W B hisky
ars
d n a l t o OF Sc 3rd Edition – 2017
Ta ke a Nip inside Scotland’s top whisky bars
WELCOME TO THE NEW MALT ORDER
W
elcome
Welcome to our third editon of ‘Whisky Bars of Scotland’. This year we feature 52 bars from around the country from the Highlands to the Lowlands, the Islands too, and all of the bars featured have an excellent selection of whisky. Whether you are a connoisseur or a novice there will be plenty of whiskies that you like in these bars, and of course do ask at the bar if you have any questions because staff are happy to share their knowledge. Great whisky bars come in all shapes and sizes, some are
contemporary and some are traditional, but what they all have in common is the desire to promote all things Scottish, and this doesn’t just stop at whisky, most of these bars also offer great Scottish food. Obviously this is not the definitive list of whisky bars in Scotland, because we are limited by space, but this is a super selection to get you started! As a Keeper of the Quaich I’m tasked with promoting Scotch Whisky and it brings a smile to my face when I think of all the great whisky these bars have to offer.
Susan Young Publisher
Published by: Media World Ltd Upper Floor, Finnieston House, 1 The Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8ND T: 0141 221 6965 E: news@mediaworldltd.com W: dramscotland.co.uk Editor: Susan Young Editorial: Annabelle Love & Scott Fleming Production: Lorraine Goulay & Dougie Wagstaff Sales: Sylvia Forsyth, Lisa Clifford & Lucy McGovern The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors/omissions. Any transparencies or artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. © Media World Limited 2017.
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HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
THE ONLY TRADITIONALLY PEATED HIGHLAND MALT WHISKY The Ardmore is the perfect beginning to a journey into peated single malt whisky
Aberdeen & North East Casc 8 Cheers Cafe Bar & Tavern 10 The Dowans Hotel 11 The Mash Tun 12 Musa 13 The Station Hotel 14 Edinburgh The Abbey Bar 17 The Albanach 18 The Athletic Arms 19 The Black Cat 20 The Bow Bar 21 The Canny Man 22 The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 23 Teuchters Bar 24 Teuchters Landing 25 Whiski 26 Whiski Rooms 27 Whisky Bar @ The Scotch Whisky Experience 28
Glasgow & the West Artisan Restaurant 30 Bag O’Nails 31 Ben Nevis 32 Bon Accord 33 The Lismore 34 The Old Toll 35 Òran Mór 36 The Pot Still 37 Piper Whisky Bar 39 The Villa Hotel 40 Highland & Islands Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant 42 The Bowmore Hotel 43 Eddrachillies Hotel 44 The Inn on Loch Lomond 45 The Islay Hotel 46 The Keys Bar 47 Lochranza Hotel 48 Lochside Hotel 49 Port Charlotte Hotel 50 Macgochans 51 Sligachan Hotel 52
Other Areas The Ardshiel Hotel 54 The Bar @ Gleneagles 55 Curly Coo 56 Dornach Castle Hotel 57 Fiddlers 58 Fort Hotel 59 The George Hotel 60 The Knockinaam Lodge 61 Muckrach Lodge Hotel 62 Oak Tree Inn 63 The Old Mill 64 Pibroch Whisky Bar 65 The Speedwell Bar 66
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ontents
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Whisky Map of Scotland
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slands
peyside
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ighlands
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slay
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L
owlands
ampbeltown
A N E
berdeen &
orth
ast
Welcome to the World’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse A treasure trove of rich history and balanced f lavours
C
You might need a coffee after trying a few whiskies and their coffees are sourced from locations as diverse as Costa Rica and Kenya and
asc
7 Stirling Street Merchant Quarter Aberdeen AB11 6ND Tel: 01224 212373 www.cascbar.co.uk
CASC have four specialities – Cuban cigars, craft beer, Scotch whisky and artisan coffee – and this bar in Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter adheres to very high standards in every one of those departments. A visit to CASC is truly an adventure as this isn’t just a bar, it also plays host to an off-sales and a walk-in humidor.
Over 500 whiskies are waiting to be coveted and perused, split into eight categories – blends, grains, Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Island, Campbeltown and Islay. Their beers are also colour-coded by style – yellow for lager, orange for bitters and stouts, blue for IPAs. There’s definitely no shortage of drinks to try.
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C C B T heers
10 Broad Street Fraserburgh AB43 9AH
afe
ar &
avern
This fantastic venue, located in Fraserburgh, really is a must-visit. Winner of over 25 national awards from a plethora of categories ranging Tel: 01346 517620 from Best Spirits Bar, Beer Quality, Family Bar, www.cheersbarfraserburgh.com Independent Bar, Beer Garden/Outside Area, Smoking Facility, Friendliest Bar and Sky Sports ‘Ultimate Venue’ amongst others, it really offers something for everyone. Choose from almost
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900 different kinds of spirits, including more than 300 whiskies (malts, blended, bourbon, liqueur and world). They also carry an extensive range of gins (almost 200), vodkas (80 plus) and rum (70 plus) and they have more than 20 different tonic waters. There are six rooms and meals available seven days a week. An overnight stay is highly recommended to enjoy all this venue has to offer!
