5 Best Fort William Pubs | A Highlands Drinks Guide
Explore the best and cosiest Fort William pubs. I’m a local, and these are my top five places for drinks in the lively Highland town, from single malt specialists to craft beer connoisseurs.
Written by: Lesley Stewart
Fort William might be best known as the gateway to Ben Nevis and the surrounding glens, but its pub scene is just as much a part of the town’s character. From traditional Highland bars to relaxed, modern breweries, these are places where good drinks, warm welcomes, and a strong sense of community come together naturally.
As a Highlands local who’s spent plenty of time sampling the pubs around town, I’ve built up a clear list of favourite pubs in Fort William.
And while the nightlife here is more low-key than in places like Inverness, the local drinks scene more than makes up for it in character, atmosphere, and genuinely welcoming spots.
In the town centre, pubs like the Ben Nevis Bar offer exactly what many travellers hope to find after a day outdoors: cosy interiors, crackling fires, and a friendly atmosphere that invites you to linger. Elsewhere, the Black Isle Brewery brings a more contemporary feel, with craft beer on tap, long communal tables, and a lively buzz that suits both groups and solo travellers.
Venture a little further out, and you’ll find one of the area’s most memorable drinking spots at the Ben Nevis Inn. Sitting right at the foot of the mountain, it pairs spectacular glen views with a rich sense of history, making it one of the most atmospheric pubs in the Highlands.
I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best pubs in Fort William, featuring the spots I return to time and again.
So, whether you’re settling in for a quiet Highland dram by the fire or raising a glass after a day on the hill, Fort William’s pubs offer something for every pace and mood — always served with genuine Highland hospitality.
At A Glance: Fort William’s Best Pubs
A short and sweet guide to our very favourite Fort William pubs:
Black Isle Bar
Ben Nevis Inn
Highland Cinema
Ben Nevis Bar
Grog & Gruel
For full details, including drinks menus, locations, and what to expect, check the comprehensive guide below.
Fort William Planning Guides
After a good dinner, often seafood-focused and surprisingly impressive for such a small town, there’s nothing better than heading to a local pub for a well-earned drink. Especially if you’ve just finished a hike up Ben Nevis, walked part of the West Highland Way, or made the rocky trek to Steall Falls. /
Best pubs in Fort William
These are my favourite pubs in Fort William, serving up top pints, single malts, craft beers, and excellent cocktails:
1. Black Isle Bar
Best for: fans of craft beer, pizza, and good vibes
Location: Gordon Square, Fort William, PH33 6DY
Fans of craft beers (and delicious stonebaked pizza) will love this Fort William pub.
Set slightly back from the high street, Black Isle Bar in Fort William is perfect for relaxed drinks with friends, and there’s always a lively atmosphere.
They use naturally grown hops and barley in their beers, and there’s a huge focus at Black Isle on organic ingredients and local produce. The extensive drinks menu features a diverse selection of ales, porters, stouts, and lagers, along with premium spirits from local distillers.
The Black Isle Bar is my go-to spot for drinks, especially on a sunny afternoon when the small outdoor terrace comes to life.
It’s equally popular with West Highland Way walkers finishing the trail just outside, and welcomes muddy boots, tired legs, and four-legged companions - dog-friendly and relaxed in all the right ways!
What I love most, though, is the chance to try a few of their beers in smaller pours, with friendly staff always on hand to offer recommendations. Whether you're into a crisp lager, something hoppy, or one of their rotating seasonal brews, the team knows their stuff and never makes you feel rushed.
Travel ip: If you’re heading further north to Inverness, look out for their sister bar tucked away in the city centre. And if you’re curious about the origins of it all, their organic farm and brewery on the Black Isle, an underrated and scenic corner of the Highlands, is worth a detour.
2. The Ben Nevis Inn
Best for: drinks & food near Ben Nevis / Glen Nevis
Location: Achintee Road, at the foot of Ben Nevis
The Ben Nevis Inn sits on the edge of Fort William, tucked into Glen Nevis and perched right at the foot of the mountain it’s named after.
