Queens Hotel, Girvan

From the street, this looks like just a sedate residential hotel. So much so that I was on the point of passing it by until I heard voices and laughter from the ajar fire escape door and looked inside. I’m very glad I did, as I found one of the best pubs in town. The bar is beautifully decorated and subtly lit in the style of a traditional village pub, rather than the bland residents' bar I had expected. A pint of Tennent’s lager cost me £2.90 and Fosters, Stella Artois, Guinness, John Smith’s, Caledonia Best and Magner’s cider are also on draught. There is a beer garden in the back yard, although the seating looks more appropriate to indoors than out. There must also be a function suite at the back of the building as a large group of young people were arriving and disappearing down a corridor behind the reception area just as I was leaving. The Queen’s could be easily missed due to its low profile, but it’s well worth a visit if you’re drinking in Girvan.