Best Bars in Scottish Highlands
Hungry in Scottish Highlands? Explore top-rated bars with menus, reviews, and local recommendations. Open the free web guide or Evendo app.
The best bars in Scottish Highlands
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
19 bars
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Bar4.4★1,566 reviews
Inn On The Loch
Inn On The Loch is a welcoming bar and restaurant situated at 179 Hyndford Rd, Lanark, offering scenic views over Lanark Loch. Known for its friendly staff, generous portions, and a diverse menu including excellent vegan and gluten-free options, it provides a relaxed atmosphere ideal for casual dining. The venue operates daily from late morning to late evening, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Mon–Thu 11:30–22:00 · Fri–Sun 11:30–23:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Bar4.6★734 reviews
Thistle Street Bar
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Thistle Street Bar offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where locals and visitors alike enjoy superb Scottish ales, expertly crafted cocktails, and live traditional music. Known for its attentive service and authentic charm, this moderate-priced bar is a must-visit for those seeking a genuine Scottish pub experience with a lively yet cozy vibe.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.7★602 reviews
The Craig Bar
The Craig Bar is a distinctive, welcoming pub located on Woodside Avenue in Grantown-on-Spey. Renowned for its unique atmosphere and a focused menu of expertly crafted pies served with chips, including vegan options, this bar combines traditional Scottish hospitality with a lively, convivial vibe. It opens daily from late afternoon until midnight, offering a great selection of beers and a strong local character.
Daily 17:00–24:00Price level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Pub4.7★596 reviews
The Clachan Inn
The Clachan Inn is a charming traditional Scottish pub and inn located in the heart of St John's Town of Dalry, near Castle Douglas. Renowned for its warm hospitality, excellent food that elevates classic pub fare, and cozy atmosphere featuring a roaring fire, it offers comfortable accommodation with clean, well-equipped rooms. Its inviting bar serves a great selection of beers and wines, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Bar4.6★570 reviews
Brodies
Brodies is a welcoming bar and restaurant located at 1-2 Altrive Place, Holm Street, in the heart of Moffat. Known for its friendly service, delicious food including vegetarian options, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a cozy dining experience with a well-curated menu and an inviting gin lounge. Open daily with varied hours, Brodies is a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking quality meals and drinks in a charming Scottish town setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Grill4.4★291 reviews
Bothy Bar
The Bothy Bar is the welcoming main bar of the MacDonald Hotel in Kinlochleven, Scotland. Known for its warm Scottish hospitality, it offers a casual atmosphere with traditional Scottish food and drinks. Popular with both hotel guests and locals, it serves as a vibrant social hub featuring hearty meals, a well-stocked bar, and scenic views of the surrounding Highlands.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.4★265 reviews
Claymore Bar
Nestled in the heart of Grantown-on-Spey, Claymore Bar offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with rustic charm, local ales, and hearty Scottish fare. Open daily from 11 AM until late, it’s a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking authentic Highland hospitality, live music, and a welcoming community vibe in a traditional pub setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.7★116 reviews
Colebrooke Arms
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Crawfordjohn near Biggar, the Colebrooke Arms is a welcoming traditional village pub known for its cozy atmosphere, hearty home-cooked meals, and friendly service. This inexpensive pub offers a genuine Scottish countryside experience with a menu featuring local specialties like haggis pakoras and perfectly cooked steaks. Open mainly from midday to late evening on select days, it’s a favored spot for both locals and travelers seeking authentic hospitality in a scenic rural setting.
Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Pub4.6★90 reviews
The Last Shift Braehead
The Last Shift Braehead is a welcoming pub and restaurant located on Carnwath Road in Braehead, Lanarkshire. Known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and generous homemade meals, it offers a relaxed dining experience with classic pub favorites like fish and chips and breaded chicken with mushroom sauce. This inexpensive venue is a local favorite for casual dining and socializing in a comfortable setting.
Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Bar4.8★80 reviews
SUIE BAR
Suie Bar is a charming, friendly local bar nestled in the village of Kincraig, near Kingussie in the Scottish Highlands. Known for its warm atmosphere and large selection of local ales and whiskies, it offers a quintessential Highland pub experience from 5 PM to 11 PM daily. The bar is housed in a Victorian character lodge and is cherished for its community spirit and regular live music sessions, making it a must-visit spot for visitors seeking authentic Scottish conviviality.
Daily 17:00–23:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Cross Keys Inn
The Cross Keys Inn is a cozy, historic pub located at 68 Main Street in Douglas, Lanark. Dating back to the early 18th century, this welcoming inn combines traditional Scottish charm with hearty modern cuisine and a warm atmosphere featuring an open coal fire. Known for its friendly service and comfortable rooms, it offers a quintessential country pub experience with a menu that highlights local flavors and classic dishes.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Harris and Ollie's
Harris and Ollie's is a lively bar located at 50 Kelso Avenue in Lesmahagow, Lanark. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this venue offers a mix of live music nights, boozy brunches, and social functions. With a strong local following and a 4.6 rating, it is a popular spot for both casual gatherings and special events, providing good value and friendly service in a vibrant setting.
Daily 12:00–1:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Coach House Inn
The Coach House Inn in Muirkirk, Cumnock, is a charming and friendly village pub offering a warm atmosphere, quality food, and comfortable accommodations. Known for its attentive staff and inviting bar and restaurant spaces, it serves as a local hub for both residents and visitors seeking an authentic Scottish pub experience in a picturesque rural setting. The inn combines traditional hospitality with modern comforts, making it a favored stop in the area.
Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Empire Bar
Empire Bar is a cozy, inexpensive bar located at 3-5 Glasgow Road in Muirkirk, Cumnock. Known for its warm hospitality and vibrant local atmosphere, it offers a friendly spot to unwind and enjoy drinks in a community-focused setting. With a high rating reflecting its popularity, this bar is a hidden gem in the Scottish countryside.
Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Village Inn
The Village Inn is a charming, inexpensive pub located at 53 Mill Rd in the rural village of Thankerton near Biggar, Scotland. Known for its warm atmosphere, local Scottish fare, and friendly service, it offers a welcoming retreat after exploring the surrounding countryside. Open Wednesday to Sunday afternoons and evenings, it features a traditional interior with a fireplace, a beer garden, and a snooker table, making it a beloved local gathering spot.
Wed–Sun 14:00–23:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Caledonian Bar, Gallery Bistro & Late Lounge
Located at 33-37 Kirkton Street in Carluke, The Caledonian Bar, Gallery Bistro & Late Lounge offers a vibrant grill and bar experience with a modern yet cozy atmosphere. Open daily from late morning until midnight or later on weekends, it serves a diverse menu in a lively setting that blends dining, art, and nightlife. This venue is a popular social hub known for its moderate pricing and welcoming vibe.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Wee Pub - The Smallest Pub in Scotland
Nestled in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, The Wee Pub holds the title of Scotland’s smallest pub, accommodating around 20 guests. Despite its tiny size, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a traditional fireplace, a dresser-style bar, and high tables perfect for intimate gatherings. Known for its impressive whisky selection and cosy charm, it’s ideal for private hires and special celebrations in a snug setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Masons Arms
The Masons Arms is a charming, inexpensive pub located at 74 Main St, Carnwath, Lanark. Known for its friendly atmosphere, attentive staff, and classic pub fare, it offers a cozy setting with a pool table and regular entertainment. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it’s a popular local spot for both visitors and residents seeking a relaxed social experience.
Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
BEST PUBLIC BAR
Located in the historic border town of Coldstream, the Best Public Bar offers a quintessential Scottish pub experience. Set amidst the scenic landscapes of the Scottish Borders, this bar is known for its welcoming atmosphere, traditional charm, and local drinks selection. It serves as a social hub for locals and visitors alike, providing a cozy retreat in a tranquil rural setting.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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