Red Lion Hotel, Doune

The 200 year old Red Lion is situated in the heart of the village about 10 minutes walk from the nearby castle that famously featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail. A steady stream of Monty Python pilgrims alight at the village bus stop which is conveniently opposite the pub which makes it handy for a pint to kill time waiting for the infrequent bus to stirling. The pub is quite enticing from the outside wth whitewashed walls and farmhouse style character. The interior is divided into a main bar and a separate dining room which wasn’t open during my visit. The carpeted main bar is quite small with a TV in one corner, low ceilings, banquette seating and a modern curved bar that includes a call bell if no-one is around although there were a healthy number of locals (and their dogs) given that I was there at what was hardly peak hours. The décor is a bit bland but a few old village pictures and some golfing trophies give it a bit of local identity. Note also the unusual barstools with various workmen’s tools built into the frames. 2 Real ales available on my visit, Caledonian Deuchars and Orkney Dragonhead, the latter reasonably priced at £3 and quality fine. There is limited accommodation that seems to be more popular with overnighters looking to break up a longer journey rather than long term holidaymakers. The place was cosy enough and whilst not unfriendly it did seem a bit cliquey. I didn’t find it particularly welcoming as a tourist, the lady behind the bar hardly breaking conversation with the locals to serve me whereas a simple hello would have made all the difference. I didn’t try any of the other pubs in the village but I gather that this is the only pub to offer Real Ales so for that reason alone it is worth popping in.