The Tayvallich Inn, Lochgilphead

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Tayvallich Inn

This pub is well off the beaten track and overlooks a picturesque bay with quite a few boats. Opening times displayed online were incorrect, as with most of the pubs in Argyll. I'd originally arrived on Thursday afternoon, only to be told that they don't open until 4pm during the week (2pm at weekends). It seems that it is always the slightly longer summer hours that are published online.

As it happened, staff were having a meeting. So, I was at least told verbally that the pub was closed! Returning early the following evening, I found the pub open. The bar on the left has some exposed brick walls on the bar side and whitewashed walls opposite with some nautical maps on the wall, as well as some artwork for sale. Music was playing and a ukulele strum session was being promoted. Dogs are allowed in. Quite a few tables in the bar were reserved for diners (there is a separate dining room off to the right-hand side of the entrance) but I wasn't staying long. So, this didn't matter too much. A large group of non-locals arrived shortly before I was leaving. They had last been a couple of years previous. It was clear that they had enjoyed the food so much on their previous visit(s), that they had vowed to return, which must say something about the food quality.

Surprisingly for a pub which hasn't appeared in the Good Beer Guide since 2006, it has 4 handpulls. Only 2 were clipped with Highlander & Hurricane Jack. The cider was Reveller. For the summer months, there is also an outdoor patio area at the front with some wooden tables on which to enjoy the views.

Worth the effort of getting to.

On 31^st March 2026 - rating: 6
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