Thistle Bar Travel Guide

Free Guide: Cozy and friendly bar on Forres High Street, offering affordable drinks and a warm local atmosphere every day from 11am to 10pm.

A brief summary of Thistle Bar

Cozy and friendly bar on Forres High Street, offering affordable drinks and a warm local atmosphere every day from 11am to 10pm.

Thistle Bar is a cozy and inviting bar located at 168 High Street in Forres, Scotland. Known for its warm ambiance and friendly atmosphere, it offers a variety of reasonably priced drinks in a relaxed setting. Open daily from 11am to 10pm, this popular local spot blends traditional charm with a community spirit, making it a favored gathering place for both residents and visitors.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Trash bins
  • Information boards
4.4 Very good · 68 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day11 am–10 pm

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
168 High St, Forres IV36 1NP
Phone

Getting there

Bus

Take the local bus service from Elgin to Forres town center, which runs frequently with a journey time of approximately 20-25 minutes. The bus stops near High Street, within a 5-minute walk to Thistle Bar. Tickets cost around £3-£5 one way.

Train

Forres railway station is about 1.5 km from Thistle Bar. From the station, a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride costing approximately £5 will get you to the bar. Trains connect Forres with Inverness and Aberdeen, with journey times of 30-60 minutes depending on origin.

Car

Driving to Thistle Bar is straightforward via the A96. Parking is available nearby on public streets and in town car parks, though spaces can be limited during peak times. Parking is generally free or low cost. Journey times vary depending on starting point.

Discover more about Thistle Bar

A Heartfelt Welcome in Forres

Nestled in the historic town of Forres, Thistle Bar stands as a beacon of conviviality and local spirit. Situated on the bustling High Street, its unpretentious façade invites passersby into a space where warmth and friendliness are paramount. The bar’s interior reflects a traditional Scottish pub atmosphere, with cozy seating and a layout designed to encourage socializing among locals and travelers alike.

A Drink for Every Taste

Thistle Bar offers an array of drinks that cater to diverse palates, including well-crafted beers, classic lagers, and a selection of spirits. The bar is known for its reasonable pricing, making it accessible for casual visits or extended evenings. Whether you prefer a smooth pint of Scotland’s best-selling lagers or a carefully poured whisky, the bar’s offerings complement its welcoming vibe perfectly.

Community and Recognition

Beyond being a place to enjoy drinks, Thistle Bar has earned recognition for its role in the local community. It was honored with the Digital Community award in the Scotland Loves Local Awards 2023, underscoring its commitment to fostering connections and supporting local initiatives. This accolade highlights the bar’s importance as a social hub that goes beyond the typical pub experience.

Atmosphere and Experience

The atmosphere at Thistle Bar is relaxed yet lively, striking a balance that appeals to a broad audience. The friendly staff and welcoming locals contribute to a sense of belonging, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. The bar’s interior design is traditional without being dated, emphasizing comfort and sociability over flashiness.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Open every day from 11am to 10pm, Thistle Bar offers consistent availability for visitors throughout the week. Its central location on High Street makes it easily accessible on foot from many parts of Forres. While it does not have a claim status, its reputation and steady patronage speak to its established presence in the town’s social scene.

Local Flavor and Surroundings

Forres itself is a town rich in history and natural beauty, and Thistle Bar fits seamlessly into this setting. Visitors can enjoy a drink here before or after exploring nearby landmarks and cultural sites. The bar’s presence on High Street places it at the heart of local life, offering an authentic taste of Scottish hospitality in a charming small-town environment.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Nov · before 9am or from 11pm

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: 63% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 63% of the busiest month
  5. May: 75% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 88% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 75% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 63% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  12. Dec: 50% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 7am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 8am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 9am: 33% of the busiest hour
  4. 10am: 44% of the busiest hour
  5. 11am: 56% of the busiest hour
  6. 12pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  7. 1pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  8. 2pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  9. 3pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  10. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  11. 5pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  12. 6pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  13. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  14. 8pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  15. 9pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  16. 10pm: 44% of the busiest hour
  17. 11pm: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

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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