The Seaforth, Ullapool

Nothing much has changed since the 2011 visits below, the single room bar remains with its limited decor of nautical charts, a silent screen on Sky News and a ships wheel. The two counter set up; one for food, one for drinks, is something certain large chains might emulate. The beers are still from An Teallach and of surprisingly good quality. Near the ferry port so trade may be transient with tourists and ferry users whiling away the time before the delights of a crossing to Lewis.

A typical seaside bar, with its own fish and chip shop attached. There's a covered area with a view of the pier and harbour, and the main bar is a large wooden-floored room with bench seating around the walls, and high chairs around the two iron pillars which keep the ceiling up. There are two bars - one on the left as you enter, for food orders and tea or coffee, the other for alcohol and other drinks. There are notices scattered about the walls celebrating awards for best seafood bar from various critics and newspapers. Surprisingly, there is a LocAle sticker in the window, and the promise is fulfilled by two hand pumps on the bar, one of which had An Teallach Ale available (the brewery is about 10 miles away as the crow flies, but the best part of 40 by road, but that's as local as you get in these parts). This would have been my most expensive pint ever (dead heat with the Argyll Hotel) except that I had a half: £1.85 - I've paid less than that for a pint this year!

Had excellent fish & chips here. Good beer too.