The Fiddichside Inn, Aberlour

Perched in a picturesque spot high on the banks of the River Fiddich, the Fiddichside Inn is a cottage pub with more than a passing interest to pub enthusiasts. The pub dates from 1840 when it was built as a meeting place for workers building the now defunct railway line and has been in the same family since 1919. The bar itself is just one tiny room at the end of the cottage and measures approximately 10’ x 15’ although half of that is taken up by the bar itself. The interior has undergone very few changes over the years, something that has been recognized by its inclusion on the CAMRA Inventory of historic interiors. The furninshings are almost non-existant with no tableds and just a couple of simple benches and stools dotted around the edge of the room. A tiny tiled fireplace provides whatever warmth is required a single strip bulb is the only illumination. There are no TV’s, music or game machines although there is dartboard cabinet housed in one corner but heaven knows what they do when the pub has more than 10 people in it! Sadly there are no Real Ales, just a couple of keg bitters (McEwans 70/- and 80/-), Guinness and Tennants Lager although in keeping with the area, there was a stock of approximately 40 whiskys perched on shelves behind the bar and the presence of 3 or 4 water jugs suggests that this is the local’s favourite tipple. On the counter were a few Sunday lunchtime nibbles although they do not do any meals here. Over the bar, a sign announces that the pub acts as “headquarters for husbands, fishermen and other liars”, all of whom were friendly and chatty during my brief stay. It should be noted that children are not allowed in the bar. Outside is an idyllic beer garden with views across down to the river and there is also a car park behind the pub which is easily missed (the pub is lower than the road level and partly obscured when driving into the village). It’s all very quaint, very much a throwback to pubs of yesteryear and is all the better for it but whilst it can be considered an essential stop if in the area, a token local ale would be more than welcome.