Pubs In Aviemore: 5 Best Pubs for Drinks
Looking for the best pubs in Aviemore? Then you’re in the right place.
Recently, I spent a month in Aviemore, staying in super cosy lodges and walking in the Cairngorms. And there’s nothing I love more after a day outdoors than a cold beer or mulled cider, and thankfully Aviemore’s brilliant pubs are the perfect place.
From bars with roaring fires to pubs with live music, there’s an Aviemore pub to suit everyone.
There are a handful of good pubs in Aviemore, but here I’m listing only my top five. This list of Aviemore pubs is based on good quality drinks, atmosphere, friendly vibe, plus the range of drink options available.
Ready to find your favourite Aviemore pub? Let’s go.
Aviemore Pubs: At a glance
Best for atmosphere: Old Bridge Inn
Best for walkers & skiers: Pine Martin Bar
Best for local drinks: Winking Owl Bothy Bar
Best for varied drinks: The Balavoulin
5 Best Aviemore Pubs
1. Old Bridge Inn
Location: 23 Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1PU
Best for: couples, families, walkers, and dogs
The Old Bridge Inn is my favourite of all Aviemore pubs. Super friendly staff, travellers, and locals all mix perfectly in this traditional inn.
Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, it’s a lively spot with a friendly atmosphere and guaranteed good chat in the lounge bar.
Inside, the wood panelled bar is cosy, and the roaring fire is exactly where you want to be on a cold Aviemore day. Or grab a seat in the heated outdoor terrace on the banks of the River Spey. Choose from a wide range of drinks, including mulled cider in winter, local beers, and heaps of single malts.
It’s also dog and child friendly, so perfect for the whole family. Plus, there’s frequently live music throughout the week.
If you’re hungry, I also highly recommend the Old Bridge Inn restaurant on the other side of the pub - whilst you can eat in the rustic bar (perfect if you have a four-legged friend), the charming restaurant is a slightly more formal area serving hearty dishes made with local produce.
Just be sure to book a table in advance - this is Aviemore’s most popular pub and dining option and frequently books out.
2. Pine Martin Bar
Location: Glenmore, Aviemore, PH22 1QU
Best for: couples, groups, families, dogs, walkers & skiers
You’ll find the Pine Martin Bar a 15-minute drive outside of town, on the road towards Cairngorm Mountain.
Though you’ll need a designated driver to enjoy the varied drink selection like whisky, cocktails, and local beers, nonetheless it’s an incredible Aviemore pub that’s not to be missed.
Inside is all Alpine-inspired, wooden chalet vibes and outdoorsy decor that includes skis and ice-axes strapped to the walls. The views are gorgeous and it’s the prettiest spot in winter.
There’s a small but delicious food menu too, and hot drinks for anyone looking to warm up after a day in the mountains - I highly recommend the hot chocolate.
The perfect stop for anyone skiing or walking in Aviemore or visiting nearby Loch Morlich.
3. The Balavoulin
Location: 125 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RL
Best for: couples, groups, families, and dogs
For a varied drink selection, lively atmosphere, and seating aplenty, The Balavoulin is a must-visit Aviemore pub.
Choose from branded beers, cocktails, premium spirits, and a massive range of single malt whisky. In winter, the mulled wine is especially delicious. Plus, it’s a large bar with probably the most seating of all the pubs on this list. It’s also the most modern in terms of decor and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed.
Sports fans will particularly enjoy this Aviemore pub, and it shows sports like football on screens dotted through the bar. Though not in a disruptive way - when we visited the volume was down, which created a perfect mix of people watching the game whilst others could relax with a drink and ignore it.
The food menu of crowd-pleasing pub grub is also good, which means the Balavoulin is frequently packed at weekends, so book a table if eating.
4. The Winking Owl & Bothy Bar
Location: 123 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1RH
Best for: couples, groups and dogs
If you’re looking for a cosy and lively bar right in the centre of town, this Aviemore pub is the perfect choice.
Friendly bar staff are happy to help you navigate the range of local drinks, including Cairngorms craft beers and locally produced gins and whiskies.
The decor is incredibly cosy, with wood panelled walls giving serious ski-chalet vibes. At the weekends this is the place to be for live music later in the evening and the atmosphere is most definitely fun, so expect dancing in the upstairs Bothy Bar!
There’s food on offer too with dishes like haggis bon-bons, burgers, and mezze platters. Whilst the pub is definitely for adults, the restaurant also serves a kids menu. As always, book in advance if eating.
5. Cairngorm Hotel Bar
Location: 77 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, PH22 1PE
Best for: couples, groups, and walkers
Find the Cairngorm Hotel bar towards the start of the high street, just across from the train station.
Inside, the decor is traditional and the vibe is relaxed, so it’s a good option after a day walking in the Cairngorms - the bar staff genuinely don’t mind muddy boots and wet jackets. However, dogs need to stay in the lobby area.
At the weekend there’s usually music, but it doesn’t get too lively and those looking for a quiet pint won’t find it too distracting.
You’ll find a good selection of the usual branded beers on tap, plus a ton of single malt whiskies and a decent wine list.
Aviemore pubs round up
Hopefully you find an Aviemore pub you love - there’re some incredible places for drinks around Aviemore.
There’re lively bars but also casual pubs perfect for a hot chocolate or beer after a day outdoors. Plus, some great family & dog friendly pubs too.
No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy an evening of drinks in Aviemore.
And if you’re looking for eating places in Aviemore, then check out my favourite cafes & coffee shops.
