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Closed as a Wetherspoon 12th September 2022. Open again as 'Riverhouse Bar & Grill' on 28th September 2022 but with no real ale. The new Facebook page makes some reference to "craft" ales, whether there will be a serious offering in the future remains to be seen.

Formerly the Alexander Bain, this was the most northerly Wetherspoon in the UK. It was named after the inventor Alexander Bain, who was born on the outskirts of Wick in 1810. He invented the electric clock and designed an electromagnetic means of transmitting images. It is located in a former post office building.

The 'natural' cellar tends to be very cold in the winter, and warmer in the summer.

There are three main areas inside, the bar area with its high vaulted ceiling, and two areas each side.

There is also an agreeable split-level terraced area outside on warmer days overlooking the river. (Note the area was all non-smoking as a Wetherspoon, this has changed in Inntuitive's hands.)

An August 2025 report said that one real ale had been reintroduced, though this may not be permanent. Also, the main external signage dates from Wetherspoon days; the pub is no longer in Cask Marque.