T D he
owans
Dowans Road Aberlour AB38 9LS Tel: 01340 871488 www.dowanshotel.com
H
otel
The Still, the beautifully finished whisky snug, is home to over 500 whiskies ranging from a substantial Speyside collection including rare and interesting bottles, a healthy contribution from the 4 other regions in Scotland and an International section paying homage to some of the outstanding whiskies that have emerged in recent years. As well as providing a space for relaxation and whisky ‘contemplation’, The Still
also offers the ideal location for private dining events whether that be for a special occasion, an Afternoon Tea amongst friends or a bespoke whisky paired menu. Furthermore, regular tastings are organised with industry experts throughout the year, focusing on an in-depth perspective. A popular destination of choice for those involved in the industry and visitors alike, it won’t disappoint!
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T M T he
ash
8 Broomfield Square Aberlour AB38 9QP Tel: 01340 881 771 www.mashtun-aberlour.com
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un
At The Mash Tun you can enjoy locally sourced Scottish contemporary food and Scottish whisky, and stay in one of its five whisky themed rooms situated above the bar area. The bar itself is home to a wide and varied selection of whiskies, both single malts and blends, predominately from Speyside but also incorporating distilleries from the rest of Scotland. Included in this selection is the
exclusive Glenfarclas Family Cask Collection. The Family Casks are a unique collection of 50 single cask whiskies, with one for each consecutive year from 1952 to 2001. There is no other known collection of rare and old whiskies that covers 50 consecutive years from the same distillery. Staff at the The Mash Tun are also welcoming, well trained and happy to recommend whiskies to try.
M
usa
33 Exchange Street Aberdeen AB11 6PH Tel: 01224 571771 www.musaaberdeen.com
Musa is home to Aberdeen’s resident Whisky Ambassador John Kelman, as well as being a Partner Bar and ‘Home from Home’ of the Scottish Malt Whisky Society. They hand-select their own single cask independent bottlings and also offer a range of boutique whiskies, contemporary and classic drams from around Scotland and the rest of the world.
Located in the merchant quarter of Aberdeen, Musa is restaurant, art gallery and live music venue in one – set against the canvas of a beautifully refurbished 19th century church. The eclectic menu fuses world inspired cuisine with quirky interpretations of Scottish staples, focusing on local produce. Musa hosts whisky dinners, whisky tastings and festivals and it also has a monthly gin club.
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T S he
tation
51 New Street Rothes, Moray AB38 7BJ Tel: 01340 832200 stationhotelspeyside.com
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H
otel
Located in the beating heart of Scotland’s malt whisky country, whisky bars do not come more authentic than the Spirit Safe at The Station Hotel in Rothes. Customers to the boutique whisky escape on Speyside will find a range of over 500 malts – and an actual spirit safe which houses some of
the hotel’s most collectable drams. The recently refurbished hotel, which has over 60 distilleries in a 50-mile radius, offers guests undiluted luxury. It is owned by Forsyths of Rothes – the company responsible for creating many of the copper stills fundamental to the production of Scotland’s national drink.
Crafted to showcase complexity and depth, Rare Cask is drawn from the broadest spectrum of casks, 16 different types, ever identified by the Master Whisky Maker. Far less than 1% of those casks maturing at the distillery have been identified as fitting to bestow the Rare Cask name. With rarity at its core, this is a whisky crafted from casks so rare they will never again be used in any Macallan whisky. Combining Spanish and American sherry seasoned oak casks, a high proportion of them first fill, gives rise to an exquisite whisky with a splendidly rich hue, and an unmistakable woody whisky. This is a single malt which captures a true decadence; its creation goes beyond any other Macallan whisky and its rarity is absolute. It is a single malt of such diversity and intricacy it challenges the very conventions of whisky creation. F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P LE A S E V I S I T T H EM ACA LLA N . CO M PLEASE SAVOUR RESPONSIBLY
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E
dinburgh
T A B he
bbey
65 South Clerk Street Edinburgh EH8 9PP Tel: 0131 668 4862 www.abbeybar.co.uk
ar
The Abbey is a traditional family-run whisky bar and a true slice of the Capital with locals, tourists, professionals and students mixing happily, creating a friendly, inviting atmosphere. With over 250 whiskies on offer, ranging from the old favourites to rare bottlings from home and abroad you will be spoilt for choice but don’t worry – the staff are all whisky trained and happy to help out with advice.
An in-house expert is on-hand if you have any bottles at home that you might like to sell, and there is a Whisky Club too. The extensive food menu includes fresh Scottish dishes such as wood pigeon, venison and game casserole alongside traditional pub favourites, while whisky is also paired with food on a separate tasting menu.
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T A he
lbanach
197 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PE Tel: 0131 220 5277 albanach-edinburgh.co.uk
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The Albanach is the self-proclaimed ‘sophisticated city centre celebration of Scotland’. It’s certainly one of the coolest-looking bars in the Capital. Inside, you won’t be able to miss the Albanach’s wall of around 250 whiskies behind the long central bar, with a dedicated menu to make agonising over which one to try just that little bit easier. And this is a bar that takes whisky very seriously with its own whisky tours, whereby
customers can select three or four malts themed by age or location. Real ales, including the occasional guest, sit next to a range of draught lagers too. This Edinburgh favourite is the epitome of Scottish hospitality, with an equal emphasis on the food side of things with a large restaurant in the rear, serving Scottish favourites such as locally sourced haggis, cullen skink, salmon and steaks.
T A he
thletic
1-3 Angle Park Terrace Edinburgh EH11 2JX Tel: 0131 337 3822
A
rms
The Athletic Arms is known locally as the Diggers because of its proximity to two Edinburgh cemeteries – gravediggers would quench their thirst here back in the day – the pub is a bit of an institution and popular with locals and tourists alike. The current owner has amassed an impressive collection of over 250 single malts and also offers a great range of real ales and outstanding pies.
