Northern Scotland recommendations

Discussion in 'British Isles' started by jedwards, Mar 4, 2013.

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  1. jedwards

    jedwards Initiate (0) Feb 3, 2009 California

    Hi all! I've not posted in this forum before -- hopefully this isn't completely redundant (I found a few threads mostly about beer near Glasgow and Aberdeen and to the south).

    We'll be spending a few days in the Shetlands, then taking the ferry down through Kirkwall, across to the mainland, and drive down through Inverness/etc, eventually ending up at Edinburgh for a another few days. I'm hoping to visit some distilleries and breweries along the way and try some good real ale. I know there's not a lot up that way but any particular pubs or breweries to look out for, or worth heading towards? Since our route isn't finalized it doesn't count as a detour yet!

    Any places that are a brewery + inn / bed & breakfast would be particularly appealing. I'm looking at maybe popping south to stay one night at Traquair but of course it's quite expensive.
     
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  2. CwrwAmByth

    CwrwAmByth Initiate (0) Jan 24, 2011 England

    I think they drink muddy water there
     
  3. shyhenry

    shyhenry Initiate (0) Oct 11, 2010 Minnesota

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  4. jedwards

    jedwards Initiate (0) Feb 3, 2009 California

    That spot looks terrific. Going to see if I can book a couple nights there, thank you!
     
  5. Zimbo

    Zimbo Pooh-Bah (2,281) Aug 7, 2010 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah

    Shetland wise I'd recommend the Spiggie Hotel in Scousbourgh and the Westings Inn in Wormdale. In Kirkwall on Orkney try the Bothy Bar (Albert Hotel) on Mounthoolie Lane and Helgi's Bar on Harbour Street.

    Brewery tours at the moment can be a bit of a disappointment but do visit the Black Isle Brewery in Munlochy no more than ten miles north east on Inverness. The head brewer Colin Stronge is a good guy and they're producing some great stuff now. In Inverness don't miss Blackfriars on Academy Street and Castle Terrace on View Place.

    Edinburgh is really where you want to be and is spearheading the whole Craft scene in Scotland. The Hanging Bat ion Lothian Road is superb and showcases superb craft (14 craft kegs) and cask (6) beers. Stay at the Premier Inn on Morrison Link just a hop skip and a jump away. The convenience of the location is a must. Also within the area try Cloisters (nearby Nina's Premier corner shop usually has good hard to find stuff) ,the Bow Bar (an absolute definite must) and maybe BrewDog of the many pubs to choose from. But there are many many more worthy places to hit.

    Brewery wise look out for beers from Luckie Ales, Black Isle, Cromarty, Tempest, Fyne Ales, Stewart Brewing, Innocente Brew, and Elixir Brewing Co as they are all worth checking out. Great things are happening in Scotland now. Its been the best time for Scots beer drinkers in over 40 years at least.

    Hope this helps.
     
  6. bjwalp

    bjwalp Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2011 Virginia

    It’s been quite a few years since I was there but I’ll second the Black Isle Brewery, it was a great experience, very small though. Also if you’re going to be passing by Pitlochry on your way down to Edinburgh stop at the Edradour distillery.
     
  7. seanyfo

    seanyfo Pooh-Bah (1,656) Jan 2, 2006 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah Society


    That Nina's Premier shop is a bit of a find! I remember seeing the majority of the Andechs beers in there a couple of years ago, well priced too!
     
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  8. jmw

    jmw Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2009 North Carolina

    Actually can't recall a query for these particular places at all. Nice to see some talk of the north.
    And the Moulin Inn, where you'll find beer and a bed.
     
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  9. jedwards

    jedwards Initiate (0) Feb 3, 2009 California

    Terrific recommendations, all -- I've booked nights at the Anderson, the Moulin, and a few other spots around the highlands (Ardadour, Skye, Inverness). Hoping to do tours at Valhalla, Orkney, Black Isle, and Harviestoun at least (plus distilleries, of course). The Premier Inn in Edinburgh was all booked up but I found us a room right in city centre. If anyone's around for a beer May 8-11 in Edinburgh let me know!
     
  10. Zimbo

    Zimbo Pooh-Bah (2,281) Aug 7, 2010 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah

    I'll need to check my work diary and get back to you on that.
     
  11. ImperialStoat

    ImperialStoat Initiate (0) May 20, 2009 Ireland

    And as of last week the head brewer at Buxton.
     
  12. Zimbo

    Zimbo Pooh-Bah (2,281) Aug 7, 2010 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah

    Yeah, I heard. But he's not starting until May. Don't think the Inverness climate and isolation was much to his liking.
     
  13. ImperialStoat

    ImperialStoat Initiate (0) May 20, 2009 Ireland

    I don't doubt it. Probably nice to be made the head-cheese at a brewery that's quickly gaining international recognition too.
     
  14. CwrwAmByth

    CwrwAmByth Initiate (0) Jan 24, 2011 England

    Nice but daunting I bet!
     
  15. His_Royal_Hoppiness

    His_Royal_Hoppiness Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2012 England

    If you're looking for something a bit different in Edinburgh, be sure to check out the Brauhaus (a few minutes walk from The Hanging Bat) - they have a fantastic selection of German beers.

    Also keep your eye out for anything from the Inveralmond and Orkney breweries - their core line-up can be found in most local supermarkets - particularly Tescos - for very reasonable prices.
     
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  16. Zimbo

    Zimbo Pooh-Bah (2,281) Aug 7, 2010 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah

    Good call on Brauhaus. Funny how places like it fall through the net when talking Edinburgh drinking holes. Guess its a reflection on how good Edinburgh is getting.
     
  17. Padraig

    Padraig Crusader (490) Jan 14, 2013 New York
    Trader

  18. Padraig

    Padraig Crusader (490) Jan 14, 2013 New York
    Trader

    Oh yeah and it's really nice up there.

    Have a great time!
     
  19. Hanglow

    Hanglow Pooh-Bah (1,977) Feb 18, 2012 Scotland
    Pooh-Bah

    If you are staying in skye and want a nice meal the three chimneys is well worth a visit
     
  20. jedwards

    jedwards Initiate (0) Feb 3, 2009 California

    Spiggie was great -- wasn't able to use the Kirkwall recommendations (didn't much feel like drinking after that ferry ride...) but we'll be at the Ferry Inn in Stromness tonight which has just renovated. Inverness tomorrow, then a few days in the west before stopping back through the Black Isle on Sunday on our way to Speyside!
     
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