.

Here's a well-known Perth venue that opened in a former foundry where metal vats, pulleys and face masks still have their place in the large, dimly lit room. Locals come here to watch sport, chat and play pool while enjoying a draught or a dram. On the food side, there are some fairly well-prepared snacks here, such as pizza and burgers, or generous portions of home fries (the halloumi fries do the job well).

The Bow Bar no longer has its reputation among the public houses of the capital. Dubbed by CAMRA and consumers, it was created in 1987 and still offers about 200 single malts and about fifteen real ales. He even holds his own beer festival during the summer. Decorated with old advertisements and mirrors, its unique little room lacks space at weekends and you often have to stand on your feet. Its location in the friendly West Bow is very appreciable. Good plan: "whisky wednesdays" with whiskies available only on Wednesdays.

The low ceiling and the huge exposed stones betray the age of this building, one of the oldest in the port of Leith. Built in the 15th century, it has seen many sailors pass through its lair to eat, sleep and water their evenings. Today, its intimate atmosphere, full of history, is still as famous as ever. We enjoy four real ales, but also good food (local suppliers, fresh products). The tables are logically quickly taken by storm and you can sit outside when the weather permits.

Yellow walls, raw light, school benches and floor carpet, the Royal Oak is a small neighborhood pub with no shades. The rooms are talkative and everyone seems to know each other. At the counter, many Scottish beers, including three from the mcewans brewery. Every night, musicians take their instruments to ensure the atmosphere and the success of this address that attracts traditional music lovers.

This small corner room doesn't let anything show through its blue front, but live music has been played here since 1942! Every evening and sometimes even during the day, lovers of folklore and authenticity can enjoy themselves here. Several instruments are logically brandished behind the bar and a lot of pictures are distributed in the room. If you're still not convinced, Sandy Bell's serves six real ales and several other draught beers. There is also a nice selection of single malts and the malt of the month offers good value for money.

This real area is hidden in a basement in Solicitors's small quarter. Covered with parquet flooring and wood panelling, he has all traditional features, including a portrait of Sir Walter Scott who watches over the chimney and to whom he owes his name, drawn from the eponymous novel. The room is warm and bottled filled with a large dozen, beer as ciders. Tuesday evening belongs to poker players and Wednesday to quiz fans, but it is Thursday at 21 a. m. that visitors are the most numerous with folk music sessions.