The pub was praised for its “elegantly rustic” interior with wooden floors, marble fireplaces, high ceilings, and cuisine from top regional ingredients.
The Taybank in Perthshire has been named one of the best pubs in Scotland this autumn(Image: UGC / Roddy Hand)
Scotland finds itself in winter’s icy embrace, with blustery downpours interspersed with bitter cold snaps and tumbling temperatures. It’s the ideal season to seek refuge somewhere toasty and inviting.
However, you needn’t restrict yourself to lounging on the settee to remain snug during the bleakest months. Scotland boasts an abundance of welcoming pubs where you can savour a peaceful tipple in tranquil, relaxing settings.
One establishment particularly shines as the nation’s finest. The Taybank in Dunkeld earned recognition as Scotland’s cosiest by The Times earlier this year.
The publication praised it as “elegantly rustic” featuring “wooden floors, large marble fireplaces and high ceilings”, whilst applauding its cuisine crafted from the finest regional ingredients and its wood-burning sauna.
Positioned close to the shores of the majestic River Tay, the Taybank sits at Perthshire’s heart, famously dubbed ‘big tree country’. Encircled by age-old forests, lochs and cascading waterfalls, it provides the ideal sanctuary for a peaceful retreat when the elements turn hostile, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Located by the River Tay in Perthshire, the Taybank is surrounded by forests, lochs, and waterfalls, offering a peaceful retreat.(Image: Google Maps)
This heritage building rose in 1809 on reclaimed Tay land during the construction of Thomas Telford’s renowned Dunkeld Bridge. Initially functioning as a bank, it paradoxically transformed into a temperance hotel before its eventual conversion to an inn.
It evolved into a hub for musicians during its tenure under singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean, before Fraser Potter assumed control in 2019 and transformed it into one of Britain’s finest pubs and eateries.
Featuring what could arguably be Scotland’s most picturesque beer garden, situated mere yards from the nation’s longest river, the culinary experience is nothing short of legendary whilst the Taybank continues to draw musicians and performers from far and wide.
Whilst delightful throughout the seasons, winter presents unique opportunities including cold water dips and sauna sessions, alongside festive visits from Father Christmas and Christmas Eve carol performances where complimentary mulled wine is served beside the roaring fire.
The establishment also marks Hogmanay with a traditional ceilidh celebration and lively community events.
It’s not merely The Times travel correspondents who sing the Taybank Inn’s praises.
The Herald recently praised its upper floor dining spaces as “surely one of the cosiest in Scotland, with sheepskins on every chair, and flickering candles” creating an atmosphere that feels “feel extra atmospheric”.
The Taybank enjoys excellent ratings on TripAdvisor, with one guest describing the setting as “second to none” whilst another highlighted its “lovely romantic atmosphere”.
The Taybank sits within easy walking distance across the Tay from Dunkeld and Birnam railway station, which offers connections from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The A9 trunk road runs close by, and the town, positioned approximately 15 miles north of Perth, is accessible from Glasgow or Edinburgh within roughly 80 minutes subject to traffic and usual road conditions.