The pub, which dates back to 1897, retains traditional features including a marble bar top, wooden floors and eight polished tall founts (pronounced ‘fonts’) – one of only a handful of pubs in the Capital who still use them. They run a whisky festival each year and serve the amber liquid in the larger 35ml measure for taste and quality.
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T B C he
lack
168 Rose Street Edinburgh EH2 4BA Tel: 0131 225 3349 www.theblackcatbar.com
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at
The Black Cat is the only independent public house on Edinburgh’s Rose Street and prides itself on providing a relaxed place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a hand-picked selection of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Owner Chris Miles is a whisky enthusiast with over 120 malts in his collection and counting! He is always happy to share his expertise with customers and also stocks a large variety of
local beers and cask ales and all Scottish lager is on draught. A selection of Scottish fayre is served daily from 11am and coffee from 10.30am. The venue has live Scottish folk music sessions from 9.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and from 4pm Sundays. Don’t miss the pub quiz on Tuesdays at 7pm.
T B B he
ow
80 West Bow Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2HH Tel: 0131 226 7667 www.thebowbar.co.uk
ar
The Bow Bar is a typical traditional pub, with a mahogany gantry loaded with more than 320 malts. There is always a core of the popular and familiar, but their philosophy is experimental. Single Casks, various finishes, new releases, requests and recommendations, whims and fancies. As well as the many distillery brands, Independent bottlings include Adelphi, Berry Bros, Cadenhead’s, Chieftain’s, Creative Whisky
Co, Duncan Taylor and Gordon & MacPhail, to name but a few. The staff are enthusiastic about the whole subject and are happy to help you select a whisky to suit your palate. As well as whisky, the pub also offers real ales served from a row of gleaming brass tall founts and a great selection of bottled beers too. Food, however, is limited to lunchtime pies, but its friendly banter and no music policy means you hardly notice.
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T C M he
anny
237 Morningside Road Edinburgh EH10 4QU Tel: 0131 447 1484 www.cannymans.co.uk
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an
The Canny Man in Morningside has no connection with a brewery and makes the most of that independence with a bold drinks package featuring over 240 malt whiskies, some so rare they can only be found in private collections. Their commendations include a Gold Award bequeathed on them by Whisky Magazine, and the bar has a bit of TV glamour going for it also. The Canny Man’s renowned Bloody Mary has
featured on BBC show Saturday Kitchen and no less an expert than celebrity chef Rick Stein dubbed it, ‘the best pub in the world.’ Run by the Kerr family ever since its 1871 foundation, the pub is renowned in the capital for its sense of humour and unequivocal door policy, famously once hanging a sign that read, ‘No smoking, no credit cards, no cameras, no backpackers.’
T S he
cotch
28 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JX Tel: 0131 220 2044 www.smws.com
M W S alt
hisky
ociety
Access to the spectacular treasure trove of whiskies housed within this elegant Georgian building in Edinburgh’s New Town used to be strictly members only, but today its brand new Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and ever-popular Dining Room Restaurant are open to all. Members’ Exclusive Lounges on the top floors offer breathtaking views over the Firth of Forth and members can also enjoy a special tasting
table with SMWS ambassadors and a private snug area. The bars boast over 200 rare single malts from across Scotland and a range of finest craft beers, artisanal spirits and wines. The Dining Room Restaurant has moved up to the first floor as part of a recent refurbishment and been expanded to include features such as a Charles Heidsieck Champagne table.
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T
euchters
26 William Street Edinburgh EH3 7NH Tel: 0131 225 2973 www.aroomin.co.uk
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B
ar
A Room in the West End
Teuchters is a highland themed free-house with a cosy atmosphere. This hidden gem is popular with locals and a regular stop-off for rugby fans travelling to and from Murrayfield. Its large whisky selection includes around 90 single malts, 20-odd international and blended whiskies and their very own Hoop of Destiny – a game of Hoopla with malt whisky as the prize. There is also a great selection of Scottish cask
ales, keg lines and bottles as well as gin, rum and much more. The bar food menu includes burgers, dogs, pies, chips and The Mug Menu – classic Scottish dishes like Cullen Skink served in mugs. Downstairs in the bistro you can enjoy fine food with a Scottish twist – the emphasis is on high quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
T
euchters
1c Dock Place, Leith Edinbugh EH6 6LU Tel: 0131 554 7427 www.aroomin.co.uk
L
anding
A Room in Leith
Located in the popular Shore area of Leith, this free-house pub used to be the waiting room for the steam ferry from Leith to Aberdeen. It’s a bit like the tardis – from the outside it looks quite small, but inside it opens up to reveal a traditional wood panelled bar area, complete with a range of over 100 malt whiskies, predominantly Scottish cask, keg and bottled beer, gin, rums and a great wine list.
Its large beer garden and pontoon are popular during the summer. The bar menu includes the ever-popular mugs – haggis, neeps & tatties, Cullen Skink or haggis stovies – alongside pub staples like burgers, hot dogs and pies while the bistro (across the courtyard) has a reputation for great game, steaks and vegetarian options.
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W
hiski
119 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SG Tel: 0131 556 3095 www.whiskibar.co.uk
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The award winning WHISKI is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s premiere whisky bars. The owners and staff have a genuine passion for whisky. As a result the bar boasts some 270 malt whiskies and this total does not include all of its blended whiskies and whisky liqueur. The bar has rare, vintage and cask strengths, and all the major and lesser known brands including many from distilleries no longer in operation.
