The Portcullis, Stirling

This smart pub and hotel next to Stirling Castle, used to be the local Grammar School and it’s great that this historic building can still be enjoyed by the public in its current use today. You enter via a rather nice courtyard full of nice plants and sturdy garden furniture, which I imagine makes it a nice place to spend time in warmer months. The pub part of the building comprises a nice ground floor room with plush carpets and bare stone walls which give it an authentic and homely feel. Comfy banquette seating runs around the sides of the room whilst some slightly off-putting looking red leather chairs fill the space in the centre, where a large pillar helps break up the sightlines a little. A grand fireplace stands at one end of the room with a large mantle and pub mirror above. The servery is at the other end of the room and has a traditional dark wood counter and attractive bar back which includes another pub mirror and a built-in clock. A couple of stained glass panes add a splash of colour to the room and there are high shelves stuffed with whisky boxes, bottles, ceramics, drums and other such items, running all around the room. Rock music played quietly in the background throughout my visit and there was a slow but steady stream of punters, mostly tourists, coming and going, although I’d imagine it’s a very different picture during the peak season. The bar had two ales available on this occasion – Skye Red and Cairngorm Black Gold. I ordered a pint of the latter, which got a murmur of approval from a local propping up the end of the bar. Quite rightly so, as this was a fantastic drop of beer and one of the more memorable pints from my week in Scotland. I’m not really a fan of this sort of hotel bar, especially not those in such close proximity to major tourist destinations, but I have to say, this place was really enjoyable and I would’ve been more than happy to settle down here for a few more pints of that luscious Black Gold, had time allowed. Definitely worth a quick snoop if you’re in town outside of the main tourist season.

For a tourist pub this was pretty good, service was friendly and efficient and it was pretty good value, too. There was just one real ale on, the second hand pump being vacant. Cairngorm Black Gold was in good condition, and not overpriced for the area at £3.30 a pint. We also ate, and although it was pretty basic fare (baked potatoes with cheese and beans) there was plenty of it.

Comfortable hotel at the top of the hill by the castle; there is one large lounge bar which usually seems to be very busy with dining tourists. If only drinking, you will probably find a corner to sample the changing guest ales. There is also an outdoor area if the weather is kind. Good Beer Guide listed at time of visit.

Official site of The Portcullis - www.theportcullishotel.com