As autumn sweeps through the country showcasing an enticing rustic palette of colour, a retreat from the brisk outdoors can be a welcome reprieve. Luckily, Scotland is awash with lots of cosy pubs ideal for relaxing in. Thaw the chill from your hands and toes in these quaint pubs perfect for feeling snug this season with a hot or cold beverage, plenty of comfort food and a pleasant setting…
Partick Duck Club
With over 17 years’ experience in some of Scotland’s most distinguished establishments, such as One Devonshire Gardens, Cameron Hotel in Loch Lomond and Brian Maule at Le Chardon, the owners of Partick Duck Club, Ross and Greig, certainly know great food.
Now they have channeled their expertise into creating the ultimate comfort food in the heart of Partick. With a relaxed and comfortable environment, Partick Duck Club extends a warm welcome to all.
Only two minutes from Byres Road and five minutes in a taxi to The Hydro and Finnieston lies Partick’s hidden gem. Open seven days a week from 8am, diners can enjoy an early breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Ross and Greig believe the menu is second to none, with their cosy comfort food topped off with a great selection of beer, wine and gin.
Tuck into the Duck Club breakfast served all day and enjoy everything from their streaky bacon, fried egg, nduja jam and aioli bun to eggs benedict and the more extravagant Orkney Crab and poached duck egg on toast with avocado and crème fraiche, all topped off with a Bloody Mary, Gin Mary or a Mimosa.
The lunch and dinner menus meanwhile are loaded with all their favourites, from bbq duck, Orkney crab and venison burger to beer-battered haddock and beef sirloin. Don’t forget to leave room for the dessert and cheese menu because there is a Glasgow apple frangipane tart that has been described as “ducking fantastic!”.
There’s also a Duck Club Weans menu to keep the little ones happy, and with no added salt, you know that they're in good hands.
The Duck Club is also a popular spot to heat up with a warm cup of tea or coffee, visitors can also take advantage of their delicious selection of fresh cakes and sweet treats.
Subtle lighting and neutral colours create a cosy experience. The only danger is that you become so comfortable that you stay for breakfast, lunch and dinner…but would that be so bad?
www.facebook.com/partickduckclub
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The Criterion Bar
The Criterion Bar, recently crowned ‘The Best Bar in Scotland’ at the Scottish Hospitality & Entertainment Awards was established in 1874 and is one of the last few remaining traditional pubs in St Andrews that is a family run business, located in South Street they are a high street pub with a community feel, welcoming everyone the same whether they be regulars, students or tourists they pride themselves on being the friendliest establishment in town and making the customer feel at home and their canine buddies as well.
The Criterion Bar have a range of over 65 malt whiskies, 70 gins, 30 rums, 10 tequilas, 6 Cask Handpulls (1 with cask cider on it), an extensive wine range and barista coffee, and even have a beer for dogs. They pack a lot into the tiny footprint of The Criterion as they only have internal covers of 38. The walls are adorned with photographs and maps dating back to the 1900’s and pictures of how the pub has evolved through the decades.
The pub source all their food locally and it is all produced on site (in their tiny kitchen) and they have a worldwide following for their famous Cri Pies that are served from opening to closing time. From 10am you can come in and enjoy Coffee & a Bacon Roll for £3.95 or a pint of beer and a Cri Pie every day of the week as they are licensed from 10am.
Working closely with local suppliers they always offer the best of St Andrews through St Andrews Brewing Co, Eden Mill Brewery & Distillery, Kingsbarns Distillery, Minicks Butchers, Buffalo Farm and Fisher & Donaldson bakery they actively promote local products and local businesses to help the community.
They have also created their own tartan, The Criterion Tartan was created with colours from the bar, they have used it in the ficed seating upholstery and have created ties to sell as merchandise.
The Criterion is a pub where you are a regular no matter where you come from and how often you visit and somewhere where you always get a warm Scottish welcome.
Facebook – www.facebook.com/thecriterionbar
Website – www.criterionstandrews.co.uk
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Dreel Tavern
One of Anstruthers most historic buildings, the Dreel Tavern has served the area as a venue for fine food and drinks over the years.
Alli, Hannah, family and the team are proud to be the current custodians of this impressive setting, contributing to the growing reputation for businesses within the East Neuk area providing local produce at its very best from the land and the sea.
Apart from the delightful atmosphere available, there is a fantastic beer garden overlooking the Dreel burn, enjoying the sunshine all day long. For those dark winter months, the Dreel boasts a grand open fire to add to that cosy feel whilst enjoying good company and fare.
The East Neuk of Fife is justifiably becoming renowned for the quality of food available in the area. The Dreel Tavern are committed to creating recipes from as much locally sourced produce as possible from both the farm and the fishing boat. The menu will change to accommodate what is available in the changing seasons. In addition, daily specials are offered and a tempting variety of freshly cooked bar snacks and vegetarian options.
A selection of traditional and more contemporary beers to suit all tastes is on offer. Guest ales are on tap and are regularly rotated.
There is an ever-increasing choice of fine whiskys and they are always keen to hear which additional “uisge breatha” you would like to see.
The range of “Mothers Ruin” is expanding every week with many of the superb newcomers’ based in Scotland. Out with the standard garnish of lemon – come explore the many “perfect serves” with Fever-Tree tonic.
A carefully constructed wine list is also available by the glass (125ml), small or large carafe and full bottle.