WHISKI specialises in all things Scottish and is a beautiful traditional bar with an extensive range of Scottish craft beers and cider. The all day dining bar and restaurant serves the best of fresh Scottish food using the best local produce. It is also a live music venue and holds many events at the bar, including whisky tastings and food and whisky events. See its website for more details.
W R hiski
4-7 N Bank Street Edinburgh EH1 2LP Tel: 0131 225 7224 www.whiskirooms.co.uk
ooms Award winning Whiski Rooms (BII whisky bar of the Year 2014) is situated on the Mound and is quite a unique venue. Not only does it have a bar and all day dining bistro/restaurant, but it also boasts a specialist whisky shop and tasting rooms. This is the ideal venue for whisky enthusiasts as the bar operates a ‘try before you buy’ policy whereby any whisky you try in the bar can then be bought from the
adjoining shop. You can arrange to take part in a dedicated tasting session run by experts, or treat yourself to a great whisky cocktail. It is also an Ardbeg Embassy – the only one in Scotland. But it’s not just whisky this bar excels at; it also offers a wide range of beers, lagers, and premium spirits as well as very tasty fresh Scottish food.
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W B hisky
354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 2NE Tel: 0131 477 8477 scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
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ar
The Amber Restaurant
Located in the vaults of leading whisky attraction, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar provides the perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. The newly renovated Whisky bar boasts over 430 different whiskies from across Scotland, including single malt, single grain and blended whiskies, alongside a range of whisky liqueurs. There are also a number of regional
tasting trays available, which give a flavour of each of Scotland’s whisky producing areas. In the adjacent restaurant, David Neave and his expert team bring together the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients that Scotland’s larder has to offer to create dishes full of flavour and character. A number of food and whisky matching packages are available, alongside the restaurant’s famous Scottish tapas.
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lasgow
A
rtisan
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249/251 Main Street Wishaw ML2 7NE Tel: 01698 373893 www.artisan-restaurant.com
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estaurant Artisan in Wishaw has one of the biggest selection of whiskies in the country. Therefore staff expertise is key when it comes to selecting your whisky. Every employee is a trained Whisky Ambassador, allowing you to make an educated decision when you apprise the jaw-dropping selection of over 1,300 whiskies – a treasure trove so
inviting it’s lured visitors from all over the world. The cosy bar is located alongside a restaurant which is also very popular, with the menu revised regularly. Artisan celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2018 – it not only has great whisky it has staying power too.
B o' N ag
165 Dumbarton Road Partick, Glasgow G11 6AA Tel: 0141 465 9920 www.bag-o-nails.co.uk
ails
Bag O’Nails, launched in August 2016, is a bar, restaurant, live music venue and most importantly a part of the Partick/West End community. A lot has certainly been achieved in a short space of time. The drinks list is one of the most extensive in the city with fridges packed with the latest craft beer trends and hand-picked bottles from the most important producing regions in the world. There is a massive, ever
evolving spirit selection with all categories being covered. The impressive whisky list comprises over 80 whiskies ranging with well-known favourites from home and abroad. The special ‘Hawf & Hawf’ offer, which includes a half pint and half whisky of the bar's choosing changes weekly to give customers the chance to try something differnt. At Bag O’Nails efficient and friendly service with a smile is the key.
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B N en
evis
1147 Argyle Street Glasgow G3 8TB Tel: 0141 576 5204 www.thebennevis.co.uk
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The Ben Nevis allows you to feel like you’ve scaled a Munro without stepping foot out of Glasgow's trendy Finnieston district. Eye-catching design features abound in a venue that’s a hit with everyone from tourists to dog owners, including a fault line running across the floor as a visual representation of the point where the Lowlands
and Highlands meet. Slanted shelves and rocks mounted on the wall add to the unique character, and visitors can enjoy live Celtic music as they choose between almost 300 different whiskies. The bar tends to be standing room only at weekends but the atmosphere and choice means that it is worth making your way to this bar.
B A on
ccord
153 North Street Glasgow G3 7DA Tel: 0141 248 4427 www.bonaccordweb.co.uk
The Charing Cross area of Glasgow, sandwiched in between Sauchiehall Street and West End, plays host to some of the city's more intriguing nightlife spots, and the Bon Accord is one of the very best. Owned and ran by the McDonagh family, it’s a pub that prides itself on its award-winning choice of single malts and
also specialises in real ale. It originally opened in 1971, and over the years it has gained a great reputation for quality, but good value, pub meals too. The Bon Accord also runs its own beer festivals and hosts plenty of whisky tasting nights over the course of the year too.
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T L he
ismore
206 Dumbarton Road Glasgow G11 6UN Tel: 0141 576 0102 facebook.com/LismoreBar
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Winner of the Wee DRAM Whisky Bar of the Year trophy in 2014, The Lismore has an excellent range of malts (200 plus and counting), and also does a very reasonable Malt of the Month. It’s one of the best known pubs in the area and has been sympathetically restored with exposed stone walls and quirky features including stained glass windows depicting scenes from
the Highland Clearances. Urinals in the gents’ loos feature the men who orchestrated the Clearances – with customers encouraged to acknowledge them as they see fit. The main part of the bar runs almost the length of the building and always has a buzz about it, while the lounge is perfect for a relaxed drink and there is also a beer garden.
T OT he
ld
1 Paisley Road West Glasgow G51 1LF Tel: 0141 258 4830
oll The Old Toll Bar is a traditional Glasgow pub with one of the best looking gantries in the city. It offers a wide range of drinks from the Old Toll Lager, made for the Old Toll by Drygate brewery to classic cocktails made by professional bartenders. It also has a wide and varied range of craft beers and of course a large selection of malts and blended whisky’s from around
Scotland and the world, as well as, a few in the pubs special whisky safe. So why not head along to the The Old Toll Bar and join in on their regular quiz nights, or relax and enjoy its live entertainment. And for those vinyl fans there is a vinyl record player which is regularly in use playing soul, funk, old hip hop and reggae.
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`
O M ran
Top of Byres Road Glasgow G12 8QX Tel: 0141 357 6200 www.oran-mor.co.uk
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ór
One of the great all-purpose Glasgow venues, Òran Mór is a restaurant, nightclub, theatre and gig venue in a terrific location facing onto Glasgow Botanic Gardens at the top of Byres Road. It was originally Kelvinside Parish Church, and it re-opened in 2004, after it was transformed into Òran Mór which translates from Gaelic as ‘great melody of life’.
Over the years it has gained a reputation for being one of the main stays of Scottish theatre with its ‘A Play, a Pie and a Pint’ productions. But its Whisky Bar is no less strong a string to its bow, featuring a selection of over 280 malts. Òran Mór is also well known for its Alasdair Gray mural on the ceiling of the Auditorium upstairs. Worth checking out.
T PS he
ot
154 Hope Street Glasgow G2 2TH Tel: 0141 333 0980 www.thepotstill.co.uk
till This famous whisky pub is THE place for malt whisky in Glasgow. The iconic bar, which was built in 1835, has more than 700 whiskies on offer as well as cracking cask ales, proper home-made pies and friendly staff who pride themselves on their ability to find every customer their perfect dram – no wonder people come here from all over the world.
The Murphy family – including dad Brian, his son Frank and daughter Geraldine – have owned the bar for six years and won both the Wee DRAM Whisky Bar of the Year Awrd and Scottish Field magazine’s Whisky Bar of the Year award in 2016. They host regular whisky tastings throughout the year and also established the UK’s first Ladies-only Whisky Club
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[ A RARE FIND ] Discover a truly individual Single Malt Whisky: non chill-filtered for a unique and robust highland character.
GLENGARIOCH.COM
/GLENGARIOCH
P W B iper
57 Cochrane Street Glasgow G1 1HL Tel: 0141 552 1740 www.thepiperbar.com
hisky
ar
The Piper Whisky bar is a friendly, traditional style pub in the heart of the city centre, on George Square. it is ideally located for tourists and locals alike. This bar is well known for the great atmosphere and live entertainment. It is a Scottish whisky bar with a range of malts from every Scottish distillery and blends to suit all
tastes, as well as an excellent selection of beers, wines, gin and bourbon. Fabulous food served daily until 9pm, with traditional favourites and Scottish tapas for those who want to try something more unique and cultural.
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T V H he
illa
49-51 Burnbank Road Hamilton ML3 9AQ Tel: 01698 891777 www.thevillahotelonline.co.uk
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otel
The Villa Hotel believe there’s a whisky for everyone. A person who says they don’t like whisky just hasn’t discovered their whisky. The bar offers over 350 whiskies including 320 single malts from all whisky regions and this is increasing all the time. Housed in a period property with links to famous
explorer David Livingstone, this family business established in 2002 has a welcoming restaurant, bright conservatory and beer garden. There is also a whisky club, where members can spend a lively evening tasting and discussing whisky with like-minded folk, is growing ever more popular.
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ighlands
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I
Ballygrant Isle of Islay PA45 7QR
At the heart of Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant is its award winning whisky bar – voted Whisky Bar of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2015. Known locally as Robolls Bar, it is popular with locals and tourists alike and is well stocked with a selection of over 400 whiskies from Islay, Scotland, and around the world. It also serves a wide selection of draught and bottled beers and
allygrant
Tel: 01496 840 277 www.ballygrant-inn.com
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nn ciders, wines and spirits. There is a pool table, darts boards, an extensive whisky library and wood-burning stove. The Inn, which has seven guest rooms, enjoys a great reputation for good quality home-made food, made with fresh ingredients including Islay beef, lamb and venison and local scallops, crab, lobster and langoustine.
T B he
owmore
Jamieson Street Bowmore, Isle of Islay PA43 7HL Tel: 01496 810 416 www.bowmorehotel.co.uk
H
otel
Bowmore Hotel is situated in the island’s ‘capital’, Bowmore, and is close to all the village amenities, as well as the world famous Bowmore Distillery. A family-run venue, it has 11 en-suite bedrooms, some of which were recently updated with bespoke furnishings and luxury wet rooms. The hotel bar, known locally as Lucci’s, stocks a great selection of Islay’s famous malt whiskies while the hotel’s chefs make excellent use of
the island’s local produce, including beef, lamb and seafood. Food is served in the beautifully appointed dining room, while a decking area at the back of the hotel has views over Loch Indaal and barbeques are held on Sundays throughout spring, summer and autumn. The hotel offers Free Wi-Fi access and is open all year round.
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E
ddrachillies
Badcall Bay Scourie Sutherland IV27 4TH Tel: 01971 502 080 www.eddrachilles.com
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H
otel
Sheltered by gentle hills and with stunning sea views, this is a relaxing place to escape to in the North West Highlands. New owners Richard and Fiona are gradually putting their own stamp on this 18th century former manse, whilst maintaining its simple, honest character. In the middle of a remote wilderness, Eddrachilles offers comfortable accommodation, with 10
en-suite rooms, cosy lounges with wood-burning stoves and an excellent restaurant complete with the original stone walls and flag stone floors. The lounge bar has over 60 malt whiskies and staff can arrange to pair a selection with luxury Scottish hand-made chocolates – what a combination! The restaurant offers both table d’hôte and tasting menus using fresh local ingredients including seafood, venison, beef and lamb.
