Skippers Travel Guide

Free Guide: Kirkwall’s vibrant sports bar serving local brews, hearty pub fare, and live games in a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere.

A brief summary of Skippers

Kirkwall’s vibrant sports bar serving local brews, hearty pub fare, and live games in a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere.

Skippers Bar, located at 2 Bridge Street in Kirkwall, Orkney, is a welcoming traditional pub known for its lively sports atmosphere, local beers, and hearty pub fare. With big-screen TVs broadcasting live sports, pool and darts facilities, and a relaxed vibe, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to unwind. The bar offers a selection of Orkney whiskies and beers, making it a great place to experience local flavors in a casual setting.

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

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.1 Very good · 104 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon11 am–12 am
  • Tue11 am–12 am
  • Wed11 am–12 am
  • Thu11 am–1 am
  • Fri11 am–1 am
  • Sat11 am–1 am
  • Sun11 am–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
2 Bridge St, Kirkwall KW15 1HR
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Take the local bus service from Kirkwall Bus Station to Bridge Street; the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes with frequent departures. The stop is within a short walk of Skippers Bar. Tickets cost around £2-£4.

Taxi

A taxi from Kirkwall town center to Skippers Bar typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £5-£8. Taxis are readily available in Kirkwall, especially in the evenings.

Walking

If you are staying in central Kirkwall, walking to Skippers Bar is easy and takes about 10-20 minutes depending on your location. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most travelers.

Discover more about Skippers

A Hub for Sports Enthusiasts and Socialising

Skippers Bar stands out as Kirkwall’s go-to venue for sports entertainment, featuring large screens that broadcast live events from Sky Sports and BT Sport. The bar’s atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, inviting patrons to enjoy games of pool and darts alongside their drinks. This makes it a lively social hub where locals and travelers alike gather to share in the excitement of live sports and casual competition.

Local Flavors and Classic Pub Fare

The bar offers a menu that highlights traditional pub dishes with a focus on local Orcadian produce. Visitors can enjoy a range of hearty meals, including popular items like burgers, soups, and fish dishes, often served with local bread and butter. Skippers Bar also caters to diverse dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options. The drink selection features an impressive array of Orkney beers and whiskies, providing a true taste of the region’s brewing and distilling heritage.

Historic Setting in Kirkwall’s Heart

Situated on Bridge Street, Skippers Bar benefits from its central location in Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney. The building itself reflects the traditional charm of the town, complementing the historic streetscape. This setting enhances the pub’s appeal as a comfortable and authentic place to experience Orkney’s culture and hospitality.

Welcoming and Dog-Friendly Environment

Unlike the hotel’s main restaurant, Skippers Bar welcomes dogs, making it a convenient choice for pet owners. The staff are known for their warm hospitality, contributing to a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick drink, a meal, or to catch a game, the bar offers a casual and accommodating environment.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Open from 11:00 AM until midnight Sunday through Wednesday, and extending to 1:00 AM on Thursday through Saturday, Skippers Bar provides ample opportunity to enjoy its offerings throughout the day and into the evening. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Kirkwall, fitting well into any itinerary exploring the town’s vibrant social scene.

A Local Gem for Visitors and Residents

Skippers Bar’s combination of live sports, local drinks, and traditional pub food makes it a standout destination in Kirkwall. It offers a genuine slice of Orkney life, where the community spirit thrives and visitors can connect with the local culture in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a sports fan, a foodie, or simply looking for a friendly place to unwind, Skippers Bar delivers a memorable experience.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · before 8am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 44% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 56% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  4. Apr: 67% of the busiest month
  5. May: 78% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 89% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 100% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 78% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 67% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 56% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 67% of the busiest month
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  2. 1am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 7am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 8am: 22% of the busiest hour
  5. 9am: 33% of the busiest hour
  6. 10am: 44% of the busiest hour
  7. 11am: 56% of the busiest hour
  8. 12pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  9. 1pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  10. 2pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  11. 3pm: 56% of the busiest hour
  12. 4pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  13. 5pm: 78% of the busiest hour
  14. 6pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  15. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  16. 8pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 9pm: 89% of the busiest hour
  18. 10pm: 67% of the busiest hour
  19. 11pm: 44% 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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