Auld Motor Hoose, Kirkwall

Quite a dark characterful interior with a motoring themed decor. 1 real ale.

Looks unpromising from the outside, a faceless whitewashed building abutting a derelict building. However carry on! The Inside is a small, dark and very characterful place with loads of retro motoring paraphernalia to be seen. There’s some booths and a natty roofed seating area. Dart board available. One ale on, Swannay Scarpa (best kept ale I had in the islands) with a couple of Orkney bottles in the fridge. Locals at the bar were engaged in a conversation about a local character who is being slung out of most of the pubs (including this one) for causing aggro – and I fancy from the description that I spotted him in the Bothy. The excellent beer and the charming interior mean you should absolutely do this one, even if it’s your only one in the town.

Entry in the GBG 2017 and now way I was going to miss getting my most northern tick. Grim looking from the outside but head in - its fine. All motor memorabilia, juke box and one real ale - an exceptionally good Scapa Special Pale Ale from Swanney Brewery. Not much choice in Kirkwall, so if you''re looking here for inspiration, I''m sure you will be heading in. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2xubVyp