T I oL L he
nn n
Inverbeg Loch Lomond G83 8PD Tel: 01436 860 678 innonlochlomond.co.uk
och
omond
The Inn on Loch Lomond is a stylish, contemporary Inn, offering modern accommodation, a fantastic restaurant and bar with unique furnishings in leather and cow hide and of course a cosy roaring fire. Located at Inverbeg on the banks of Loch Lomond, the hotels Mr C’s Fish & Whisky Bar, is a novel concept celebrating two things Scotland is
famous for; fresh fish and fantastic whisky. The bar itself has an organic, rustic feel and provides the perfect perch to enjoy one or two malts and offers a selection of whiskies from the top seven whisky regions. The weekends bring a variety of local folk music entertainment that provide the perfect atmosphere for a great evening out.
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T I H he
slay
Charlotte St, Port Ellen Isle of Islay PA42 7DF Tel: 01496 300109 www.theislayhotel.com
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otel
Ideally located in the fishing village of Port Ellen and recently listed as one of the top whisky hotels in Scotland, the Islay Hotel has 13 luxury rooms, a restaurant and of course a unique and well-stocked Whisky Bar. As well as the standard expressions of the island’s eight distilleries, they have a vast selection of special and limited edition whiskies – this really
is a whisky lover’s delight. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to chat about any of the collection you fancy trying. The hotel has a growing reputation for its fresh seafood and works closely with local fishermen to get the best produce on to the menu. Other classics like rack of Argyll lamb and local venison are firm favourites too.
T K B he
eys
87 Market Street St Andrews KY16 9NX Tel: 01334 472414 www.keysbar.co.uk
ar
Whether you are paying a visit to St Andrews for a game of golf or simply visiting the sights of this lovely historic town, you would be well advised to make a stop for a dram at The Keys Bar right in the centre of town in Market Street. Crowned Sunday Mail Pub of the Year in 2014, it is one of the only independent bars operating in the town.
The Keys’ success can be attributed to owner Claire and her team’s personable, hospitable nature; nothing is too much trouble, and a hearty welcome is guaranteed to all who step through the door. With over 270 malt whiskies available including many rarities, The Keys Bar is truly one of Scotland’s hidden gems.
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L
ochranza
Lochranza Isle of Arran KA27 8HL Tel: 01770 830223 www.lochranzahotel.co.uk
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H
otel
A real institution in one of Scotland’s foremost beauty spots, the Lochranza Hotel on the Isle of Arran offers visitors a choice of over 500 malts. This impressive selection includes their own malt, Eason Biorach, and the menu is underpinned by fresh local produce. You can enjoy snacks, lunches and suppers in the Garden Bar which
overlooks the loch. Visitors can glimpse red deer and golden eagles on nature walks of the area, play golf on an 18-hole course nearby, or simply admire Castle Lochranza’s reflection in the glassy waters of the loch. If you choose to stay over all of the bedrooms are en-suite.
L
ochside
20 Shore Street Bowmore Isle of Islay PA43 7LB Tel: 01496 810 244 www.lochsidehotel.co.uk
H
otel
The Lochside is an Islay institution. It has recently been refurbished, and is an affordable, friendly hotel with 12 en-suite rooms, a bustling restaurant, a whisky lounge bar and more casual bar called Duffies. The whisky bar boasts 100’s of whiskies which range from rare malts to popular blends. The Lochside also has stunning views from its
conservatory restaurant, as well as a menu offering fresh scallops and langoustines. Guest rooms too have lovely views and there’s even an outdoor terrace which can be used when the weather it good. And of course Bowmore Distillery is a stone throw away while Islay’s seven other distilleries are within easy reach too.
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P C ort
harlotte
Port Charlotte Isle of Islay PA48 7TU Tel: 01496 850 360 www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk
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otel
The hotel is located in the beautiful conservation village of Port Charlotte and enjoys a beachside setting with stunning views over Loch Indaal. This award-winning venue has 10 luxury rooms, a bar, restaurant and conservatory. Guests can relax in front of the open fires in its residents’ lounge and bar and enjoy the convivial company over a whisky or two.
The bar plays host to nearly 150 Islay malts including rare ones and local ales too. A few years ago it won the accolade Malt Whisky Bar of the Year from The Good Pub Guide while its restaurant has been awarded a Trip Advisor accolade – ‘Certificate of Excellence.’ The Port Charlotte Hotel may be small but it is very definitely welcoming.
M
acgochans
Ledaig, Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NR Tel: 01688 302 350 www.macgochans-tobermory.co.uk
Macgochans is one of the best pubs on the Isle of Mull, offering top live music, local food, lazy afternoons and great craic! The venue aims to showcase the best of island hospitality with four distinct areas for customers to enjoy – choose The Restaurant Bar if you like to wine and dine in style, or kick back beside a peat fire in Bar-beag if
you prefer something a little more casual. It showcases a fine range of around 100 Scottish whiskies and local cask ales too. The Function Suite caters for up to 200 (standing), while last but definitely not least is the Beer Garden – which gets the sun all day long and is the perfect spot to enjoy this peaceful island setting. Bliss!
