Top pubs with rooms in Scotland to visit post-lockdown, as chosen by The Good Hotel Guide

On sunny days we’re dreaming of a pint in a pub garden. On wet days we’re looking forward to the next dram of whisky by the fire.

Scotland’s pubs with rooms are masters in the art of warm hospitality and convivial charm.

As we look forward to days where we can spend our leisure time together again post-lockdown, travelling to our favourite hotels and inns, the Good Hotel Guide shares some of its top pubs-with-rooms in Scotland…

The Bridge Inn at Ratho, Ratho

Beside a bridge over the Union Canal, The Bridge Inn at Ratho is expert at combining traditional pub features with contemporary hospitality. In the restaurant and pub it’s all about a buzzing atmosphere and home-grown fare. There are only four bedrooms, each with its own style, and views of the adjacent canal. It’s the perfect place to settle in for the evening and wake feeling ready to start a new day.

The Ship Inn, Elie

Like stepping back in time, the Ship Inn could star in a movie. It is a coastal retreat with classic seaside style and thoughtful touches including a set of binocular in each bedroom so you can watch the ships sail by. It is also a traditional village, pub, complete with warming fires. One of the best things about it however, is the sense of community, especially when the pub’s own cricket team sets out to play on the sand at low tide.

The Fife Arms, Braemar

Quirky, stylish, charming and welcoming, the Fife Arms is a former coaching inn remodeled in eclectic style to show off a collection of contemporary art objets d’art ranging from the Picasso on a tartan wall, to Chinese artist Zhang Enli’s hand-painted ceiling, to taxidermy. Backing this, this he warmth of the proprietors and their team create relaxed style. Tim Kensett’s beautifully judged menus, include loin of Highland venison, birch-seared salmon or salt-baked celeriac, or you can opt for pub grub in the Flying Stag

The Bonnie Badger, Gullane

In a coastal village, the Bonnie Badger is a gastropub-with- rooms, now a foodie favourite, with a Michelin star for chef/patron Tom Kitchin’s creative cooking using local ingredients. It opened in 2018 following transformation into a luxury hotel blending Scottish and Scandi style, and is now a cutting-edge destination. Bedrooms reflect the colours of the East Lothian landscape. The attention to detail is amazing.

The Cross Keys, Kippen

With log fires, a beer garden in the summer, and picturesque scenery thanks to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the Cross Keys welcomes everyone –  dogs, families, locals, and anyone who fancies stopping by, whether it’s for an hour, an evening or a night. Here it’s all about taking the time to enjoy the experience, tucking into dishes like slow-cooked oxtail, braised pigs cheeks, pork belly and roasted Perthshire chicken. For those staying overnight, there are three bedrooms offering homely style and a peaceful night’s rest.

Applecross Inn, Applecross

On a remote north-west Highlands peninsula, the Applecross Inn enjoys views across the Inner Sound of Raasay to the isle of Skye. Go inside and you will find seven guest bedrooms, all enjoying the sea views, and ranging from twins to a large family room. The restaurant is known for its variety of Scottish food, wine, whisky and gin, all of which are as local as possible. Favourites include Orkney rollmop herring and haggis flambéed in Drambuie, Applecross bay prawns and Scottish chicken supreme.