The Russian Tavern (Port Royal Hotel), Port Bannatyne

We always have a great time at the Russian Tavern. It's one of the most relaxed and unpretentious places you could go. The food is very special - so if you're going in for cheap pub nosh you'll get a shock. The prices reflect the quality of food - in fact they are a very good deal for the quality of food. Don't go there for a stag night either, it's not that kind of place. It's a place to go to chat and relax and enjoy the finer things in life - without being pretentious about it.

The beer is excellent - gravity dispensed. We had Williams Bros Gold that night and it's one of the best tasting real ales on tap I've had in Scotland - and I've lived here for a few years. Before that I lived in Yorkshire - a real ale Mecca - and I've really struggled to find pubs that serve beer that is as good as what you get in the best pubs in Yorkshire. But this was the real deal. They also have some interesting Russian beers by the bottle, as well as other things (my wife keeps going on about that Cranberry Vodka).

I strongly recommend you try it out. It's a very welcoming place. And try the food.

28 Jul 2007 22:15