The Castle Tavern, Inverness

A few minutes walk from the centre of Inverness, The Castle is surprisingly compact inside and certainly popular, so most of us are outside listening to Sunday's live band, a lucky bunch under cover of awnings and parasols and some having our pints slowly diluted in the rain. There are Scottish ales on the bar, my Happy Chappy coming in at a surprisingly high £6. This was a bit too crowded for me on this occasion, but there's obviously a good pub here which merits investigation at a quieter time.

At an apex of two roads,pitched high above the River Ness and with views of the over restored lego castle nearby this has a traditional boozer feel.There is a large beer garden at the front with some high tables nearer the entrance and a sports flatscreen under a canopy.The interior of the pub is small with the bar ahead,a side window with good views and a raised section .two more flatscreens inside,it is possible that three different sporting events will be screened at the same time.There is a lively pub quiz on a Thursday,it has a strong community feel and seems less infected by tourists than many other city centre pubs,being at one end of town does help.Everyone was very friendly,easy to get chatting with punters pertched on bar stolls in front of the bar. We visited twice and were told that the ale selection rotates around mostly highland breweries .Sadly for us the selection on our visits was dominated by Orkney Brewery and frankly their Corncrake was a very poor brew in poor nick (NBSS 1.5,difficult to finish) with their Northern Light not much better (NBSS 2).At least the Dark Island was passable (NBSS 3.5) and one of the crew enjoyed the Cromarty Happy Chappy before it ran out.Some team members in despereation were sent down the keg cider and beer front but nothing much to write home about in their selection. At least we could watch the Palace on the flatscreen outside which upped the score but beware if you are looking for quality real ale,a surprising comment for a 2026 GBG entry.

Tiny pub but lovely feel inside and more extensive outside. At the castle entrance.