It’s one of the most atmospheric spots in the area for a post-walk pint, whether you’ve just come down from the summit, wandered out to Steall Falls, or are simply looking for a genuinely warm and welcoming Highland pub.
As you’d expect, it’s especially popular with walkers, and muddy boots and rucksacks by the door are all part of the charm.
If you’re already visiting Glen Nevis or tackling Cow Hill, it’s well worth planning your route to finish here. Follow the trail from the nearby visitor centre, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful glen views before arriving straight at the inn — a near-perfect ending to a day outdoors.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Housed in what was once an old stone barn, the building has retained its traditional charm, and that’s a big part of the reason I love this Fort William pub so much!
Thick, 200-year-old stone walls, timber beams, and plenty of wood make it feel rustic and authentic. Mountain memorabilia lines the walls, and long, communal tables add a sociable feel that’s especially welcome after a day on the trail.
Recently, the owners have added a striking extension, with huge windows overlooking the mountains and added much-needed extra tables.
The food here is another highlight. Hearty, homemade, and ideal for refuelling, the menu uses local ingredients and isn’t shy about portions.
On a sunny day, the outdoor terrace is hard to beat. While there’s frequently live music during the week.
There’s a small car park out front, but it can fill up quickly in summer, so plan accordingly if you're driving. My advice is to walk in from town, which takes around 40 minutes. Oh, and booking a table for food is essential if you want to eat here, especially on weekends.
3. Highland Cinema
Best for: cocktails and local drinks
Location: Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ
The bar inside the Highland Cinema is the perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends.
One of my favourite Fort William pubs, the interior is inspired by a Highland bothy, and it’s a cosy space with long tables, a wood-burning stove, and old local movies projected onto the overhead projector.
The speciality at Highland Cinema is locally produced drinks, with a range of beers, including my favourite Glen Spean, and premium gins from Lochaber and the nearby islands. But if that doesn’t tempt you, there are plenty of other options, including an extensive cocktail menu.
It’s also one of the best places to eat in Fort William, with sharing platters, pizzas, and nachos, so come here hungry.
4. Ben Nevis Bar
Best for: single malts and good pints
Location: 103 High St, Fort William PH33 6DG
The Ben Nevis Bar is easily one of the most popular pubs in Fort William, and for good reason. It’s a solid choice for a post-adventure drink, whether you’ve spent the day hiking or just exploring town.
Inside, it’s cosy and low-lit, with a relaxed, welcoming feel. But when the sun makes an appearance, the terrace is where you want to be, soaking up views over Loch Linnhe with a G&T in hand feels like a well-earned reward.
The drinks menu is a crowd-pleaser, with a generous range of Scottish single malts, plenty of local beers on tap, and a strong showing of Scottish gins.
At weekends, the Ben Nevis Bar gets lively. Locals and visitors mingle easily, and there’s often live music to round off the night. If you're looking for atmosphere and a bit of Highland cheer, this is one of the best spots in town.
5. The Grog & Gruel
Best for: good beers and a relaxed vibe
Location: 66 High St, Fort William PH33 6AD
Situated in the middle of the high street, the Grog & Gruel is an unassuming little pub in Fort William. Though small, a mix of bar stools and snug seats is cosy, and the atmosphere is always relaxed.
The drinks menu includes local beers, draft ales, and premium spirits. Or spend an evening sampling the extensive whisky menu, and the friendly staff are always on hand to help with recommendations.
I’ll be honest, I don’t visit this option as much as others on the list, but it’s a cosy wee place that’s worth popping into.
Fort William Pub Wrap Up
So there you have it, my round-up of the best pubs in Fort William. Whether you're after a cold local beer, a crisp Scottish gin, or a well-earned dram of single malt, this town has more than a few places that know how to pour a good drink with a side of Highland charm.
There are a handful of other pubs along the high street, but in my experience, they’re best skipped. If I haven’t mentioned them here, there’s usually a reason!
That said, if you’ve found a hidden gem I’ve missed (or if you’ve got a go-to Fort William pub that deserves a shout-out), I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
