Best Bars in Cairngorms National Park
Hungry in Cairngorms National Park? Explore top-rated bars with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.
The best bars in Cairngorms National Park
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
20 bars
-
Hotel4.5★2,540 reviews
Cairngorm Hotel
The Cairngorm Hotel is a welcoming 3-star independent hotel located in the heart of Aviemore, Scotland, opposite the railway station. Known for its warm atmosphere, cozy pub, and excellent breakfast, it offers comfortable rooms decorated with traditional tartan patterns. The lively bar features a good selection of ales and friendly staff, making it a popular base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding Highlands.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Restaurant4.5★1,610 reviews
The Old Bridge Inn
The Old Bridge Inn is a must-visit destination in Aviemore, offering a delightful blend of hearty meals, live music, and a cozy atmosphere that captures the essence of Scottish hospitality. Nestled in a picturesque setting, it’s an ideal spot for both relaxation and entertainment, making it perfect for tourists looking to unwind after a day of exploring the stunning Highlands.
-
Pub4.2★2,051 reviews
The Winking Owl, Craft Ale Pub & Bar
The Winking Owl is a charming craft ale pub and bar located in Aviemore, Scotland, known for its warm Highland welcome, extensive selection of Scottish beers, gins, and whiskies, and a cozy atmosphere. It features a lively Bothy Bar with live music on weekends and a restaurant upstairs offering Scottish and international dishes with views of the Cairngorm Mountains. Dog-friendly and family-oriented, it blends traditional pub culture with modern dining and entertainment.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Restaurant4.3★1,085 reviews
Macduis Speyside Inn Catering Ltd
Macduis Speyside Inn Catering Ltd is a must-visit dining spot for tourists in Aviemore, offering a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Perfect for families and food enthusiasts alike.
Mon–Sat 12:00–22:00
-
Bar4.2★900 reviews
Skiing Doo
Skiing Doo was a popular bar and restaurant located at 9 Grampian Road in Aviemore, Scotland. Known for its lively atmosphere and hearty British cuisine, it offered generous portions and a friendly vibe, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Although it has permanently closed, Skiing Doo remains a memorable part of Aviemore's dining and nightlife scene.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Bar4.0★978 reviews
The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant
The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant is a charming bar, hotel, and dining venue located in the scenic village of Boat of Garten, Scotland. Renowned for its cozy atmosphere, traditional Scottish cuisine, and proximity to the Strathspey Steam Railway, it offers guests a blend of rustic charm and comfort. With spacious rooms featuring elegant décor and scenic views, it is a favored spot for travelers seeking a peaceful Highland retreat with hearty meals and warm hospitality.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Pub4.4★756 reviews
the Balavoulin
The Balavoulin is a welcoming pub, restaurant, and accommodation spot located on Grampian Road in Aviemore. Known for its warm atmosphere, freshly prepared food, and comfortable rooms, it offers a traditional Highland experience with modern comforts. Guests enjoy hearty meals, a wide selection of drinks including local whiskies, and live entertainment in a cosy setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Pub4.7★602 reviews
The Craig Bar
Nestled on Woodside Avenue in Grantown-on-Spey, The Craig Bar is a lively, unpretentious pub renowned for its hearty selection of connoisseur pies paired with crisp beers and a modest whisky range. With a convivial atmosphere, charismatic host, and dog-friendly policy, this inexpensive local gem offers a true taste of Scottish pub culture in the heart of the Cairngorms.
