Cairnbaan Hotel - Lochgilphead

Local legend has it that the Cairnbaan was once considered the wildest pub in mid-Argyll, with goats and other animals sharing the bar with workers constructing the Crinan Canal. Things are less riotous these days and the hotel has played host to many more auspicious guests, including President Clinton and The Princess Royal.

The canalside setting (beside Lock 5) is a big plus and picture windows provide splendid views of the scene. In summer this is a popular venue for al fresco eating and drinking, then – as winter draws in – visitors retreat to the cosy bar and restaurant.

Fish shows up well on the restaurant menu, with dishes such as monkfish with curried mussel sauce and rice or herb-crusted fillet of halibut with braised fennel, black olives and rocket oil lining up alongside slow-roast belly pork with roast garlic mash and Savoy cabbage, steak and ale pie, and Thai-spiced butternut squash risotto. Filled ciabatta rolls are also served at lunchtime, while old-school desserts could feature chocolate profiteroles and cranachan with hazelnut shortbread.