The Portcullis, Stirling

Built in 1787 initially as a grammar school, the Portcullis stands at the top of the hill on the way to the castle from the City centre. It was originally called the Castle Hotel (an old photo of it under this name can be found at the No 2 Baker Street pub back in town) and was also at one point used as a military store. The building is quite sturdy with solid stone walls befitting its position near the town’s stringhold. Internally the building has been tastefully modernized at some point although it is beginning to look a bit worn around the edges with fading upholstery on the banquette seating being quite evident. Although it is essentially a Hotel bar, it does retain a good degree of character and what appeared to be a constant stream of tourists ensured that the place had a reasonable amount of bustle to it. To the rear is a more sedate section labeled the Monarch Lounge with sofas and a piano and outside is a pleasant courtyard garden. Just the 1 ale was available was available on my visit, an excellent Orkney Red MacGregor whilst the 2nd pump had a reversed Cairngorm Trade Winds clip. The pricing was quite reasonable compared to some of the oprices in Glasgow & Edinburgh. Although it is clearly a touristy destination being a mere spear chuck from the castle, I found this to be one off the more enticing pubs in the city and if you are visiting the castle (as most visitors inevitably do) you will more than likely be unable to resist the temptation of a quick pint.

Official site of The Portcullis - www.theportcullishotel.com