Scotland's 15 best gastropubs

6 Stewart Crescent, Thrumster, Wick, Caithness

01955 651256

If it’s a cosy, traditional pub that you want, then you can’t do much better than The Old Smiddy. Twenty miles south of John o’Groats, it provides a welcome hub for the residents of the village of Thrumster and any visitors. The staff are hospitable, there is a roaring coal fire in the corner, and the menu is comfort food at its best. We recommend the steak pie, which comes in a richly succulent sauce, with a side of homemade chips for a real indulgence. If you time your visit right, then you might also be able to enjoy some live folk music and ceilidh dancing.

2. The Scran & Scallie, Edinburgh

1 Comely Bank Road, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

0131 332 6281

www.scranandscallie.com

Describing itself as "Edinburgh's leading gastropub" might be a bold claim, but the team behind The Scran & Scallie have already received a Michelin star at their sister venue The Kitchin. The Scran & Scallie has itself been awarded a Michelin's Bib Gourmand (an honour that recognises restaurants which serve high-quality food at a reasonable price) and it isn’t hard to see why. The smoked haddock rarebit, in particular, is exquisite.

3. Pitcairngreen Inn, Perth

Pitcairngreen, Perth

01738 583 022

www.pitcairngreeninn.co.uk

Head chef Calum Macleod is a local man with plenty of passion for Perthshire produce. And it comes across in his food: with the Pitcairngreen Inn offering fresh, seasonal ingredients in a country pub setting. Their skin-on handmade chips are particularly popular, but the homemade burger and macaroni cheese are also well worth a try.

4. McGinty’s Meal and Ale, Aberdeen

504 Union Street, Aberdeen

01224 626720

www.mcgintysmealanale.co.uk

It does what it says on the tin. McGinty’s offers excellent food and cask ales and more than 100 whiskies, rums and gins. It was renovated in 2017 to create more of a gastropub feel, but McGinty’s prides itself on being one of the last independent pubs in Aberdeen. And while the menu is extensive, if you go for the haggis bon bons or the Cajun chicken tagliatelle then you shouldn’t be disappointed.

5. The Cross Keys, Kippen

Main Street, Kippen, Stirling

01786 870 293

www.kippencrosskeys.com

The Cross Keys has been the recipient of several (deserved) industry awards that have recognised the excellence of its food. Forget stale ham and chips: diners here can expect dishes like guinea fowl and tarragon mousse, roast lamb rump with dauphinoise potatoes and a Moroccan lamb stew. But while the food is haute cuisine, the pub itself couldn’t be more traditional. The Cross Keys is the oldest inn of its kind in Stirlingshire, having been built in 1703, and it offers both a warm fire inside and a beer garden outside, alongside plenty of local ales.

6. Chinaski’s, Glasgow

239 North Street, Glasgow

0141 221 0061

www.chinaskis.com

If you are passing through Glasgow’s Charing Cross, it would be all too easy to miss Chinaski’s. But for those in the know, its anonymous facade conceals a gem of a pub that offers good food, beer and live music. There is a gourmet a la carte menu as well as a dedicated vegan menu that offers plant-based pizza, lasagne, burgers and even a vegan brownie and ice cream. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening to hear the in-house DJ, if that's your bag.

7. The Sorn Inn, Ayrshire

35 Main Street, Sorn, East Ayrshire

01290 551305

www.sorninn.com

The tiny Ayrshire village of Sorn might only have one pub, but you couldn’t ask for much better than the Sorn Inn. Its decadent menu offers the likes of braised pork cheeks, spiced monkfish and spaghetti cauliflower alongside more conventional steak pie or fish and chips. The Sunday roast is particularly good too, with perfectly cooked meat that is paired with delicate veg and duck fat potatoes.

8. The Ship Inn, Elie

The Toft, Elie, East Neuk of Fife

01333 330246

www.shipinn.scot

When the sun is out, getting a seat in the Ship Inn beer garden becomes a nigh-on impossible task. It boasts unrivalled views of the expansive Elie and Earlsferry beach and provides an excellent sun trap for those looking to make the most of good weather. But, beer garden aside, the food served at the Ship Inn is well worthy of praise of its own. There is plenty of fish and seafood -as you might expect for a harbour village- as well as delicately dry-aged meat that is sourced directly from a local butcher. Finish with their Cranachan for a real treat.

9. The Other Place, Edinburgh

2-4 Broughton Road, Edinburgh

0131 556 1024

www.theotherplaceedinburgh.com

With over 90 varieties of cider and craft beer, The Other Place might seem like another one of the many hipster pubs that are popping up all over the country. But while it has a high-grade menu -with all ingredients fresh and sourced locally- this Edinburgh venue also offers a fair amount of traditional pub grub. You can get a choice of morning rolls on a Saturday and Sunday and an array of ‘bar bites’ that include chicken wings, onion rings and (best of all) curly chips.

10. Stravaigin, Glasgow

28 Gibson Street, Glasgow

0141 334 2665

www.stravaigin.co.uk

Stravaigin is a bit of an institution among Glaswegians, who know that it offers a continually evolving, adventurous menu. All their seafood and meat are sourced from Scotland -and most of their vegetables too- but the food has a firmly international feel and offers dishes that you would struggle to get elsewhere in Scotland. This global influence is also mirrored in the eclectic wine list and wide selection of beers. Well worth a visit if you haven’t already been.

11. The Tinsmith, Dundee

11-13 Old Hawkhill, Dundee

01382 204 198

www.thetinsmith.co.uk

The Tinsmith offers pub food at its best. Think bangers and mash, burgers and mac and cheese, along with a ‘pick a pie’ option where you can customise a range of succulent homemade pies. And, for dessert, they have a particularly Scottish option in the shape of a deep-fried Mars bar served with Irn-Bru ice cream.

12. The Rum Shack, Glasgow

657-659 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow

0141 237 4432

www.rumshackglasgow.com

Glasgow’s south side has experienced a bit of a resurgence in the last few years, with more and more trendy venues opening up in and around Strathbungo and Shawlands. The Rum Shack is one such place, a Caribbean-inspired pub and canteen that doubles up as a dancehall over the weekends. Visitors can sample a range of authentic Caribbean dishes like Dutch pot, jerk meats and plantain, as well as more than 100 different rums.

13. The Barn, Oban

Cologin, Lerags Glen, Oban, Argyll

01631 564 501

www.cologin.co.uk/the-barn-bar

Run by father and son duo Michael and Glen Hewitt, The Barn is home-style pub food at its best. The rustic interior makes for an inviting atmosphere, with pets welcomed and spontaneous musical jam sessions not uncommon. They specialise in a Sunday lunch carvery but there are plenty of other options, including a fair few vegan and vegetarian dishes.

14. Buccleuch Arms, Scottish Borders

The Green, St. Boswells, Melrose, Scottish Borders

01835 822243

www.buccleucharms.com

This inn was given a major refit to bring its decor up to scratch, but it still retains the feel of an old country pub. The owners, who come from a farming background, focus on a ‘field to fork ethos’, where they prioritise local produce. Their beef, which is a particular speciality, all comes from Aberdeen Angus steaks that are sourced from the nearby Hardiesm farm.

15. The Mallard, Dingwall

Station Square, Dingwall

01349 866286

Located just a stone’s throw from Ross County’s stadium, this cosy little pub is well used to dealing with big crowds. Their food is of an impressive quality, with traditional roasts and carveries popular at the weekends. Gluten-free diets can also be catered to with no trouble.