McKays Hotel, Pitlochry

There is another bar in the main section of the hotel itself where the residents probably tend to drink and although McKay's is part of the hotel, it has the atmosphere more of a local pub than a hotel bar. It consists of a large, modern lounge with lots of seating and a long bar top which makes for easy and quick service. Music was playing at a moderate level and TVs were on with the sound muted. There is a pool table in an area at the rear of the main bar and a large function suite behind that. There is also seating in the outdoor terrace at the front, looking onto the main road. Food is available. Although this is a fairly routine modern lounge, it was definitely livelier and busier than many of the town's pubs, despite being relatively expensive. A pint of Belhaven IPA, from a hand pump, cost me £4 and Belhaven Black Scottish Stout was 10 pence dearer than that. St. Andrew's Amber Ale was also on hand pump and there were four others on the bar with nothing in them. Belhaven Best, Strongbow cider and Kronenbourg, Heineken and Ben-Y-Vrackie lagers (named after the nearby mountain) were also on draught.