Applecross Inn, Strathcarron

Remote pub and hotel on the west coast of Scotland. We arrived via the coastal road and took the more direct route over the mountains back towards relative civilisation. I'd read beforehand that table bookings were necessary, but wrongly assumed that we should be ok for a November visit. All tables in the pub were booked for diners. Walking in from the gales and squally showers, we were offered a table outside instead. After a 1 hour drive from the previous pub, we reluctantly accepted the offer. Table service is still in operation here. So, I made my selection from Applecross Pale Ale, Sanctuary & Inner Sound and we took the only dry table we could find under a tent across the road. As it happened, it was the barmaid/waitress who brought our drinks across the road who bore the brunt of the weather. We walked across the road in relatively benign conditions, before she appeared moments later from a gale and heavy downpour with our drinks. My Inner Sound was on the cold side, which was even less appreciated than normal in the wind and rain. Only 2 of the handpulls had been clipped (the Pale Ale and the Sanctuary) and I was offered the Inner Sound almost as an afterthought. So I assumed from the temperature that it may have been a keg beer. However, reading the previous review, it may still have been cask after all. The location certainly makes the Applecross Inn well worth the visit. But it does seem to be a victim of its own success and appears to be much more geared to dining than drinking these days. Although, that may well change after day trippers like ourselves have disappeared. A pub that I have wanted to visit for many years, which disappointed after finally getting there.

Reached either over the highest public road in Britain or by a long single track coastal route the village of Applecross sits on the coast looking across to the Isle of Skye and its small neighbour Raasay. The pub is near the start of the village and appears to have been three cottages at one time but now knocked into a long thin single bar. There is seating all down the front side with the counter taking up half the back wall with more seating in alcoves at each end of it. Old pine abounds here with a little exposed stone at one end and plastered walls and wainscotting at the other. Décor is a mix of local artists work with old photos of the area especially the Bealach na Ba, (Pass of the Cows) and other maps and pictures of local interest. There is some outside seating and those with food orders are denoted by a flag of one nation or another selected by the diner. Due to its monopoly position and the popularity of the village as a destination it can get very busy, parking and seating can be at a premium. Decent enough beers from Isle of Skye and An Tealach served a tadge cold and strangely for a guvner from northern England without a sparkler.

Official pages of the Applecross Inn, contains menu and wine list - www.applecross.uk.com