Port Charlotte Hotel Bar
The bar at the Port Charlotte Hotel oozes charm and tradition.
A bespoke carved wooden bar is home to an enviable selection of whiskies from Islay, as well as a full range of quality beers, wines and spirits including local Islay ales and gins.
It is open to residents and non-residents, and a range of bar meals are served at lunchtime and in the evening. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended, particularly in the busy spring and summer season. The cosy and convivial atmosphere in the bar makes it a hub for locals and visitors alike. Conversations have been struck up over a dram, in front of that roaring fire, that have lasted a lifetime.
Sláinte! (Slanje) - your health - as we say over here.
Hotel Bar
A bespoke carved wooden bar is the centrepiece of the room, which is split into two levels (the upper level accessed by a single step). This is home to an enviable selection of whiskies from Islay, as well as a full range of quality beers, wines and spirits including local Islay ales and gins.
An eclectic mix of art, articles, nautical objects and musical instruments adorn the walls. Stunning views across the beach to the lighthouse from the top room, low beamed ceilings and a roaring woodburning fire complete the scene.
Entertainment
The Port Charlotte Bar is renowned for its live music and it is extremely popular.
Expect to hear Gaelic singing, fiddles, pipes and accordions and traditional Celtic tunes as well as a wider folk music offering. Musical guests are welcome to bring their instruments and join the session.
Music nights are Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the busier season, but checking with the hotel or local listings is advised, as is booking in advance if you wish to have a table.
Bar Meals
Quality local produce is at the heart of the Port Charlotte bar meal menus. The range of meals changes with seasonal availability but you can expect a wide choice of restaurant standard meals including quality meats like local beef or venison, fresh seafood such as scallops or langoustine, daily specials and imaginative vegetarian options. But standard favourites - such as Islay-ale battered fish and chips and the Port Charlotte house burger - remain throughout the year. Light bites are also served alongside the main menu at lunchtime. Booking recommended.
Winner of National Whisky Pub of the Year
According to the Whisky Society we are listed as one of Europe’s top whisky bars. As well as our whiskies, we also we also offer local ales on tap from Islay Ales as well as guest ales from mainland breweries.
We stock an extensive range of Islay malt whiskies served by knowledgeable and friendly staff. Complete with an open fire this is the place to relax and connect with the island. The bar also has traditional music sessions as a regular feature; these have a distinct Scots/Irish influence, regularly accompanied by Gaelic singing.
The Port Charlotte Hotel won the National Whisky Pub of the Year 2009 award! Islay is obviously famous for its whiskies, now it can also boast of the best pub for it! We won it for our ‘ambiance, choice of whisky and friendly staff’, something we hope everyone who has ever visited us will agree with.
