Dog Friendly Inverness

**Lime** · 23rd October 13, 03:52 AM

We are taking a short trip to Inverness at the weekend and are taking our little dog with us. It is some years since we were last there and we didn't have a dog at that time.

We normally do a spot of research before visiting places to see if there are any dog friendly pubs or cafes so that (if!) it rains we don't end up sitting in a bus stop with some soggy sandwiches, a wet pooch and a pair of cranky owners. However my wife's internet research has thrown up surprisingly few suggestions (which sometimes just means that everywhere is dog friendly so they don't think to publish it!).

I thought I would tap the collective knowledge base that is xmarks to see if anyone knows of any decent dog friendly pubs or cafes preferably in and about the city (we are getting the train so will be on foot).

Many thanks in advance.

**creagdhubh** · 23rd October 13, 05:22 AM

Lime,

I know of two places in Inverness that are dog friendly establishments: The Castle Tavern and Clachnaharry Inn.

http://www.castletavern.net/

http://www.clachnaharryinn.co.uk/

Cheers,

**Lime** · 23rd October 13, 05:52 AM

Splendid, thank you very much; i will put them on the list. Do you happen to know if the Castle is still up to scratch - I thought that I had heard a vague rumour that it had gone downhill? I might be completely wrong and doing them a dis-service.

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

Lime,

I know of two places in Inverness that are dog friendly establishments: The Castle Tavern and Clachnaharry Inn.

http://www.castletavern.net/

http://www.clachnaharryinn.co.uk/

Cheers,

**creagdhubh** · 23rd October 13, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Lime

Splendid, thank you very much; i will put them on the list. Do you happen to know if the Castle is still up to scratch - I thought that I had heard a vague rumour that it had gone downhill? I might be completely wrong and doing them a dis-service.

I'm not entirely sure, Lime. I have been there a few times and have always had good service, good food and a good time. The outdoor patio is a must, with an excellent view of the River Ness.

**Lime** · 23rd October 13, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by creagdhubh

I'm not entirely sure, Lime. I have been there a few times and have always had good service, good food and a good time. The outdoor patio is a must, with an excellent view of the River Ness.

Well no doubt I will be able to give a thorough review (say six pints?) this weekend! If I only make it through one cloudy pint and a bag of pork scratchings it won't be getting a very good listing in the (now forthcoming) "Lime's Guide to Dog Friendly Pubs - Inverness Edition".

**creagdhubh** · 23rd October 13, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Lime

Well no doubt I will be able to give a thorough review (say six pints?) this weekend! If I only make it through one cloudy pint and a bag of pork scratchings it won't be getting a very good listing in the (now forthcoming) "Lime's Guide to Dog Friendly Pubs - Inverness Edition".

Hahaha, well said! Sounds good, mate. Enjoy and have a pint for me!

Slainte,

**seanachie** · 23rd October 13, 08:39 PM

I spent a wonderful early evening in the Castle on a very cold wet January in 2012. I found the folks extremely friendly and shared a few good conversations. On the Friday night that had free appetizers as well. The bar staff were extremely happy to share info on all the beer on tap.

**ThistleDown** · 23rd October 13, 10:41 PM

Yes, most welcome well-behaved canine companions. Without considering your need for dog-friendly environments, my current choices are The Waterfront, Dores Inn, Rocpool, Castle Tavern, The Dairy at Daviot (tell them I sent you) and The Clachnaharry (look for me in the corner).

Rex

**Lime** · 24th October 13, 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Yes, most welcome well-behaved canine companions. Without considering your need for dog-friendly environments, my current choices are The Waterfront, Dores Inn, Rocpool, Castle Tavern, The Dairy at Daviot (tell them I sent you) and The Clachnaharry (look for me in the corner).

Rex

Splendid - that should keep me out of the elements; even if it doesn't rain.

**Lime** · 29th October 13, 02:53 PM

Well a rather splendid weekend was had and we managed to miss the storms. I thought I would report back on Dog Friendly Inverness in case anyone else heads north with a Hound.

The Castle definitely hasn't gone downhill (unless it was heavenly before and now simply earthbound) but, as a rule it doesn't allow dogs inside (although this rule was kindly relaxed for us due to particular circumstances - small well behaved dog, cold and wet weather, empty bar, and some pleading). Excellent real ales on tap, excellent food (we had: a home made burger, scampi, homemade beetroot and goats cheese tart and (apparently - I wasn't allowed any) the best ever chicken supreme) served all day and excellent whisky served just right (a large slug, in a decent sized tasting glass and a jug of water). Even if you are not allowed in with the pooch there is heated and covered outside seating with extra (tartan) rugs for those that feel the cold. It is in the town centre.

The Clachnaharry does allow dogs inside as a rule (they even wanted to photograph ours) and is a brilliant little bar, friendly and open in that typical Highland way: you feel instantly at ease as though it has been your local for 20 years, excellent real ales and very good food. We had: steak pie, roast beef and haggis, roast pork loin and scampi all very tasty. Excellent real ales from Fyne ales and Stewart Brewing amongst others. It is a short taxi ride from the town centre (£6) no doubt you could walk but we had someone who could not go a great distance under their own steam in our little party.

The Dores. Does allow dogs in the small bar area; we didn't have a problem claiming a seat. The food really was amazing with langoustines, mussels, drunk prawns, scallops and a variety of highland steaks all on the menu. We had: fresh scallops and beetroot, chicken and mushroom terrine, home made burger and two minute steaks (queue jokes from the regulars on how long it would take!). Excellent ales from Fyne Ales and the Orkney Brewery. It is a decent taxi ride from Inverness city centre - £20 each way but I don't think it would be a problem on the bus (as mentioned before we had a member of the party who found any distance very difficult so we were happy to splash out).

Shops - generally allowed us in with the dog (we have a small dog that we pick up if it doesn't seem clear that dogs are allowed).

Accommodation: we stayed here http://www.acornguesthouseinverness.co.uk/ and you really could not ask for better. Guest lounge, decent rooms, excellent breakfasts and very dog friendly - they have two of their own although you wouldn't have know it as they were quiet and kept out of the guests way. Any minor reservations you might harbour (e.g. if decor etc isn't quite to your taste) are instantly dispelled by the absolute genuine Highland Hospitality; interest and kindness of the hosts: nothing is too much to ask. I have never given ten out of ten for anything in my life (one can always do better) but I would happily give eleven in this case!

Kilts - just an interesting side note: the only kilts I saw "in the wild" (e.g. not in kilt shops) were modern kilt suits - one plain fawn coloured and one black.