Live Sports — Pubs in Inverness

Dog Friendly

Function Room

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!

Chieftain

2 Millburn Road, Inverness IV2 3PS

The Chieftain has stopped selling real ale from its single hand pump. We are leaving the listing in the hope that one day it will return. The Chieftain is a friendly, lively Inn on the outskirts of the city but within 5 minutes of the centre with its transport links and cultural venues. All 14 rooms at this hotel are en-suite and have recently been extensively refurbished. Now under the tenancy of the Lawson family you are assured of a warm welcome. Good value traditional food is served. The separate sports bar has 5 pool tables. The "badged" real ale WAS Cheiftain House Ale from the Punch stable.

Corriegarth

5-7 Heathmount Road, Inverness IV2 3JU

Accommodation

One of the Highland capital's oldest private hotels, constructed around 1840. It has had a mixed life from a primary school, doctors surgery as well as once used by the RAF and Royal Navy during WW2 as an officers club. Situated in the Crown area of Inverness, a five minute walk from the city centre and has six individually styled en-suite bedrooms. It has recently been refurbished to a high standard and is a very comfortable, friendly place. In addition to Happy Chappy there is a House ale and an ever changing guest ale.

Fairways Loch Ness Golf Course

Castleheather, Inverness IV2 6AA

When Fairways opened the 18 Hole, 6772 yards, SSS 72, Par 73 Loch Ness Golf Course in 1996, its goal was to create a different type of golf destination: more a friendly bar with a golf course than a golf course with an unwelcoming clubhouse. The smaller Sports Bar has the TV No accommodation, but Fairways Travelodge 50 meters away. Very popular in the evening - it is the only pub within walking distance for some miles. Operates a loyalty card scheme for social membership (£33). Load the membership card with cash and get an extra 10% added. Also "free" round of golf (normally £32) once a year.

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!

Keg

30-32 Baron Taylors Sreet, Inverness IV1 1QG

Close to Bus Routes

The Keg does not sell real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area. From another listing:-- A 'locals' bar in a city centre just about sums The Keg up. This place is very much a bar for regulars - "usual please" can be heard very often. It is cheap for drinks and despite a fearsome reputation is actually rather friendly, especially so if you are ever "welcomed into the bosom" by one of the regulars. Don't be surprised to see some rough-housing (the regulars call it play-fighting) and there are never any bouncers as any issues are usualy dealt with "in-house".

Fluke

Culcabock Road, Inverness IV2 3XQ

The Fluke does not serve real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area. Situated two miles from Inverness city centre, close to Raigmore Hospital and next to Inverness Golf Club, the Fluke is a one bar operation with separate areas. To one end there is a big screen, pool table and darts boards. At the other, the lounge end, is the main dining area. No accommodation, but several hotels and guest houses nearby. An All-Inns pub, part of the Our Family Pub chain focused on the family market, one of a collection of 85 individual family dining pubs around the UK.

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.

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.

BarOne

1 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JN

BarOne does not sell real ale (yet) but is included so as to include all the licensed premises in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area. They do have bottles of real ale, but it is not RAIB. From their website:- We specialise in lovingly creating, producing, and (more often than not) tasting all sorts of delightful libations that can be made with fresh fruit, sugar, and usually some form of alcogg… algamah… alcohooo… booze! The team is passionate about wines, whiskies, spirits, and everything containing wines, whiskies & spirits. We strive to offer the best in unpretentious, professional service while serving premium products in a relaxed, yet exciting environment. Whether your out for a couple, or a whole night, Bar One is a “must stop” where you are guaranteed a night of exceptional drinks, and always some off the cuff, and often unplanned entertainment! Please note they have a website, but this site (WhatPub) notes its certificate is out of date or "irregular"

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.

Glenalbyn Bar

2-4 Young Street, Inverness IV3 5BL

Traditional Pub Games

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

Caledonian

9 High Street, Inverness IV1 1HY

Cask Marque Accredited

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.

Castle Tavern

1 View Place, Inverness IV2 4SA

Real Ale, Real Food, Real Pub! The tantalising aroma of freshly prepared hot food and the sound of friendly banter emanating from its terraced beer garden are certain to be the first signs that greet you when you visit Inverness City's well known tavern by the Castle. This is a favourite haunt for discerning visitors and locals who appreciate a well run hostelry. Along with the serving of fine food and drink, the tavern is characterised by an essential aspect that some establishments the world over can often lack - atmosphere. The Castle Tavern has a tangible, heartening, social buzz, which is more than stimulated by the friendly disposition of its staff. Positioned opposite the Castle entrance, and ideally situated for convenient access to the city centre just minutes away, as well as being an ideal meeting place for events such as The Inverness Tattoo or The Highland Games. Its also the ideal place to begin or end your walk along the 79 mile long Great Glen Way. Many thanks to Castle Tavern for supplying the images on this listing.

