Cairn Hotel, Carrbridge  

A small village like Carrbridge often only has room for one pub - any more and there aren't enough people to keep them economically viable - so it's Hobson's choice as far as where you go to drink. In these cases, more often than not, going to the pub can often be a pretty dismal experience. Happily, the Cairn Hotel bucks this trend, it would be a top boozer anywhere. There may only be a couple of hand pumps, but the top-class, often esoteric, beers on offer are excellent and change regularly (the locals are a friendly, but seemingly thirsty, lot). Choice on any particular day may be a little limited but, you don't have to wait long for something new to come along. The food is no-nonsense pub grub and available all day long. It won't be attracting any Michelin stars any time soon, but after a long day's walking, it fits the bill. It's a decent little hotel too, nothing pretentious, but the rooms are clean and well maintained and the service is friendly, helpful and informative. Add to this, TV, juke box, pool table and free WiFi and, as we said at the start, this would be a top pub anywhere. The fact that's it's the only one in the village is neither here nor there.

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