St. Ola Hotel, Kirkwall

Interior as described below with 1 real ale served.

A traditional local which has had a refurb in what down south would be considered a dated 70s style - beech wood style panelling mainly, plus a jumbo Jeffreys mirror - but it felt enjoyably authentic. It's a small interior with a narrow drinking strip by the bar and a dedicated darts area behind, though be careful of the other board by the door! Five varnished barrels sat above the bar surrounded by sailor’s rope, as well as a backwards clock. Competitive darts in full swing on both boards with a fairly relaxed atmosphere inside. Thought that was about it but then on the way to the gents I spied a large modern room with another bar and punters - two pubs in one! I guess this room is for the younger weekend punters. Anyway there were two cask ales, Swannay’s Scapa Special and Orkney IPA (in great shape), plus a mix of Orkney and Swannay bottles in the fridge. Also spotted Woodpecker cider! Overall, fairly impressed and it’s well-worth doing this one. 7.5

Official site of St Ola Hotel - whatpub.com

Official site of St Ola Hotel - whatpub.com

Official site of the St Ola Hotel - www.stolahotel.co.uk