Captain Flints, Lerwick

Difficult to find as the exterior signage looks like a corner shop and the entrance doorway is unmarked; it really does feel like one the locals want to keep to themselves. Head up some unpromising looking stairs to find the bar which is really rather good. Lots of dark varnish wood on the walls and ceiling, with a number of curved bottle green leatherette banquette seating areas. Walls are broken up by wood strips into squares. There are some nice views of the harbour from the window and there is a fair amount of nautical ephemera on display inside. Sadly the handpump was not in operation so a half of the keg Lerwick Azure was a decent option. The range of bottled beers are in the far-left fridge which had options from BrewDog, Lerwick and Shepherd Neame. A slightly less local feel here than some of the other pubs, I wasn’t the only non-Islander in attendance. This is a decent choice.

This isn’t much to look at from outside, with not very prominent signage and a door resembling the entrance to a block of flats or offices. Don’t be deterred, though, as once inside and up the stairway, you’ll find one of the best and most popular pubs in Lerwick. It’s attractively decorated with wooden ceiling beams and flooring and impressive views of the busy harbour if you can get a seat at the only window. There is a mix of seating with padded benches along the walls and chairs and stools around tables. The three TV screens are well positioned and visible from most sections of the sizeable bar and there are a couple of games machines too. The Aspall Suffolk cider on draught has travelled a long way and Strongbow cider, Guinness, Belhaven Best, Stella Artois, Carling and Tennent’s lagers are also available. Prices are slightly higher than the neighbouring pubs (at £3.40 for a pint of Tennent’s), but it was very busy on both of the evenings I came in. The toilets are located up another staircase, where a games room with pool tables, darts boards and lots more seating can also be found. This even has its own bar, but this was closed during both of my visits.