Star Hotel, Kingussie

Occupying a prime street corner site in the centre of the village, the Star comprises a separate bar and lounge, with different entrance doors, in addition to its residential accommodation. The bar is very much the locals’ village pub, with a lively, indeed bordering on rowdy, atmosphere on the weekend nights I visited. It was so busy that I initially couldn’t find a seat, until I was invited to join some friendly locals. It has a pool table in the middle of the floor, a dart board, a juke box and a TV showing football. A pint of Guinness cost me £3.40 and Belhaven Best, Carlsberg and San Miguel lagers and Strongbow cider are also on draught. In the “Monarch of the Glen Lounge Bar” next door, with its own service area, the Guinness was 10 pence more expensive and the same other options are available. The lounge is roomier than the bar, with more seating, and live entertainment was provided by folk/country and western duos (different ones on each night). While the whole place might have a slightly down at heel look about it, the Star came as a pleasant change to the rather staid and bland hotel lounges elsewhere in Kingussie. Together with the “Tipsy Laird” further along the High Street, this is one of the best drinking places in the village.