The Steam Inn, Mallaig

If I'd thought customers in the nearby Chlachain Inn were young, they were younger still in the Steam Inn. Once again, I had to negotiate a large group of young smokers to get through the door here. Inside, there was a lively bar area packed with more young drinkers, with a quieter room through a set of saloon-type doors, that is most likely used as a dining area during the day. I retreated to this quieter room with my Isle of Skye Skye Red whilst spilling some of it trying to negotiate the doors. Skye Red was the solitary real ale and despite this being marginally the better pub in Mallaig, I can see why I didn't seek any pubs out the last time I passed through here in 2009.

With mostly sofa seating around tables, the bar is a bit too modern and plastic looking for my tastes. The main attraction, therefore (weather permitting) is the excellent and extensive beer garden at the rear, which has more seating than the inside bar. A pint of Tennent's lager cost me £3.30 and Stella Artois and Carling lagers, John Smith's, Caledonia Best, Guinness and Strongbow cider are also on draught. There is also an adjoining restaurant, although food is served in the main bar itself too.