Live Music — Pubs in Inverness

Phoenix Ale House

106-110 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LX

A choice selection of real ales, mainly Scottish, beckon with at least six handpumps on all the time when you walk in through the front door, with another four the other side at busier times of the year. The main bar has a stylish centre gantry, however the iconic island bar (CAMRA listed) is otherwise unchanged, surrounded by a spittoon and there is even talk of sawdust returning! Mostly standing only but popular with tourists and those who know their ales! The restaurant next door has plenty of seating for hearty meals all day. Phone / tablet out of juice? There is a USB "tower" to top up the charge, but you may need the connecting cable.

Lauders

16 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EB

This is a "seasonal" paragraph - during the "quieter" months, between October and March, Lauders does not have real ale. Lauders claims it is the "Friendliest Pub in Inverness", and the H&WI branch would welcome that you test that assertion. Whilst it may have had a "dubious past" under previous PubCos in the "noughties", since 2014 Stonegate have turned Lauders round from the "boozer" reputation it had to a must visit "wet" pub. No food other than "nibbles" available. Inside more than 10 screen show sports in the high ceiling "L" shaped bar which has a mixture of high and low table seating, and displays of painted kegs at high level. Situated on Church Street at the corner of Baron Taylor's Street, the pleasant (real) floral displays reflect the congenial atmosphere inside. Probably, the best "value" real ale in Inverness, and for CAMRA members an additional 50p off a pint using the Real Ale Discount Scheme vouchers. Watch out for the revolving door (only one at a time please!) seems to run on greased bearings - easy to get in, but unlikely to be tested that hard on leaving - if you want to leave at all!

R&Bs

73 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DG

R&B's is the new home of Karaoke in Inverness after Gunsmiths (round the corner) relocated there.

Gellions

14 Bridge St, Inverness IV1 1HD

Gellions is THE oldest pub in Inverness and dates back to 1841 and is named, as was the practice then, after the licencee who was a woman. Gellions (pronounced "Gellons" by the locals) now has two bars, Monty's snug, and the Bridge Bar. Monty's Snug opens at 9 (no RA) and closes earlier than Bridge bar which remains open until closing time and has two hand pumps. Access to Monty's snug is via an alleyway to the right hand side of the front of the pub. Many, many licencees ago (20+ years?) real ale was available, but the rumors of real ale returning have now been proven correct because at the beginning of August 2014 first one, then two hand pumps appeared in the Bridge Bar. Hopefully the number will increase - well there is no harm in wishes! There is music every night starting at 9.30 Mon to Fri, but every Saturday and Sunday from 5.00 there is a Ceilidh with music from the resident Scottish folk band, "Schiehallion". You know when one of the bosses is in because the Mini with "personal" plates - GE11ONS - is parked outside! In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the pub offers a "creche" facility for the ladies to drop their other halves off whilst shopping!

Waterfront

70-71 Huntly Street, Inverness IV3 5JN

The Friars Shot opened its doors over 100 years ago, and was named after the Dominican Friars who cast or "shot" their fishing nets across the River Ness. Subsequently called the Black Bull, and more recently Waterfront. Devastated by a kitchen fire in December 2011, the Waterfront now serves what many have described as the best value pub grub in Inverness. One of the offerings - "The Highland Tapas" allows you to try all of the local delicacies. Tucked at the end of Huntly Street close to the A82 Bridge over the River Ness it can be reached by the pedestrian suspension footbridge from town and is worth the walk, just for the view upstream, and for that strange sensation! Vehicular access also, but the one way system outside the pub may defeat you! Only one hand pump offering well kept Cairngorm ales - normally Santa's Sledgehammer around Xmas time.

