Cobbs Bar, Fort William

Situated in a 1980s building by the pedestrian-unfriendly roundabout. Semi Swiss chalet style interior, stone fireplace (unlit) and modern chocolate brown banquette areas. Modern arty panoramics of the local landscape on the walls along with bits of skiing paraphernalia and an upper skylight. Over-loud naff music and football on the TV with no-one watching. Access to the upstairs balcony unavailable. Three Scottish ales on; Atlas Three Sisters, Orkney Corncrake and Skye Blaven. Tried the latter but got a rather unpleasant butterscotch brew – pub or brewer? Also a decent selection of Harviestoun and Loch Ness bottles available. It’s OK but lacks character and was annoying on the night. I would be inclined to give it a second go for the beer selection.

Oddly, this is part of the Nevisport outdoor equipment shop, so you can combine a drink with shopping for gear to climb Ben Nevis, if you're so minded. Situated below the shop itself, Cobbs is just a run of the mill lounge bar, although the old stone fireplace in one corner looks genuine and is, presumably, a relic from a previous building. A pint of the never previously heard of An Gearasdan lager cost me only £2.50 and Guinness, Peroni, Twisted Thistle, Belhaven Best and Strongbow cider are also on draught, as are Puffin Ale and Skye IPA on hand pumps. Food is also served.