Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead

Blue Scrumpy left this review about Argyll Arms Hotel

After having visited the nearby Lorne Bar the previous day, I'd somehow concluded that they were the same establishment. Passing back through the village the following day, I'd sub-consciously noticed a second pub in Ardrishaig as I was passing on my way to Campbelltown. As I returned, I thought I'd investigate further.

Neither this place nor the Lorne Bar has any sort of pub sign and no evidence of a pub name on either exterior which had led to my confusion. But returning, I found this pub open and it soon became apparent once inside that it was indeed the Argyll Arms Hotel.

There is a small bar to the left as you enter and a slightly larger games room to the right with a pool table. A hallway separates the two and contains a games room. The bar also has a TV.

The pub (especially the bar) does possess a bit of character and there were certainly a few characters in too. The barmaid looked as if she'd had enough of the mostly young customers she had in and was about to call last orders as I arrived shortly after 10pm on a Friday evening. The several people in were well oiled. Although I got talking (actually more like shouting) with an elderly fellow who was clearly hard of hearing. He was also in quite a jolly mood.

Ardrishaig is now a cask ale free zone, in addition to being a pub sign free zone. So, the choice was Inch's, Tennent's & Belhaven Best & Belter Lager.

I found this to be a slightly better pub than the Lorne Bar just along the road but it was perhaps the hour that I visited that made the difference. Visiting a pub just before closing invariable does lead to a much more different experience than shortly after opening. Either way, I wouldn't rush back.

On 31^st March 2026 - rating: 5
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