Blackfriars

93-95 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LU

After a £1.36 million investment, what was a very “tired” Blackfriars has been transformed and proudly reopened on Friday 8th November 2019 after a closure of just over 2 years. The building itself is "Category B" listed and dates back to 1793, and has had a varied life, including that of a "Temperance Hotel" - the info board outside gives a potted history. With a carefully balanced remit of both restoring and improving, other than a new roof, the outside walls and the walls of the bar area have been stripped back to the old stonework and the bar area has been enlarged by removing some walls and the customer area now provides a mix of booth and the table seating – Look out for the re-purposed cinema seats! Two handpumps offer real ales from Scotland off the Heineken / Star list, typically Fyne Ales, Jarl and Caledonian Deuchars Breakfasts are available from 07:30 for guests, and 08:30 for "walk-ins", although a full bar service does not start until 11:00. The simple menu features Scottish fare, and in the future it is hoped to source some of the herb and salad ingredients from a small garden area on the rooftop, along with honey from the bee hives. Accommodation is provided by the nine cosy en suite (shower) letting rooms, one being a family suite and another with a scroll top bath. Handy for the bus or train station (5 mins walk) but no parking, albeit out of hours only, but on street or nearby Rose Street car park (pay). As a footnote, Star Pubs initially re-branded the pub as "Mortar & Pestle", and more recently as "The Optimist" to signal its new direction, but it was decided to keep the old name on, and this is the only aspect of its past that remains. Expect a very warm welcome from Billy the manager and his staff. Phone / tablet out of juice? Plug your device into one of the many USB / power sockets located just behind the seating. Note, image of the "old" yellow frontage has been left as a contrast & compare.

Tooth & Claw

50 Baron Taylor Street, Inverness IV1 1QG

The Tooth & Claw on Baron Taylor’s Street, better known to generations of Invernessians as The Eagle Bar, was the 2016 prize-winner in the Performing Rights Society’s annual Music Makeover competition. It was one of 230 entries across the UK, and of the six shortlisted, the only one outwith the South of England, and won the £10,000 prize. Unfortunately the venue was closed down due to noise complaints, but the prize money was wisely invested to improve the soundproofing on what was the upstairs bar, and was re-opened as "Tooth & Claw". The Tooth & Claw does not sell real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area.

Auctioneers

28 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EH

The Auctioneers does not sell real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area.

Old Market Inn

32 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EH

The Old Market Inn does not sell real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area. On the ground floor is the bar, and upstairs the lounge where the music is.

Caledonian

9 High Street, Inverness IV1 1HY

This imposing columned frontage hides a large pub split up over three levels Quieter during the daytime, but very lively in the evenings and at night. An area downstairs with sofas is also available for private hire. Although over three floors, the entire space is fully accessible by wheelchair using the lift.

Gunsmiths Bar

30 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1PX

In a recent turn of events, Gunsmiths is back to being Gunsmiths Bar! Formerly Gunsmiths which closed its doors at the end of October 2016, Spirit Level opened at the end of March 2017 and keeps the same internal layout of a long bar at entrance level with standing room and bar stools, a balcony with tables looking down on the bar, and a lower level with comfy seating. With the DJ console on the balcony, Karaoke remains the major draw for not just the younger pub goer, but all who enjoy a good night out! Gunsmiths is also marketing itself as offering 30+ Gins, single malts and cocktails. The branch was advised that Gunsmiths Bar stopped doing RA on 15 October 2018. Times confirmed as 11 to 1am every day, and the intention is to offer food in the near future. Note disabled access to bar, but toilets are downstairs. However staff are happy to help! No web / email, but Facebook only. 29/4/17

Dows Bar & Bistro

Balloan Park, Inverness IV2 4PF

Dows Bar & Bistro strives to be a locals snug, as well as a great value restaurant, and the partnership team have added touches along the way, such as the cocktail menu, designed by their sister bar, Bar One. Dow’s Bar & Bistro does not serve real ale currently but as a licensed premise in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area is included for completeness.