Daily 17:00–24:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Bar4.7★416 reviews
The Pine Marten Bar
Nestled in the scenic Glenmore area near Aviemore, The Pine Marten Bar offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with locally inspired décor and hearty Scottish fare. Known for its friendly service, locally brewed ales, and a welcoming vibe for families and dogs alike, this bar and café is a popular spot for both casual meals and lively evenings with live music. Its proximity to Loch Morlich makes it a perfect stop for nature lovers exploring the Cairngorms.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
-
Gastropub4.7★331 reviews
Farquharsons Bar and Kitchen
Farquharson's Bar and Kitchen is a charming gastropub located in Braemar, Ballater, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Known for its warm atmosphere and classic pub fare with a Scottish twist, it offers a menu that caters to gluten-free diets and welcomes pets. With a strong local reputation for quality food and drink, it is a cozy spot for both locals and visitors exploring the picturesque Scottish Highlands.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Mambos
Mambos is a lively bar and restaurant located on Grampian Road in Aviemore, Scotland. Known for its friendly atmosphere, diverse menu including vegan and gluten-free options, and vibrant nightlife, it offers everything from hearty breakfasts and gourmet burgers to cocktails and karaoke nights. Open daily with extended hours, Mambos is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking good food, drinks, and entertainment in the heart of the Cairngorms.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Claymore Bar
Claymore Bar is a welcoming pub located at 12 High Street in Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland. Known for its friendly atmosphere, roaring fire, and wide selection of whiskies, ales, and lagers, it offers a classic Scottish pub experience. Open daily from 11 AM until midnight or later on weekends, it features pool tables, darts, and a jukebox, making it a lively spot for locals and visitors alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Flying Stag
The Flying Stag is the vibrant public bar located within the boutique luxury Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, Scotland. Known for its unique artistic atmosphere created by James Prosek, it offers hearty Scottish dishes, local beers, and an extensive whisky selection. Serving as the social heart of the village, it blends traditional charm with live music and warm hospitality, welcoming both locals and visitors alike.
Daily 12:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
SUIE BAR
The Suie Bar in Kincraig, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a roaring fire during winter nights. Known for its extensive selection of local ales and whiskies, this inexpensive bar is a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, open daily from 5 PM to 11 PM.
Daily 17:00–23:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Woodshed Bar
Nestled within the Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore, Woodshed Bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with its rustic log cabin charm. Known for its relaxed vibe, local ales, crafted cocktails, and a welcoming log fire, it serves as a perfect spot for unwinding after exploring the Cairngorms. The bar operates mainly on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, occasionally featuring live music and events that enhance the cozy Highland experience.
Fri–Sat 14:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Aviemore Inn pub and grill
Nestled within Aviemore Holiday Park, The Aviemore Inn Pub and Grill offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with home-cooked meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Known for its cozy ambiance and reasonable prices, it serves a variety of classic pub dishes and hosts live music nights, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Wed–Sun 12:00–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
Bertie's Bar
Bertie's Bar is an elegant and unique whisky bar nestled within The Fife Arms hotel in Ballater, Scotland. Inspired by King Edward VII, known as 'Bertie', this bar offers a distinctive experience with over 500 whiskies arranged by flavor profiles—fragrant, fruity, rich, and smoky. Its intimate, library-like setting glows with amber lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for whisky enthusiasts and novices alike.
Mon–Fri 20:00–24:00 · Sat–Sun 18:30–24:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Lochanully Bar
Lochanully Bar is a cozy, welcoming bar located within the Macdonald Lochanhully Woodland Club in Carrbridge. Nestled in a tranquil birch woodland setting near the Cairngorm Mountains, it offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the Scottish Highlands. The bar serves a selection of drinks and is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM, providing a comfortable spot for both guests and visitors.
Daily 11:30–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
The Drawing Room
The Drawing Room at The Fife Arms in Braemar is a refined lounge and café space blending Victorian elegance with world-class art. Set within the renowned Fife Arms hotel, it offers a unique atmosphere enriched by original Picassos, a hand-painted fresco ceiling, and roaring log fires. Ideal for afternoon tea or relaxed drinks, it embodies Highland hospitality amid an immersive art collection and historic charm.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Elsa's Bar
Elsa's Bar, nestled within the iconic Fife Arms hotel in Braemar, offers a stylish cocktail experience inspired by the legendary fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Combining Victorian architectural charm with contemporary Art Deco flair, this intimate bar features inventive cocktails crafted from Scottish spirits, a warm ambiance, and a striking disco ball centerpiece. Open daily from 4 PM to midnight, it is a must-visit for cocktail aficionados exploring the Cairngorms National Park region.
Daily 16:00–24:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Explore Cairngorms National Park on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Cairngorms National Park, mapped for you.
More about Cairngorms National Park
More to explore in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best attractions in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best landmarks in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best shops in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best restaurants in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best nightclubs in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best experiences in Cairngorms National Park
-
Best hotels in Cairngorms National Park
Explore more
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Cairngorms National Park guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
