The Shore Inn, Banff

This brightly painted Inn can be found on the picturesque, historic 17th century harbour front where is stands out amid the greay stone of the harbour walls. The L-shaped knocked through interior still has a cosy and quite intimate feel with low ceilings, pew seats, open fires and a traditional framed bar (complete with comedy brasses). There is a dartboard at one end and a couple of flat screen TVs. They also put on occasional live music. A few old pictures of the area include an early picture of the pub, almost unrecognizable were it not for the signage. As strangers we found the pub and regulars very welcoming and friendly with an attentive barmaid and chatty locals. The beers were also way above average for the area with 3 hand pumps although only 2 ales available for my visit, London Pride (I can’t believe I travelled 600 miles to find London Pride but that’s the way it goes sometimes and the locals were enjoying it as they presuambaly don’t see it as often as I do) and fortunately, a more local offering of Houston Killelan. Prices were below average for the area and quality fine. I would have been happy for this to have been my local for the week of my travels in the area but sadly just the solitary visit for me. It was certainly among the better pubs we came across.