Pubs in Inverness and Loch Ness
Find the best pint and pub grub in Inverness and Loch Ness
Everyone loves to visit a pub for their cosy atmosphere and hearty food and here in Inverness and Loch Ness, that’s exactly what you will get! Whether your visit is following a big day out in the great outdoors or is simply a lunch or dinner with friends and family for a treat, the doors are open for you.
All of our local pubs come with character, so it will be impossible to pick just one! Lets explore the pubs to visit in and around Inverness and Loch Ness.
Highland hospitality and live music
One of the best things about visiting pubs in Inverness and Loch Ness is the unbeatable Highland hospitality. Many pubs in Inverness are also known for their vibrant live music scene. From traditional folk sessions and ceilidhs to modern Scottish bands, the sound of fiddles, pipes, and guitars often fills the air. The famous Sunday Session at MacGregor's Bar is something not to miss!
For a pub with a view, The Lock Inn is situated on the banks of the Caledonian canal in the popular village of Fort Augustus.
With local delicacies such as a haggis scotch egg and wild venison casserole, you can tuck into some fabulous Highland produce and you may be lucky enough to see boats sail by as they tackle the canal locks right outside the inn.
Just a stone's throw from Loch Ness, the Glen Moriston Arms sits right within the Invermoriston community. Offering rooms as well as a bar and restaurant with a wide selection of Scottish whisky, a warm welcome awaits you, especially by their wood burner.
The Whitebridge Hotel, set in Whitebridge on the South side of Loch Ness offers quirky décor with wonderful rooms, an open fire, some fantastic food and drink including their infamous burgers!
Both of these pubs are the heart of their local communities and are surrounded by wonderful rural countryside to explore on foot or bike so you can make the most of the fresh Highland air before learning all the best places to go from the locals at the bar.
The Loch Ness Inn, Loch Ness Drumanadrochit Hotel and Fiddlers Highland Restaurant are based in an idyllic location in Drumnadrochit, not far from Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Centre which could be easily combined in your itinerary, not to mention the fantastic walks available in the Glenurquhart area.
With menu choices such as haggis, venison and salmon, you can let the locals showcase what we have to offer from our local larder. If you are a Whisky lover then make sure to visit the Fiddlers Restaurant for a dram, the selection is huge!
Visiting Drumnadrochit could be paired with a trip to the beautiful Glen Affric for country walks and rides. The Struy Inn is a 19th-century country Inn, and if you’ve been walking the nearby mountains, or visiting the wonderful Dog Falls or Plodda Falls you will be in need of some welcoming hospitality to finish your day off.
For the iconic Loch Ness pictures a trip to The Dores Inn is essential to some, and we couldn’t agree more – this pub offers a beer garden in summer overlooking the Loch, and a toasty warm fire through the winter months. *Note - in 2025/26 this pub is undergoing an amazing transformation! Look out on their socials for the pop up days where you can still enjoy a lochside refreshment!
Another fantastic location is The Priory Hotel in Beauly, opposite the historic Beauly Priory within the beautiful Beauly square. Famous for their wonderful shortbread, the afternoon teas are at the top of many visitors' lists, but of course, the pub grub is just as good.
On the South side of Loch Ness in the rural hamlet of Foyers you will find Foyers House, primarily a hotel but you are able to book to have a meal and if you are a Whisky lover, their Whisky Wall is quite something!
The Craigdarroch Hotel close by in Foyers offers a fantastic menu for people staying close by or travelling on the South side of Loch Ness, the views over the loch are a stunning addition to your dining experience.
For central city pubs, the Castle Tavern is a pub right next door to Inverness Castle – a pint with a Castle view sounds great to us and with a varied menu served daily if you want to be guaranteed a table we recommend you book! A popular spot with the locals is The Snow Goose just outside the centre, making this a great choice for those on the move as well as Brewers Fayre Inches Gate and Dows Bar & Bistro.
If whisky is the only type of bar you are looking for, look no further than The Malt Room. Tucked right next door to the Victorian Market, you will be spoilt with shelves of Scottish-born whisky and a whole host of knowledge from the bartenders on our ‘Scottish wine’ to go with your dram.
Although not just a pub, the Uilebheisht distillery and brewery serves their locally brewed beer from the tap room situated by the River Ness.
If you love to sample local produce you will find Dog Falls Brewing Co beer served in many local pubs and restaurants, the ethos of Dog Falls is brewed locally for the locals, and these are extremely popular local beers to try!
Try a local ale or craft beer
Many Highland pubs stock beers from local breweries. Don’t miss the chance to sample a pint brewed just a few miles away. We recommend a pint of Dog Falls Brewing Co or a pint from the tap room at Uile-Bheist Brewery.
Sip a single malt whisky
Inverness and Loch Ness pubs often showcase Scotland’s most famous export. Ask the bartender for a recommendation, you might discover a new favourite dram.
Seek out live music nights
Traditional pubs in Inverness are famous for ceilidhs and folk sessions. Check ahead to see if there’s live Scottish music during your visit. A Sunday session at MacGregor's Bar is always a popular choice!
Chat with the locals
The best way to get a real feel for Highland hospitality is to strike up a conversation at the bar. Locals often have great tips on hidden gems to visit.
Enjoy hearty Highland food
From haggis and neeps to freshly caught seafood and venison, pub menus often feature classic Scottish dishes made with local produce.
Look for dog-friendly pubs
Many pubs in the Highlands welcome four-legged friends, you will be welcome to stop with your pup for an enjoyable refreshment!
Know your timings
While Inverness city pubs stay lively late into the night, some rural inns may close earlier, so it’s always worth checking opening hours.
Drink responsibly & enjoy the atmosphere
Whether you’re sampling whisky, beer, or a soft drink, take your time to soak up the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that Highland pubs are famous for. Make sure that you are aware of the zero tolerance alcohol limits if you are driving.
Find a pub!
Use our helpful food and drink map and discover the pub options for Inverness and Loch Ness.
Discover more
Discover the best afternoon tea in Inverness and Loch Ness
All the best places to have a delicious afternoon tea in Inverness and Loch Ness
Highland Whisky Distilleries: Mastering the Single Malt
When thinking about Scotland, there is a fair chance that whisky will be a prominent feature.
Highland culture and traditions
If your trip to Inverness and Loch Ness is inspired by all things Highland culture and traditions, then look no further, this page is packed full of great ideas to fill your itinerary full to the brim of local discoveries and cultural adventures!