The Castle Tavern, Inverness

Excellent traditional pub in a fine position overlooking the Ness just to the south of the city centre. The seating on the small, comfortable, split-level bar is supplemented by a patio terrace of about equal size. Six decent real ales on handpump, including two from Speyside - Bow Fiddle Blonde and Dark Skies Stout (£3.60). Decent food too.

Opposite the approach road to Inverness Castle, this was known as the Harlequin until a few years ago. Together with Blackfriars at the other end of the central area, it is the city’s main real ale outlet and was CAMRA’s Real Ale Pub of the Year in 2008 and 2010. On offer were Orkney Best (at £3.35 a pint), Scapa Special, Blaven, Happy Chappy, Slainte and Nessie’s Ale. Guinness, Belhaven Best and Carlsberg and Tuborg lagers were also available. There is a very attractive beer garden at the front, looking onto the actual Castle, which is partly sheltered, with heaters and an outdoor TV screen. There is an upstairs restaurant, although food is also served in the bar, which, in view of its diminutive size, can become rather congested as a result.