Markie Dans, Oban

The solitary handpump sits unused in this cellar bar, leaving a standard keg selection from 10 taps. The pub is a curious mix of food for tourists and pool table for the locals. It's fine enough and a welcome respite from a sharp shower, but I think I'd probably stroll on in finer weather.

Official site of Markie Dans - markiedans.co.uk

Official site of Markie Dans - markiedans.co.uk

Lively cellar bar which is one of 2 entries for Oban in the latest Good Beer Guide. I'd nearly booked a room in the accommodation above the bar and after having visited, I was glad that I hadn't made the booking. It was fairly rowdy for a Thursday evening. The pub was fairly busy, with quite a few blokes there to play pool at the solitary table towards the back of the room. The bar itself was on the right-hand side to the front of the room, with booth seating on the left-hand side. A few diners were using the booth seating, whilst a group of lesbians arrived to occupy a table in the corner. There was certainly quite an eclectic crowd here and a good atmosphere. The real ale was the seasonal Fyne Ales Hoppy Holly Daze, which I'd tried earlier in the day. Instead, I opted for a bottle of Fyne Ales Vital Spark, a typical bottle conditioned beer that reminded me why I rarely choose to drink bottles in a pub.

Despite the unpromising exterior, in a basement below a Bed and Breakfast (which it might well actually be part of), this is a very attractive and lively little pub. The interior is dark and wood panelled and there is a small outdoor seating area (not a beer garden, as it’s paved rather than grassy) giving excellent views over Oban Bay and the islands of Kerrera and Mull. Despite the name "Alehouse" on the pub sign, there was only one real ale (Oban Bay Well Puggled) on sale. A wider range of lagers included Fosters, Kronenburg and Amstel. Food is available and under 18s are allowed in if accompanied by an adult. There is also live music after 9.30 most nights. Although slightly away from Oban’s main pub/restaurant/shopping area around the harbour, Markie Dan’s is well worth a visit.