The Taybank, Dunkeld

Currently resembling a building site with scaffolding surrounding the exterior and extensive refurbishment taking place inside, I was surprised to find that this, or at least the public bar of it, was still open. It seems to be the place to go for live music, with impromptu jam sessions, featuring several acoustic guitars and a piano, in full swing on both the Friday and Saturday nights of my visits. The bar is dimly lit and cosy and was very busy with both drinkers and diners, so much so that it took me some time to get served by the lone barman. My pint of Guinness cost me £3.30 and Carlsberg lager, St. Mungo lager, Black Isle Organic Blond lager, West 4 lager and Magner’s cider are also on draught. Two hand pumps serve the locally brewed Strathbraan Due South and Head East ales. Given the current state of the building, the beer garden on the banks of the Tay would have been a much more pleasant place to sit, except for the fact that it was snowing.