By Dominic Ryan
If you're spitting feathers after a hard day's sightseeing in beautiful Ayrshire and Arran, here are 5 popular pubs and bars in which to kick back and enjoy a cold pint or a relaxing glass of fizz.
The Waterfront
4 S Harbour Street, Ayr KA7 1HZ
The Waterfront in Ayr is ideally located overlooking the River Ayr. From the luxurious interior or its riverside terrace, you can enjoy a glass of Champagne, a freshly-concocted cocktail or a refreshing craft ale from one of Ayrshire’s own breweries. This popular venue also hosts monthly music gigs. Visit website
Smiths Pub & Restaurant
At Smiths Pub & Restaurant in Ayr the lively atmosphere is perfect for enjoying football, rugby and horse racing on the big screens, while you receive attentive service from the bar and restaurant staff. It’s open until late every day, with a quiz night on Wednesdays and karaoke on Fridays. For those able to keep up the pace and enjoy the late nightlife, it has a 2am licence for Fridays and Saturdays. On Saturday nights there is a live DJ so don’t forget your dancing shoes too. Visit website
Pierhead Tavern
Pierhead Tavern, Lamlash, Isle of Arran KA27 8JN
The Pierhead Tavern is a family-friendly bar and restaurant by the sea in Lamlash which serves real ales, freshly-cooked food – all with fabulous views. In the evenings, however, it moves up a gear, hosting regular family-friendly quizzes and live music gigs. Visit website
The Ormidale Hotel
Ormidale House, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8BY
The self-proclaimed “locals’ choice”, the Ormidale is the ideal spot to enjoy some of the island’s famous hospitality, unwind with a drink and swap stories with locals of Arran past and present. There is entertainment offered on most nights, too, with quizzes, karaoke, darts and dominoes, bingo and folk music sessions all regularly on the go. CAMRA-recommended, it offers local beers and malt whiskies, including a range from the Arran Distillery. Visit website
Pitchers Bar & Nightclub
18 Bank Street, Irvine KA12 0AD
Pitchers Bar & Nightclub in Irvine is a very popular venue, with themed nights at the club every weekend. Whether you like 80s anthems, indie rock or Ibiza-style foam parties, Pitchers has it all covered. The bar is also open throughout the week.
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