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S
ligachan
Sligachan Isle of Skye IV47 8SW Tel: 01478 650 204 www.sligachan.co.uk
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H
otel
It would be hard to find a more dramatic and inspiring setting in the whole of Scotland than the one enjoyed by the Sligachan Hotel. It has the Black Cuillin towering at its back, and the sparkling waters of Loch Sligachan at its foot. Much loved by subsequent generations of visitors and locals, Sligachan is still family owned. Drink in the magnificent views from ‘Collie’s’ Lounge, sample a rare malt in Mackenzie’s Bar,
and relax beside a log fire. The Harta restaurant serves the finest produce in comfortable and welcoming surroundings. In contrast to the peaceful retreat of the hotel, Seumas’ Bar is the place to enjoy the famed ‘craic’ of the Highlands. It has over 450 malt whiskies on display and a great selection of real ales most of which are brewed on site at The Cuillin Brewery. The thirsty traveller is well catered for here.
O A ther
reas
T A he
rdshiel
Kilkerran Road Campbeltown PA28 6JL Tel: 01586 552133 www.ardshiel.co.uk
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otel
A hotel built nearly 150 years for a whisky baron seems a fine choice for whisky connoisseurs, and in the case of The Ardshiel, that's a very safe assumption to make. Proprietors Flora Grant and Marion MacKinnon lay on a smorgasbord of Scotch whisky options – including over 500 malts – in their Usquebaugh Bar and Lounge. Guests also have the option of popping to the nearby
Springbank, Glengyle or Glen Scotia distilleries, making the long trip down the Kintyre Peninsula well worth while. On-site facilities include The Garden Restaurant, which serves Kintyre lamb and locally caught scallops, and the Arran Suite, a function room with a capacity of 65 that frequently hosts whisky events.
T B G he
ar @
Auchterarder Perthshire PH3 1NF Tel: 0800 389 3737 www.gleneagles.com
leneagles
Considered one of the very best hotels in the world, it’s perhaps no surprise that The Gleneagles Hotel is also one of Scotland's premier whisky destinations. Home to three championship golf courses, an award-winning spa, and an exhilarating array of outdoor activities, Gleneagles plays host to The Bar and The Blue Bar. The former serves over 120 malt whiskies in a opulent Jazz Age-themed
setting, whereas the latter combines whisky with high-quality cigars in a venue perfect for private events and corporate functions. Gleneagles is a true behemoth, with an 850-acre estate and its own train station, and famously hosted the 31st G8 Summit back in 2005 and the Ryder Cup in 2014. It was described as ‘a Riviera of the Highlands’ when first opened back in 1924.
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C C urly
oo
51 Barnton Street Stirling FK8 1HH Tel: 01786 447 191 www.curlycoobar.com
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Award winning Whisky Bar situated in Stirling City Centre. Voted Whisky Bar of the Year 2015 in the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge. Shortlisted for Whisky Bar of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub awards 2015. The Coo is a cosy traditional bar hosting around 130 Malt Whiskies which includes a selection of
distillery, independant and bottlings from further afield. It hosts regular whisky tastings and a recently launched ‘Coo Drammers’ whisky club. It also runs its annual ‘Wee Whisky Fest’ in October. There is also a plentiful gantry with an array of Scottish Gins, local beers and Scottish Cider: just in case you don't want a dram!
D
ornoch
Castle Street Dornoch Sutherland IV25 3SD Tel: 01862 810 216 www.dornochcastlehotel.com
C H astle
otel
An hour north of Inverness, this converted castle and tower is a spectacular wedding venue and a haven for whisky experts to boot. Phil and Simon Thomson not only tinker with and hone their collection of over 200 bottles but also run a widely popular blog and Twitter account on the subject. Moreover, Phil and Simon have put that expertise to use by
beginning to build their very own distillery. Rooms at Dornoch Castle Hotel come in various types – Garden Standard, Deluxe, Superior and Old Courtroom. Some of the best 18-hole golf courses in the country are close to hand, most notably the Royal Dornoch Golf Club – the third oldest in the world behind St Andrews and Leith.
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F
iddlers
The Village Green, Drumnadrochit Loch Ness IV63 6TX Tel: 01456 450 678 www.fiddledrum.co.uk
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Fiddler’s Malt Whisky Bar is renowned amongst whisky enthusiasts because owner Jon Beach is truly passionate about whisky and over the years has amassed a fine collection. Its famous Whisky Library includes nearly all the named Scottish single malts available from Aberfeldy to Wolfburn. While its top shelf is home to many older expressions, award-winning drams, Inverness malts, rare whiskies, and even some
international whiskies. One of Fiddler’s Whisky Bar’s specialties is Closed Distilleries with at least a dozen different expressions open at any one time. Independent bottlers are also represented to show the amazing breadth and diversity of Scottish whisky. As well as the well stocked bar, food is also an important part of Fiddler’s offering, and it has accommodation too.
F H ort
48 Fort Street, Broughty Ferry Dundee DD5 2AB Tel: 01382 737 999 www.fort-hotel.com
otel The Fort Hotel in Broughty Ferry is so much more than ‘just’ a hotel, as their 2012 lifting of The Sunday Mail’s Pub of the Year proves. The Shackleton MacKinley Antartic and the Dalmore King Alexander III are amongst the curated whiskies stocked in the bar, which is decorated with burnt mahogany and bespoke gargoyles. Foodies can head straight for on-site
restaurant Borgotaro – also an award-winner – which takes its name from Borgo Val di Toro, a northern Italian town famed for its Parmesan cheese and wild Porcini mushrooms. The Fort even stage their own music festival, the Big Weekend, every May, with profits going to charity.