Gunsmiths Bar

30 Union Street, Inverness IV1 1PX

Karaoke

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

Rose Street Foundry

97 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LU

After many months of being hidden behind scaffolding and protective sheeting surrounding 96 Academy Street – known formerly as the Rose Street Foundry and AI Welders building - restoration works on an 19th century building in Inverness is now complete and on 14 March 2020 the Cairngorm Rose Street Foundry opened its doors. Everyone is tight lipped about the cost, but those walking into the ground floor up the three steps to the bar will be impressed, and confirm the wait has all been worthwhile. The doors from Academy street takes you to more of a club with comfy leather chesterfield's seductively luring you to be seated - all day! To the left, there is the more rustic "Bothy" with its high stools and wall tables. The bar is three steps up from the entrance level with its up cycled tin roofing, offers the range of Cairngorm's regular beers via up to six handpumps, and a host of their font beers from Cairngorm, and other local / regional breweries and ciders via bespoke "font arches" which take the form of industrial piping. Rose Street Foundry will also showcase real ales from other local breweries representing the best, of the best of the Highland region. So, that is the ground floor! Upstairs are the kitchens and a separate room for meetings, but is mainly for dining, is accessible by a spiral staircase and also a lift for wheelchairs and those not too steady on their pins.

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.

SoBAR

55-67 Castle Street, Inverness IV2 3DU

Re-opened in April 2015, SoBAR is a Sports bar with a huge downstairs floor space which includes a massive central TV screen (projector) and numerous screens around the walls. Football strips and balls, and boxing gloves all shown in glass cases. Several darts boards along the wall opposite the bar. A mix of high and low tabled and sofa seating throughout. The former Rileys Snooker Club, the tables downstairs have been taken out, but there remain 5 snooker, 5 American pool and 6 UK pool tables upstairs. A wide selection of font dispense lagers, including "Premium" Peroni. The barman (Steve) reports they are "hoping to get Real Ale" - hence the listing.... in hope. The Website boasts............."The Ultimate Party Venue and the best seats & screens for sports. A Chilled out place to meet up with friends…" Not to be confused with the SoBAR chain which operates alcohol free bars in Englandshire!

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club Social Club

28 Greig Street, Inverness IV3 5PX

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club Social Club does not serve real ale currently but as a licensed premise in the Highlands & Western Isles Branch Area is included for completeness. As a club, it does not allow public entry It has been noted that there is wheelchair access to the main doors outside doors, and a second ramp through the vestibule to the internal (push button entry) doors. A bus from the social club to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium and back again for all Home Matches, and transport from here for away matches. Tickets on sale in Social Club on day of the match for home games. Membership rates Single £12, Joint £14, renewal £10, £12. There are also rates for Senior and life members. Currently, there are no concessions for CAMRA members. (rates / conditions as of June 2015) Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club were the winners of the Scottish FA cup in 2015, and came third in the SFL the same year, just 21 years after their formation.

Platform 8

38-40 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JT

Cask Marque Accredited

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.

Heathmount Hotel

Kingsmill Road, Inverness IV2 3JU

Accommodation

Heathmount is an independently run hotel, bar and restaurant conveniently located just five minutes from Inverness city centre. With eight individually styled bedrooms, a bustling bar a comfortable lounge and a restaurant that's hugely popular with locals and visitors alike. A Cairngorm beer is always available, the 2nd pump offers Orkney or Cromarty beer Hoping to install a third pump this summer (2013)

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.

Kingsmills Hotel

Culcabock Road, Inverness IV2 3LP

Accommodation

The four star Kinsmills Hotel welcomes non residents and non diners to its bar. The open plan lounge is terraced an offers "opulent" seating for all Outside, there is a terraced area on warmer days. The single Cairngorm handpump offers Trade winds, although other (non RAIB) bottled beers are available from the bar. As an "upmarket" hotel expect to pay over the odds for your pint (or half) but take full advantage of the surroundings, and feel like royalty. Kingsmills has two restaurants, conference facilities, a fitness club with spa, pool and right next door, Inverness golf Club. Access to the bar is from the main car park, past reception on the righht, and through the doors, the bar is on the right. If stayig at the hotel, the bar (technically) is never closed, but as a "walk in" you may be asked to leave in the wee small hours of the morning.

Club

5 Gordon Terrace, Inverness IV2 3HD

"The Club" operates as a private club where annual membership is £25 / year, although non-membes can sign themselves in for £1. Although there is a Freemason Lodge sharing the same car park, "The Club" is independant and only re-opened following a long period of closure. There is a bar and seating area downstairs, and another smaller bar and function room upstairs which can seat 65 easily and is available to hire. Only fonts serving "popular" lagers, bitters and cider available. Bottles are available but nothing from "Real Ale" breweries. Note AGM in in early March.

Clachnaharry Inn

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