Russian Tavern at The Port Royal Hotel, ISLE OF BUTE Travel Guides

About Russian Tavern At The Port Royal Hotel, Isle Of Bute

THE RUSSIAN TAVERN  is a seashore village inn on the unspoilt Scottish Isle of Bute, easily reached by public transport or car. The ferry to the isle leaves from Wemyss Bay (pronounced "weems") a village on the A78 coast road between Greenock and Largs at the mouth of the River Clyde. Wemyss Bay is linked by train and also by buses to Glasgow International and Prestwick Airports, and to Glasgow City.   THE RUSSIAN TAVERN teeters on the seafront at Port Bannatyne, a yacht and fishing bay in the north of the island. From here it's possible to head north by car or bus across a minor ferry into Argyll and ferries to other islands. So this is a marvellous stepping stone into the highlands and islands of western Scotland.A Russian family took over this 1810 stone hostelry eight years ago, refurbished it to old Tsarist standards, fitted a fine new kitchen and now provide a welcoming touch of old Russia in the big Scottish outdoors. The seafood is landed on the pier just outside, Russian specialities are cooked freshly from fresh ingredients, and there is a fine selection of Russian beers, wines and vodkas. Local Real Ales are poured direct from the casks on the bar.  THE RUSSIAN TAVERN has been elected "Scottish Pub of the Year" independently by both CAMRA and the Les Routiers organisation. The Publican newspaper put the tavern in the top six pubs in Britain for decor in 2008, and Count Nikolai Tolstoy unprompted declared: "This is the best Beef Strogonoff I have tasted....EVER!"   This is an oasis of good grog and vitals lost in the open countryside of Western Scotland, a Mecca for yachtsmen, fisherfolk, hikers, bikers, golfers, artists and photographers, wild-life enthusiasts and those seeking out the spooky prehistoric Standing Stones. Wild deer graze the golf course behind The Russian Tavern, while seals and curlews share the seashore.