The Russian Tavern (Port Royal Hotel), Port Bannatyne

It's been some time since I've been on the Isle of Bute. At least six of the pubs in Rothesay are up for sale or closed up. In Port Bannatyne things are better as the new yacht marina is a great success. There are three pubs in the Port: The Port Inn for a suntrap beer garden and a pool table, the Anchor Tavern where a row of retired locals hold court and drink Tennants Lager, and then there's The Russian Tavern in which tourists and yachties relax, eat the very good Russian specialities and sample something a bit different. On my visit they had bottled beer from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic, Erdinger Weissbeer on tap, both blonde and dunkel, Murphies Stout, and Real Ale from the Houston Brewery straight from the keg on the bar. The Eastern European lagers are served in frozen tankards which is neat. Great couple of evenings chatting to everyone watching the sun go down and then in candle-light. It's been 6 years since CAMRA awarded them Scottish Pub of the Year, but their standard is still very high.

14 Jun 2012 17:58