Mid Brae Inn, Brae, Shetland

Stopped in here for a snifter en route to the Delting Up Helly Aa. It’s a two room whitewashed building overlooking the loch which perhaps promises more outside than the inside delivers. Both rooms are long and fairly narrow with a bar counter in each. The right room is probably the most interesting with whitewashed stone walls and a semi-rustic feel. The other room has battered red, white and blue padded seating and the same colour lino and walls – definitely a mid-80’s job. There’s a dart board in here. Unfortunately the pub is pretty lacking on the beer front with no local beers to be had in any form - only nationals. My half of Tennants was very good though, and so it should be given the amount they were getting through. Service was variable – I was ignored by the older lady in the rustic bar but was served promptly by a bubbly redhead in the 80’s bar. A comedic note was struck by the condoms available behind the bar (stocking-up in preparation for the Uppy?). I guess it suits the locals but I wouldn't see the need to stop again.