Braeriach Hotel, Newtonmore

Although the "Glen Hotel," diagonally across the road, is more up-market and more tourist friendly, the down to earth bar here is definitely the locals' chosen village pub. It was certainly the most lively place in Newtonmore on the two January nights I stayed here. The front bar is heated by a wood burning stove and has one large screen TV which was showing a music channel. This is supplemented by a rather decrepit looking games room at the rear, containing a pool table, dart board, games machines and a juke box. This has its own separate bar counter, which was closed and is rather superfluous anyway as it's only a short walk through the passage to the main one. A local drinker advised me not to drink the Guinness here and, indeed, it wasn't in great condition. After one pint, priced £3.55, I moved on to Caledonia Best, at £3.20, which was fine. John Smith's Smoothflow, Tennents, Heineken, Fosters and Amstel lagers and Strongbow cider are also on draught. Despite its shortcomings, I found this to be the busiest and friendliest pub in the village, and therefore my personal favourite.