Aultbea, near Loch Ewe:
This became our ‘local’ for a week. It’s a hotel, but as with many Scottish hotels, there’s a public bar, plus as the only establishment serving alcohol in the village centre, it becomes the village pub (and takeaway and off-licence).
There’s 3 distinct public areas: a Bistro area that is what it says, a lounge, and a public bar. The bar is mostly used by locals and is a bit rough-and-ready, as usual, but it’s pleasant enough (the locals are friendly) and serves a cheaper food menu than elsewhere.
Beer choice was a bit limited, but it was all OK, and the prices reasonable. Food in the Bistro/Lounge seems expensive, but you have to remember the overheads are higher up here- it seemed on a par with the other hotel nearby. The food itself was mostly standard pub-food like menu, but it was decently cooked, and the staff were pleasant.