Platform 8

38-40 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JT

Platform 8 has morphed from The Exchange and now has real ale again! on four handpumps! Before it was a bar, it was a bank, before that a school! The large safe at the back of this high-ceilinged pub reminds you that the pub was once a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland. As a Belhaven / Greene King pub, beers from both sources feature, but also "non tie" such as Orkney and Spey Valley. Situated between the railway station and bus station on Academy Street. Why Platform 8? It is a nod to its near neighbour, Inverness railway station which (currently) has seven platforms! Please note that although open from 8am, alcohol cannot be served before 10am.

Raigmore Motel

Old Perth Rd, Inverness IV2 3RH

"Starter" listing, work in progress The Raigmore Hotel used to serve Real ale, and some years ago it was in the Good Beer Guide, and is listed on WhatPub so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area, and we hope one day Real Ale will return. The Raigmore Motel is a purpose built establishment ideally situated being both close to the hospital and town centre. It has a large bar that can be lively at times and an excellent choice of meals. Disabled access to bar and disabled toilet in bar area. The Raigmore Motel has a big screen TV, pool table and dart board and is the perfect place to go for a drink or meal. If it has been a long time or you have never been come along and check us out

Hootananny

67 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1ES

Every Hogmanay since 2006, Jools Holland has hosted “Hootannany”, the party or ceilidh which sees in the New Year on BBC 2. Why wait until New Years Eve? There is a great craic every night at “Hoots” in Inverness as this busy and very popular multi award winning real ale pub that celebrates Scottish Folk music, and all things Scottish! Over the years Hoots has picked up many well deserved awards for its food, music venue. Located in the middle of Inverness on Church Street, close to the River Ness, entering the high ceilinged downstairs well trodden wooden floorboards are a testimony to this popular real ale pub. Although not “tied”, the beer comes from Black Isle Brewery (certified organic) about 6 miles away, and the two handpumps have a rotating selection of well kept beers. Also “on tap” are kegged Black Isle beers, along with a wide selection of bottled beers. Food with a strong Scottish theme is available from 12:00 to 15:00 and then 17:00 to 20:30. The last food service is early by comparison to many places because at 21:30 the music starts downstairs. There are live sessions of traditional Scottish music every night, either around one of the tables in the middle of the room, or on the raised stage by the window, which continues until midnight. On Saturday’s there is an afternoon ceilidh 14:30 – 16:30 Upstairs there are another two “music rooms” and the "Glow Bar" cocktail bar on the upper floor. Although usually only on Friday and Saturday nights “Mad Hatters” has a stage and hosts bands and stand up comedy. Sometimes there is an entrance charge, but normally it is free with the venue staying open until 2 or 3 in the morning. Children are admitted provided they are having a meal but unfortunately must leave before the music starts.

Innes Bar

61 Innes Street, Inverness IV1 1NR

The Innes is one of the oldest pubs in the area and used to stand alone serving a small community on the edge of Inverness. Records from 1867 show the first licensee was Jessie Taylor. However it is understood that it may have been operating a pub for at least 10 years before that although Jessie may have also been running another pub in Shore Street during that time. In 1876 Mrs Margaret Patterson and her husband are shown to be the licensees and continued until 1907 when Mr Donald Cumming took over the licence. In 1919 he purchased the pub and changed it's name to "The Cummings Bar". Prior to this, it is not clear what the pub was called. Soon after 1962 S&N bought it and renamed it "Innes", after the street designed by Mr Innes which grew up around it. The pub and street have now been enveloped by Inverness, but still holds onto its "local" atmosphere. Refurbished in 2011 when Craig and Collette MacLeod took over, it is popular with ICT home fans on match days before and after the game. Good honest pub grub at lunchtimes and a very warm, welcoming pub with a pleasant atmosphere. Thursday night is darts night when 8 boards can be in use. Good place to catch a taxi as the local drivers pop in for lunch and a coffee with it being so close to town and 1 hour (max) free parking outside. A real gem of a pub, and a pleasure to visit.

