Playback, Inverness Travel Guide

Free Guide: A lively four-story bar and restaurant in Inverness offering gourmet burgers, exclusive craft beers, rooftop vibes, and fun social games.

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Playback

A brief summary of Playback

A lively four-story bar and restaurant in Inverness offering gourmet burgers, exclusive craft beers, rooftop vibes, and fun social games.

Playback is a vibrant four-story bar and restaurant located on Academy Street in Inverness, renowned for its gourmet burgers, craft beers, and lively rooftop terrace. This expansive venue combines excellent food and drink with a variety of social games and activities, including axe throwing and beer pong, making it a top destination for both dining and entertainment in the city.

1–4 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.8 Excellent · 39 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon12 pm–12 am
  • Tue12 pm–12 am
  • Wed12 pm–12 am
  • Thu12 pm–12 am
  • Fri12 pm–1 am
  • Sat12 pm–1 am
  • Sun12 pm–12 am

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
27-31 Academy St, Inverness IV1 1JN
Phone
Website

Getting there

Public Bus

Take local Inverness bus routes serving Academy Street, with frequent service every 10-20 minutes from the city center. The journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £1.50-£3.00. Buses are wheelchair accessible but may be crowded during peak times.

Taxi

Taxis from Inverness city center to Playback take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £5 and £10. Taxis offer door-to-door service and are available 24/7.

Walking

If you are staying nearby in central Inverness, walking to Playback is feasible within 15-25 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is wheelchair accessible but may be less suitable in heavy rain or winter weather.

Discover more about Playback

A Dynamic Social Hub in Inverness

Playback Bar & Restaurant stands out as a premier social venue in Inverness, housed within a spacious four-story building on Academy Street. Spanning approximately 11,000 square feet, it offers a lively atmosphere where food, drink, and entertainment blend seamlessly. The venue is designed to cater to groups and individuals seeking a fun, interactive night out, with a focus on creating memorable experiences through both its culinary offerings and engaging activities.

Culinary Excellence with a Local Twist

The kitchen at Playback is celebrated for its gourmet burgers and wings, which have earned it a reputation as one of the best burger spots in Inverness. The menu features a variety of hearty dishes, including vegan options, paired with an impressive selection of craft beers and signature cocktails. Notably, Playback is the first bar in Scotland to stock the exclusive Jubel Peach craft beer, adding a unique local flavor to its beverage lineup.

Entertainment and Activities for All

Beyond dining, Playback offers a broad range of games and activities that set it apart from typical bars. Visitors can enjoy axe throwing, pool, shuffleboard, beer pong, table tennis, and foosball, making it a lively venue for friendly competition and social interaction. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, providing a vibrant space to relax, socialize, and enjoy the city views, especially popular during sunny days and warm evenings.

Atmosphere and Design

The interior combines modern and industrial design elements to create a trendy yet comfortable environment. With multiple floors dedicated to different experiences, Playback balances energetic spaces for games and socializing with cozy areas for dining and conversation. The rooftop terrace adds an open-air dimension, enhancing the venue’s appeal as a casual yet stylish destination.

Accessibility and Amenities

Playback is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, welcoming a diverse clientele. It offers free Wi-Fi, accepts digital payments, and provides full bar service. Operating daily from noon until midnight or 1 AM on weekends, it caters to both early diners and late-night revelers. The venue’s location in central Inverness makes it easily reachable by public transport and taxi, with nearby parking options.

A Vibrant Gathering Place in the Scottish Highlands

Playback Bar & Restaurant has quickly become a cultural and social landmark in Inverness, appealing to locals and visitors alike. Its combination of quality food, exclusive drinks, and engaging entertainment creates a unique urban experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, perfect for casual outings, celebrations, and weekend nights out.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · before 8am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 60% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 70% of the busiest month
  5. May: 80% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 90% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 80% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 70% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 60% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 7am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 8am: 20% of the busiest hour
  5. 9am: 30% of the busiest hour
  6. 10am: 40% of the busiest hour
  7. 11am: 50% of the busiest hour
  8. 12pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  10. 2pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  11. 3pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  12. 4pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  13. 5pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  14. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  15. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  16. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  17. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  18. 10pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  19. 11pm: 50% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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