EMAIL: hello@dreeltavern.co.uk
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/DreelTavern
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/dreeltavern
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The Keys Bar
A family pub since 1979, the Gordon family have gone from strength to strength priding themselves on outstanding service, a vast selection of products and a fantastic atmosphere they are the only true independent family run local traditional bar in St. Andrews.
Claire and her amazing team at The Keys Bar in St. Andrews won “Best Whisky Bar in Scotland 2017”. Awarded recently at the Scottish Bar and Pub awards, this on the back of their “Best Pub of the year” in 2014.
With over 300 Malt whiskies for customers to choose from, there is a whisky for everyone, anything from malt of the moments to scarce 30 year olds whiskies they have them all, if you’re not sure about malt whiskies or any of the products they we will give out wee samples to let you try before you buy and now have over 60 gins to give the whiskies a run for their money as well as a great selection of Scottish Beers and Spirits.
The Keys pride themselves in keeping their prices competitive.
Toasties, steak and gravy pies, selection of teas and coffees are available seven days a week.
Join their fun dominoes competition on Tuesday Nights, with quiz nights and darts also on the agenda.
The Keys love anything St. Andrews related whether it be golf, restaurants, or just places to visit they love to spread the love.
twitter:@bar_keys
Website: keysbar.co.uk
Keys Bar
87 Market Street
St.Andrews
KY16 9NX
01334472414
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The Mosset Tavern Pub & Restaurant
Located in the heart of Forres in the tranquil setting of Rose Garden & Mosset Duck Pond, is a Highland Hidden Gem; The Mosset Tavern Pub & Restaurant.
Set up in a traditional holster style, this inviting Tavern is open seven days a week for locals and visitors alike, and there are plenty of reasons to visit. Gordon and his wife Melissa provide the warmest of welcomes to start off your Mosset Tavern experience.
The cosy surroundings are in keeping with the comfortable and elegant cuisine that is served, in the warmth of an historical building that makes you want to stay.
From the favourites such as Beer Battered Port Soy Haddock or Steak and Craft Ale Pie, to the Steak selection or the more extravagant Aberdeenshire Lamb-Chops, it’s hard to leave room for Dessert. But you are advised to do so, as what’s more relaxing than enjoying an Icky Sticky Toffee Pudding in a warm comforting environment. Children are welcome, and they have their own special menu to keep all little hungry mouths happy. After dinner the chef will even provide you with some bread to feed the local ducks.
The local Cairngorm Brewery provides a wide array of local real ales and of course single malts, one of which comes from the local Benromach Distillery. There is also onsite accommodation available if you plan on making your stay longer or to make a return visit.
www.facebook.com/mossettavernforres
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The Old Mill Inn
The Old Mill Inn is a family-run VisitScotland 4-star Gold Inn in Pitlochry. It is a meeting of the ‘local’ and a top-class bar and bistro alongside luxury accommodation.
The Old Mill Inn is known as one of the best Inns in Scotland and as a great place to visit for a meal or a few drinks whilst enjoying live music. Customers visit for many reasons: a pint after work, a night out with friends or a break with loved ones. No matter the reason, the informal and friendly ambiance at The Old Mill creates a relaxed vibe, allowing everyone to mingle, share stories, laugh and enjoy a drink or meal with friends old and new.
They host live music every weekend and The Old Mill has become the ‘place to go’ for locals & visitors alike to enjoy some of the best musical talent in Scotland every Friday and Saturday night.
Accommodation at The Old Mill Inn is in great demand and guests just love the well-appointed luxury bedrooms. Breakfast is a real highlight too, with an extensive buffet and hot dishes cooked to order – all made with locally sourced produce.
The Old Mill are proud to have received multiple awards since opening in 2012 including Country Pub of the Year 2017, Scottish Inn of the Year 2017 at the National Pub & Bar Awards and the Customer Service award at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards incorporating the Dram Awards 2018.
Mill Ln, Pitlochry PH16 5BH, 01796 474020
www.theoldmillpitlochry.co.uk
www.facebook.com/oldmillinn
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Cul Cuil
The hottest and cùilest late night bar venue to pop up in Glasgow’s City Centre in 2018. Cùl Cùil is an exciting establishment offering character, comfort with casual dining and socialising combined. Situated right in the centre of the city, only a two minute walk from the renowned Style Mile and both Queen St and Central Station.
Reclaiming the old Courtyard Bar, Cùl Cùil is the latest addition to the city’s bustling social scene. A 185-year old venue which has recently undergone an astonishing transformation with an extensive refurbishment. The team have magically revamped the full space, adding in a brand new lounge bar, group dining area and a new light, open-air and heated backyard garden space as well as offering food, drink, with a varied snack and sharing platter menu.
The light and airy, open-air heated garden space and the traditionally laid out bar and dining area boast a great location and socialising environment.
You can settle down for a sharing platter or pick away at loaded chips outside on the glass enclosed urban mezzanine. Much more than your ordinary beer garden. This fully landscaped spectacle is split over a sunny raised wood terrace amongst plenty of ivies, flowering shrubs, jasmine, honeysuckle and other dramatic greenery. From above on the tiered mezzanine spot, you've got a balcony view over a twinkly festoon-lit garden patio for when the sun sets. The food, drink, and vibe personality covers: off-the-wall, quirky, unique, comfortable and pleasant. A perfect setting with the right amount of different.
www.facebook.com/culcuil
Twitter/ Instagram - @CulCuil
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