5 Best Fort William Pubs | Best Pubs For Drinks in Fort William
Looking for the best Fort William pubs? These are my top 5 places for drinks in the lively Highland town, from fruity cocktails and single malts, to craft beer specialists.
Home to Britain’s highest mountain and the end point of the West Highland Way, it’s not surprising that Fort William is known for its lively nightlife. All along the high streets are excellent drinking spots, and the best Fort William pubs serve both good drinks and heaps of Highland atmosphere.
From craft ale specialists to whisky bars and cocktail lists, there’s a pub in Fort William for you.
We recently spent a few weeks exploring Fort William and after climbing Ben Nevis went in search of the best Fort William pubs. Now, having sampled the best drinks town, I have a definite list of favourite drinking spots.
Here are the best 5 Fort William pubs to enjoy!
And if you’re looking for dinner before drinks, then I’ve got you covered - check out my guide to the best Fort William restaurants.
Best pubs in Fort William
These are my favourite pubs in Fort William, serving up top pints, single malts, craft beers, and excellent cocktails:
1. Ben Nevis Bar
Best for: single malts and good pints
Location: 103 High St, Fort William PH33 6DG
Undoubtedly one of the most popular of all Fort William pubs, the Ben Nevis Bar is the perfect choice for drinks.
Inside, the bar is dimly lit and snug. Whilst the sun terrace with incredible views over Loch Linnhe is the perfect place for a G&T when the sun shines. The drinks menu includes an extensive range of single malt whisky, with local beers on tap and heaps of Scottish gin.
At the weekend expect a lively atmosphere, with locals and travellers mixing happily in this busy Fort William pub. Plus, if you’re looking for live music then Ben Nevis Bar has frequent bands at the weekend.
2. Highland Cinema
Best for: cocktails and local drinks
Location: Cameron Square, Fort William PH33 6AJ
The bar inside the Highland Cinema is the perfect spot for a date or drinks with friends.
One of my favourite Fort William pubs, inside is inspired by a Highland bothy and it’s such a cosy space with long tables, a wood burning stove, and old movies on the overhead projector.
The speciality at Highland Cinema is locally produced drinks, with a range of beers and premium gins from the West Coast of Scotland. But if that doesn’t tempt you, there’s plenty of other options, including an extensive cocktail menu.
It’s also one of the best places to eat in Fort William, with sharing platters, pizzas, and nachos, so come here hungry.
3. Black Isle Bar
Best for: fans of craft beer
Location: Gordon Square, Fort William PH33 6DY
Fans of craft beers will love this Fort William pub.
Set slightly back from the high street, Black Isle Bar is perfect for relaxed drinks with friends and there’s always a lively atmosphere.
They use naturally grown hops and barley in their beers, and there’s a huge focus at Black Isle on organic ingredients and local produce. The extensive drinks menu is a mix of ales, porters, stouts, and lagers, alongside premium spirits from local distillers. Whilst the whisky menu is one of the best in town.
However, what I love the most about Black Isle Bar is the option to sample their beers in a small glass, served by friendly staff. So, if you’re like me and new to the craft beer scene, Black Isle Bar is the perfect place to try something new. You can also order pizzas and sharing platters if you feel peckish.
4. The Grog & Gruel
Best for: good beers and a relaxed vibe
Location: 66 High St, Fort William PH33 6AD
Situated in the middle of the high street, the Grog & Gruel is an unassuming pub in Fort William, yet it’s easily one of the best.
You’ll find the Grog & Gruel in the middle of town and the warmly lit windows hint at at the cosy bar inside. Though small, a mix of bar stools and snugs are perfect, and the atmosphere is always relaxed. The drinks menu includes local beers, draft ales, and premium spirits. Or spend an evening sampling the extensive whisky menu - the friendly staff are always on hand to help with recommendations.
Sister bar to The Clachaig in Glencoe, walkers especially should expect a warm welcome, as should four legged friends - this Fort William pub is happily dog friendly.
5. The Great Glen, Wetherspoon
Best for: varied and inexpensive drinks
Location: 104 High St, Fort William PH33 6AD
As much as possible, I try to choose independent bars, hotels, etc - because big chains rarely benefit the local community. But, unless you live under a rock, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid the Wetherspoon on Fort William’s high street.
The chain has locations across the UK and is famed for its inexpensive drinks. Located at the end of town, this is often one of the busiest pubs in Fort William, and for good reason - it has an incredibly wide range of drinks, good pints, and very reasonable prices.
Though you won’t find locally produced drinks on the menu, otherwise there’s something for everyone, with a selection of big-name beers, cider, wine, and gin.
So, this concludes my round up of the best Fort William pubs.
If you’re looking for local beers, premium Scottish gin, or single malt whisky from an incredible pub in Fort William, then you’re going to be spoilt for choice.
And if you think I’ve missed a gem, and your favourite Fort William pubs aren’t on my list, then please let me know in the comments below!
