Cool Place of the Day: Clachaig Inn, Argyll

Every day, a new place to discover or explore in the UK, from coolplaces.co.uk

(CoolPlaces)

Clachaig Inn, Argyll

History is everything in Glencoe, and a sign declaring that the Campbells are not welcome above the entrance to the Clachaig shows old grievances still linger on in this part of the world. Thankfully they are a lot more welcoming here to the tourists and walkers who come to tackle the peaks and appreciate the jaw-dropping scenery around these parts, stopping off for a pint and a bite to eat and maybe stay in one of the cosy and contemporary upstairs rooms.

The Clachaig has been here for around 300 years so it’s hardly unknown. But it is rather special, with no fewer than three bars, each with their own ambience (two are very rustic, one much more contemporary), a fabulous selection of real ales (they hold regular beer festivals and were recently named a UK Real Ale Pub of the Year) and really excellent, locally-sourced food – the venison is the highlight, but you might also want to try the black pudding or local haddock, smothered with oatmeal and served with pea and potato mash. Look out also for their regular live music events. There’s really no better place to wind up after a day enjoying what must be one of the most famous and most dramatic of all the Scottish glens.

Martin Dunford is Publisher of Cool Places, a new website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk).