The Comm, Lochgilphead

The sign outside says simply “The Comm,” rather than Commercial and that is how it is known to locals. The sign also advertises a “Smoke Room,” which it obviously no longer has. The pub smoking ban has reached even remote Lochgilphead and the room in question now serves as an extra snug in between the street-front bar and the rear lounge. The front bar is tiny and quaint, with a real fire and a crescent shaped service area in one corner. With its old fashioned décor and atmosphere, it reminded me of a set from a 1950s British film. Seating is necessarily limited with only half a dozen bar stools and banquettes along the wall below the window. Most customers were standing. A pint of Belhaven Best there cost me £3 and Guinness, Carling lager and Strongbow cider are also sold on draught. A fifth tap anonymously advertises “Real Ale,” without specifying which kind it is. When I enquired, the barmaid advised that there was none at present, as “it doesn’t sell well during the winter months.” This sounded a rather unlikely explanation to me, although it is possible that a summer influx of tourists makes it more commercially viable later in the year. This was nevertheless my favourite of Lochgilphead’s four pubs and if you’re passing through and only have time for one drink, I’d definitely make it here.