Cuilfail Hotel, Oban

The Cuilfail is a hotel with a bar/restaurant located in the village of Kilmelford on the main A816 south of Oban. Walking into the hotel's reception hall, I was met by the owner who directed me to the public bar off to the left. Another couple of customers had just left, leaving me as the only customer. However, I was soon joined by another local couple, with the guy being quite a character. Just before I left, a younger couple also walked in with a couple of kids. The bar is very traditional with stone boulder walls, some finely polished tables and a bar inlaid with parts of whisky casks. Loch Lomond Southern Summit is the regular real ale here. However, there were also a couple of guests from Orkney - Dark Island & Skull Splitter. Inevitably, not seeing the 8.5% Skull Splitter on cask very often, my decision was easy! Described as a wee heavy, it was very similar in style to a barley wine and went down a bit too easily, helped by the wise cracks and raw Scottish humour from the gent who walked in after me and the retorts from the landlord. If you're ever down this way, this is one well worth seeking out.

Official site of Cuilfail Hotel - www.cuilfail.co.uk

Official site of Cuilfail Hotel - www.cuilfail.co.uk