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(External, Key). Published on 21-05-2014
Image: (External, Key). Published on 21-05-2014
(External). Published on 21-05-2014
Image: (External). Published on 21-05-2014
(Bar). Published on 07-03-2015
Image: (Bar). Published on 07-03-2015
(Award). Published on 21-05-2014
Image: (Award). Published on 21-05-2014
(Sign). Published on 21-05-2014
Image: (Sign). Published on 21-05-2014
Interior. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Image: Interior. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Exterior. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Image: Exterior. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Island Bar Servery. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Image: Island Bar Servery. by Michael Slaughter. Published on
Heritage Pub

Phoenix Ale House, Inverness

Directions
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106-110 Academy Street, Inverness, IV1 1LX (View on Google Map)
(01463) 240300
Website
Facebook

Restaurant.

A choice selection of mainly Scottish real ales beckons, with at least three hand pumps on all the time when you walk in through the front door. Another four the other side may be on at busier times of the year.

The main bar has a stylish central gantry, however the iconic, CAMRA-listed island bar is otherwise unchanged, surrounded by a spittoon; there is even talk of sawdust returning! Mostly standing only but popular with tourists and those who know their ales!

The restaurant next door has plenty of seating for hearty meals all day. Phone / tablet battery flat? There is a USB "tower" to top up the charge, but you may need your connecting cable.

[Update 27 July 2024: "Only three beers on the front six pumps and none on rear four pumps. As my visit is in July, I feel that the quantity of ales described needs changing. The pint of Island Life was excellent!"]

Historic Interest

Island bar with a ceramic spittoon. Early 19th century Category B Listed. Historic Environment Scotland reference LB35122

Information for this venue is provided by the Highlands & Western Isles Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Phoenix
Local Authority
Highland
Last updated
14/03/2025
Last surveyed
18/03/2017
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
individual
Pub ID
INV/116
Asset of Community Value

Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest

Listed status: B

Built in 1894, the spartan public bar is of classic Scottish island bar-style. It is much as it was, with the original island counter, a terrazzo spittoon trough running all the way around the base and three disused Dalex tall fonts. However the island gantry was replaced in 1983. The shallow vestibule has curved, etched side windows and 'Push' on the inner door panels. The floor pattern could indicate a partition that divided the drinking space in two. The water engine used to raise the beer from the cellar has been converted to electric power and can be seen in an illuminated case high up on the rear wall of the bar. In the 1980s the pub expanded into the property on the right and, apart from a ceiling rose, the lounge, 'Morgan's', has no old fittings.

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Opening Times Unavailable

Current beers

This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 0 regular beers.

Changing

Changing beers typically include: Cairngorm (varies) , Cromarty - Kowabunga , Orkney (varies)

Source: National

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Facilities
Sports TV Sports TV
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Live Music Live Music
Occasionally
Disabled Access Disabled Access
Narrow door at front with step but easy access via side door into lounge.
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Newspapers Newspapers
Restaurant Restaurant
Separate Bar Separate Bar
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub Real Heritage Pub
LocAle LocAle
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes (220m)
Stagecoach: bus station (all routes)
local, district and intercity buses nearby
Nearby Station (320m)
Inverness
Directions
150m W of the bus station

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