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T G he
eorge
Main Steet East Inveraray Argyll PA32 8TT Tel: 01499 302 111 www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk
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H
otel
Originally a private house when first constructed in 1770, and later partially converted into two churches, The George Hotel’s rich history is encapsulated in its décor, which features original flagstoned floors plus log and peat fires. It has been in the Clark family for eight generations and under the families stewardship it has gained a reputation fare and wide for great hospitality. Their emphasis is very much on local
produce such as West Highland beef and Loch Fyne salmon while the drinks menu features real ales, wines, and more than 100 malt whiskies. Look out for its ‘Sunday Snug’ offers which are popular indeed. The George houses 17 lovely bedrooms, some with four-posters. It’s also a dog friendly environment and guests can stay over with their pooches too.
K
nockinaam
Portpatrick Dumfries and Galloway DG9 9AD Tel: 01776 810 471 www.knockinaamlodge.com
L
odge
Once the venue for a meeting between Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower, Knockinaam Lodge is one of just 11 Michelin-starred hotels in Scotland. Situated near Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway, their choice of 160 malt whiskies includes nine sourced from the local Bladnoch Distillery, and all of them can be enjoyed in the lodge's wood-panelled Whisky Bar – when guests
aren’t roaming round the 30 acres of grounds or private beach, that is. The ten bedrooms and suites are all individually named, the star turn being ‘Churchill’ where the wartime leader stayed during his visit. In charge of the kitchen is executive chef Tony Pierce, who has worked at a whole host of Michelin-starred establishments over the years.
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M
L H
Dulnain Bridge Grantown on Spey Morayshire PH26 3LY
Muckrach Country House Hotel has been transformed from a shooting lodge into a luxury destination for tourists and stay-cationers alike. The atmospheric bar has over 70 whiskies in stock and is adorned with whisky-themed artwork, and one malt per month is nominated as The Muckrach’s ‘Whisky of the Month’. Located near Grantown-on-Spey in Cairngorm National Park and operated by the Cowap
uckrach
Tel: 01479 851227 www.muckrach.com
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odge
otel family, the hotel stands in ten acres of serene grounds. There are Breakfast, Sunday Roast and Grazing menus, all overseen by head chef Rayner Muller and featuring Balliefurth pork belly, Aberdeenshire lamb and Argyll Estate Venison. Weddings of all kinds – summer or winter, packaged or bespoke – are held at the hotel, and the surrounds lend themselves well to sport and exercise activities.
O T I ak
ree
Balmaha Loch Lomond G63 0JQ Tel: 01360 870 357 www.theoaktreeinn.co.uk
nn
The ideal base for a visit to Loch Lomond, The Oak Tree Inn is a bed and breakfast, a restaurant, a whisky bar, coffee shop and a village store all under one roof. The stunning setting immediately beside Loch Lomond speaks for itself, but in between nature walks, paddles and bike rides visitors can avail themselves of Balmaha Whisky, a special product
created by The Oak Tree Inn owner Sandy Fraser working in conjunction with master blender Ian McMillan. Blended from single malt whiskies first distilled in 1997 – the year Sandy started the business – Balmaha Whisky has earned its place alongside Scotland’s other leading malts on the bar.
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T O M he
ld
Mill Lane, Pitlochry Perthshire PH16 5BH
ill
The Old Mill Inn has a wide selection of whiskies and even a whisky sauce that’s served with various different dishes on the menu. This Tel: 01796 474 020 converted corn mill in the popular Perthshire www.theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk town of Pitlochry is ran by a local family and specialises in live music and cocktail masterclasses. The local area abounds with sights of natural beauty and has an expansive cultural
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calendar including Highland Games, country dancing and the Winter Words literary festival. A five-minute walk from Pitlochry Station, the four-star Old Mill is dog-friendly and serves excellent food, whilst the headline design feature is an original water wheel adjacent to the outside seating area.
P
ibroch
W B
Drumnadrochit Inverness-shire IV63 6TU Tel: 01456 450 342 www.lochness-hotel.com
hisky
ar
@ Loch Ness Lodge Hotel
The hotel’s Pibroch Whisky Bar offers a celebration of the finest malt whiskies and Scottish folk music. Its specialised whisky masters will help you choose a nip or two of ‘uisge beatha’ from its wide selection. There are regular whisky tastings and they also stock a variety of local Loch Ness Brewery ale from the village. Guests can enjoy a bar supper in the Pibroch, or dine in the Library Garden
Restaurant. The chef uses carefully prepared Scottish produce including cheese from the local dairy, West Coast salmon and West Coast scallops and langoustines. The hotel itself has 50 well-appointed rooms. Dating back to 1740, the building has been beautifully restored and features exposed stone walls, tartan carpets and open peat fires.
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T S he
peedwell
165-167 Perth Road Dundee DD2 1AS Tel: 01382 667783 www.speedwell-bar.co.uk
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ar
The Speedwell Bar is that rarest of treats, a genuine Edwardian bar – one of a small number in Scotland and the only one in Dundee. Located in the West End of the City of Discovery, the bar's gantry, shelves, panelling and fireplaces are all mahogany and the space is divided into a main bar and two small lounges. Quite aside from history and the aesthetic qualities, The Speedwell
provides a comprehensive range of beers and wines in addition to over 100 malt whiskies. The pub is referred to by locals and those in the know as ‘Mennies’, in homage to former landlady Mrs Mennie, who ran the establishment for over half a century, and is renowned for its diverse clientele, attracting white and blue collar drinkers in equal measure.
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