Where to eat and drink in Scotland

Following a banging few seasons of Scottish snow, we're planning to get Scottish resorts up on the site soon. In the meantime we asked our Scottish friend Andrew Black to recommend his favourite bars and restaurants - after all, the après is as important as the ski! It's a round-up of Andrew's personal opinion, so please do let us know if you disagree or have any to add; just post in the comments below or email us.

 

The best Scottish ski resources

If you're planning a trip check out these two great resources. The Winterhighland forum, frequented by the most knowledgeable and keen skiers in Scotland, can answer any question you have, while Ski-Scotland have brilliant up-to-the-minute weather, lift, access road and piste info, which works well on smartphones too.

 

Glenshee - from the south...

Spital of Glenshee

Close to the bunkhouse/B&B and is itself a hotel.
Site of hostelry for several hundred years (although the current building is newer), lots of tartan and all staff are in kilts.
Nice place for a hot chocolate/pint/high tea (excellent home baking) and a large log fire. Close to the snow gate so popular for breakfast/coffee on such days. New ownership (Jan 2010 I think), the hotel is six miles from the slopes.

 

Bridge of Cally  

Hotel/Restaurant/Bar

Independent ski hire shop in the hotel carpark. 10% discount on food with a ski pass. Location to allow choice between Glenshee (19miles) and Cairngorm (via B950 approx 2hrs).

 

To the north...

About 11 miles away is Braemar. Braemar is more popular with bus tours as it's in Royal Deeside. Only two places I have drunk in are the:

 

Fife Arms

Has a pleasant bar, but I would not go there of choice. Very old clientelle and needs a big investment... This one's more of a warning than a review, I guess!

 

Invercauld Arms

Another one which is popular with tour buses, but has a bar and isn't a huge walk from the youth hostel.

 

The Moorfield House Hotel and Restaurant

I haven't been here, but my dad insists it the best place to eat in Braemar (not necessarily a huge compliment!).
 
There are a few old hotels on the road to Aberdeen, and several nice places in Ballater, however I have never stayed there so can't really comment. Let us know if you have - comment below!

 

Glencoe/Nevis Range

Nevis Range is about 40mins to an hour further up the road, but often one will be chosen over the other depending on the weather. I am a huge fan of them both. So starting from the south (heading towards Glencoe first, then Nevis)

 

The Drovers Inn

Simply a superb place for food and drink. Real ales, fine whisky selection and log fires. Located at the top of Loch Lomond and very popular with Glaswegians heading home from the slopes. Also has accommodation.

 

Falls of Drochart Inn, Killin

Old Hotel at the bridge. Good food and a big log fire. Can be quiet, but one of my favourate places to eat post-ski.

 

Crianlarich Hotel, Crianlarich

Beside the railway station (the Caledonian Sleeper stops here as well as the Glasgow-Fort William services), the hotel offers free transport to the slopes at the weekend. Great food, large bar and TV. Offers celidh music on the weekend. Very popular and highly recommended.

 

Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum

Popular on the way north for coffee break/petrol. Not great in the evenings - as far as I know it does not stay open late. (We checked, Andrew, and can report than the petrol station and snack stop are open until 9pm in winter.)

 

Paddy's Bar, Tyndrum

I think this is the only place you can drink in Tyndrum. Not delightful, but can be good fun.

 

Bridge of Orchy Hotel and bunkhouse, Bridge of Orchy

I have stayed here a few times, and loved it. The bar is great. It's quite an expensive, upmarket hotel but the bunkhouse is great and it is quite close to Glencoe.

 

King's House Hotel, Glencoe

Incredibly remote location on Rannoch Moor, five minutes from the Glencoe ski area. I have never stayed here but have heard good things about it.

 

Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

Very popular with climbers/campers as it is in the center of Glencoe. Live music and a big, big bar with log fires and real ales. I would stay here in a heartbeat, as would lots of other people - it can be very busy.

 

Ice Factor, Kinlochleven

Massive indoor ice climbing facility that has won lots of awards. I have only been to the pub in the summer; it had live music and a great atmosphere, and is close to lots of accommodation. It's about equidistant from Nevis and Glencoe.

Fort William has seen better days, as such its been many many years since I've stopped here. It's a proper town, so it does have many bars and even a nightclub, I think. However the only places I can suggest are:

 

Ben Nevis Inn

Up Glen Nevis from Fort William, shortened opening in the winter but fantastic bunkhouse accommodation with a great bar. I really like this place.

 

Spean Bridge Hotel

North of Nevis Range, on the railway line. Far nicer than Fort William, highly recommended for food and the bar is great.

 

Cairngorm

I have never been a huge fan of Cairngorm in general; for starters it's too busy at weekends so that many runs get backlogged. As such I haven't been there for a long time so would have to ask around for some suggestions. The only one I can think of is the Cairngorm Bar. However I generally only pass through Aviemore at high speed.

 

Images all of Glencoe, and courtesy of Steven McKenna