Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore

Old-fashioned hotel located directly across the road from Aviemore station, with the bar (open to non residents) located in the left-hand part of the building. All a bit beige / milky brown in terms of furniture and decoration, but there are some interesting bits of ephemera on the walls. However, it does sell a pair of Cairngorm cask ales from the pair of handpumps: Gold (£5.50) and Stag on my visit.

Nicely laid out hotel bar opposite the railway station on the main street

The Hotel has a bar in its main section next to the Reception area, but it seemed to be used mainly by residents or people dining. The real bar is through the door under the "Lounge Bar" sign to the side of the main entrance. It is very popular and was therefore extremely busy on both the Friday and Saturday nights I visited, despite the additional seating in the outdoor terrace at the front. There were three TVs, but these were turned down to allow customers to hear the folk singers. Prices were reasonable, with Cairngorm Stag costing £3.40 a pint and Cairngorm Trade Winds at £3.60. Tennent's, Carling, Cairn, Coors and Peroni lagers, plus Belhaven Best, Caledonia Best and Guinness were also on draught. Best described as a traditional style British pub, this is definitely one of the top drinking places in Aviemore.