Johnny Foxes

26 Bank Street, Inverness IV1 1QU

Irish themed pub, by day a quiet city pub, at night it comes alive! Food available all day until closing. Door staff and admission policy in the evening. Entertainment every night until the wee small hours. Admission curfew at 12:00. The two pumps have seen Cromarty, then Cairngorm, and now Black Isle ales - currently Heather Honey.

Encore Une Fois

5–9 Young Street, Inverness IV3 5BL

MacGregor's

109-113 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LX

A newcomer to Inverness in 2017 and an instant hit! Offering an insight to Scottish history, culture, food and drink. The two handpumps and six fonts offer different beers from local breweries. You never know what is on until you get there. There is also an extensive collection of bottled beers to choose from as well. The main bar is in one area, while a second is reached by a short corridor. The brainchild of musician Bruce MacGregor (Blazin' Fiddles) who is a regular attendee, particularly on Sunday afternoons.

Revolution

11-19 Church St, Inverness IV1 1DZ

Revolution is a cocktail bar which opened its doors on Friday 22 December 2017 and is the latest of a growing chain comprising of about 80 venues across the UK. Previously a departmental store which has been unoccupied for at least three years. The downstairs is a labyrinth of seating areas, two of which have bars and can accommodate about 100 diners offering tables for 2 to 20, with loads more seating at the bars. Do not be put off by the minimalist look of the walls and ceilings, stripped back to the old brickwork which sets it apart and is an attraction of the venue. Upstairs there is a second bar with loads more seating including three "horseshoe" sofas which can seat 8 mates on a night out. The upstairs, with its own DJ booth and dance floor, can also be used for private parties. Although a wide selection of drinks are available, Revolution specialises in the "trendy" cocktails, including a selection of gins and vodkas, however it is popular with the whole age spectrum, 18 - 80+. Note the rest rooms are downstairs from street level, and there are a few steps up to the ones on the first floor. The local CAMRA branch are doing their very best to get at least one hand-pump in offering a real ale, but interesting bottled beer is available which may, or may not be RAIB (real ale in a bottle)

Glen Mhor Hotel (Nicky Tams)

8-15 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG

An attractive riverside hotel that is adjoined by a former baker's stable, which mean locals can still refer to the place as Nicky Tams. The cosy lounge bar is close to both Inverness Castle and Eden Court theatre making the restaurant and bistro, which have extensive menus, popular for pre-theatre diners. Beware of Tuesday nights if you want a comfy seat as the live Jazz (9-11) is very popular! Summer trade normally means another hand pump is in service. Its sister hotel is The Boat in Boat of Garten.

Eden Court

Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA

Eden Court Theatre is a large 830 capacity theatre, cinema and arts venue situated in Inverness close to the banks of the River Ness. Doors open at 09:00 and closes after the last performance ends, which can be between 22:00 and 23:30 Not really a "pub" as such, but you can walk in, visit the bar and buy a drink without the need to buy food. Open for light bar meals:- Breakfast: 10.00 - 11.30 Lunch: 12.00 – 16.00 Bar meals: 12.00 – 20.00 and full restaurant service Lunch: 12:00 – 15.00 Dinner: 17.00 – 20.00

Clachnaharry Inn

17-19 High Street, Clachnaharry, Inverness IV3 8RB

Popular with locals and visitors, this friendly 17th century coaching inn welcomes families and offers good quality pub food lunchtimes, evenings with a roast on Sundays. Four handpumps dispense Scottish beers from Inveralmond, Fyne Ales, Orkney/Atlas and Cairngorm and from Greene King breweries. The large patio area affords fine views over the Caledonian Canal sea lock and Beauly Firth toward Ben Wyvis and the Black Isle. Thursday evening has been a Scottish music jamming session for many years and Wednesday is quiz night. Is now back to its traditional roots of a great local with a warm welcome, good pub food and fine ales with a new tenant. Scottish winner of Dog Friendly Pub of the Year! Clachnaharry Inn offers a free mini-bus service for those within a 10 - 12 mile radius of the pub.