The sun is shining and you’re in the mood for an alfresco drink with your friends and family but you’re not sure where to go.
Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have composed the perfect guide to some of the best local beer gardens in Inverness open for business.
Our interactive map gives you all you need to know – is it family- and dog-friendly? What food and drink is on offer? – about some of the most popular pubs in Inverness.
Use our map to find beer gardens in Inverness
Johnny Foxes
Foxes, as it’s known, is a great place for a drink all year round. And when the sun is shining on the east side of the river, it’s got a place to sit outside too.
Burgers, pies, pizzas and steaks are all on the menu.
Foxes opens at 11am every day.
Address: 26 Bank Street, Inverness IV1 1QU
MacGregor’s
A relative newcomer on the beer garden scene, MacGregor’s has drummed up a loyal following in the past half-decade.
During that time, it’s scooped a couple of Best Bar in Scotland awards.
That is mainly down to its welcoming atmosphere indoors – but when the sun shines there’s space to soak up the rays too.
Address: 113 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1LX
The King’s Highway
It’s probably not the first association you’d have with the only Wetherspoon pub in Inverness.
However, the King’s Highway does offer an outdoor space to enjoy a cold beverage when the weather picks up.
The opening hours are long – from 7am to 1am every day – and you know exactly what you’re getting with this place.
Address: 72-74 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EN
Playback
The most recent addition to the Inverness beer garden club, Playback is a venue focused on “competitive socialising“.
Alongside its headline features of axe throwing and table tennis, you’ve also got a lovely rooftop bar.
The perfect spot to bask in the glow of your beer pong triumph.
Address: 27-31 Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JN
Castle Tavern
The Castle Tavern benefits mightily from its location as the day wears on.
It becomes one of Inverness’s best spots to soak up the rays while enjoying a cold beer on the three days a year when the sun is shining.
The pub opens daily at 12pm and closes at 11pm Monday to Thursday, 12am on Friday and Saturday and 10pm on Sunday.
Address: 1 View Place, Inverness IV2 4SA
Glen Mhor/Waterside Inn
The first distillery and brewery in Inverness in more than 130 years is also a fine spot to enjoy an outside drink.
Settle down with a beer or whisky and enjoy the beautiful views over the nearby River Ness.
Address: 7-17 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG
Beaufort Hotel
Like many, the Beaufort jumped on the beer garden bandwagon in response to the restrictions brought on by the Covid pandemic.
It describes itself as “the most chilled outdoor terrace in the city” and for our money, it’s hard to disagree with.
Address: 11 Culduthel Rd, Inverness IV2 4AG
The Heathmount
The Heathmount is a firm favourite in the Crown area of the city, its outdoor terrace is open seven days a week.
Heated and covered for when the weather isn’t perfect, you’ll also find a TV screen, music and an open fire pit.
Address: Kingsmills Rd, Inverness IV2 3JU
The Corriegarth
It feels like the Heathmount and the Corriegarth come as a package deal, given they’re next-door neighbours.
There’s plenty of room, great local beer and an extensive menu. What’s not to like?
Address: 5-7 Heathmount Road, Inverness IV2 3JU
Innes Bar
You’ll find the Innes, one of the oldest venues in the city, just outside the city centre.
Its beer garden opened in 2020 and quickly became so busy that it was turning people away at the door.
Here you’ll find a traditional pub grub with everything from real ale to cocktails on the drinks menu.
Address: 61 Innes St, Inverness IV1 1NR
Loch Ness Beefeater
Billing itself as the “ultimate beer garden experience” is a lot to live up to.
A little bit further afield than its city centre counterparts, it benefits from the scenic surroundings of the nearby Caledonian Canal.
The menu is packed with traditional pub grub classics.
Address: Glenurquhart Rd, Inverness IV3 5TD
Clachnaharry Inn
One of the rare dog-friendly gems in Inverness, the Clachnaharry Inn was allowing man’s best friend on its premises way before it was cool.
Its beer garden benefits from its close proximity to the Caledonian Canal, making it a perfect spot to relax and watch the world – and trains on the nearby rail line – go by.
As for the menu, it’s got everything you’d expect from a welcoming local pub.
Address: 17-19 High St, Clachnaharry, Inverness IV3 8RB
Dows Bar and Bistro
Dows has been an institution on the south side of Inverness for decades.
One of the bigger beer gardens in Inverness, you’ll be able to grab a drink in the sun from 11am until 9pm across the summer season.
There’s also a decent play area within it for kids, making it a family-friendly spot when the sun is shining.
Address: Balloan Rd, Inverness IV2 4PF
Snow Goose
Despite its close proximity to the A96, the Snow Goose’s large beer garden still offers very peaceful surroundings.
Some say its menu (from steaks to fish and chips) is a bit on the pricey side – but it offers a high level of quality and good selection of beers and wines.
Address: Stoneyfield, IV2 7PA
Three Witches
If doing your weekly shop at Asda has you all worn out, the nearby Three Witches beer garden has you covered.
One of the newer options on the list, it was built to accommodate the ever-growing suburb of Slackbuie.
You’ll find the usual mix of burgers, grills and salads on its menu and a good selection of beers and wines.
Address: Aignish Dr, Inverness IV2 6ET
The Blacksmiths
A little bit further afield on the east side of Inverness, Blacksmiths has undergone a bit of a revamp recently.
A new menu and a new decor – but it’s excellent beer garden remains.
Visit here for traditional Scottish pub grub, a wide selection of beers, ciders and wines, and even a cheeky cocktail.
Address: 1 Keppoch Road, Inverness IV2 7LL
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