Hootananny, Inverness

food and music venue

Every Hogmanay since 2006, Jools Holland has hosted “Hootannany”, the party or ceilidh which sees in the New Year on BBC 2.

Why wait until New Years Eve? There is a great craic every night at “Hoots” in Inverness as this busy and very popular multi award winning real ale pub that celebrates Scottish Folk music, and all things Scottish!

Over the years Hoots has picked up many well deserved awards for its food, music venue.

Located in the middle of Inverness on Church Street, close to the River Ness, entering the high ceilinged downstairs well trodden wooden floorboards are a testimony to this popular real ale pub.

Although not “tied”, the beer comes from Black Isle Brewery (certified organic) about 6 miles away, and the two handpumps have a rotating selection of well kept beers.

Also “on tap” are kegged Black Isle beers, along with a wide selection of bottled beers.

Food with a strong Scottish theme is available from 12:00 to 15:00 and then 17:00 to 20:30. The last food service is early by comparison to many places because at 21:30 the music starts downstairs.

There are live sessions of traditional Scottish music every night, either around one of the tables in the middle of the room, or on the raised stage by the window, which continues until midnight.

On Saturday’s there is an afternoon ceilidh 14:30 – 16:30

Upstairs there are another two “music rooms” and the "Glow Bar" cocktail bar on the upper floor.

Although usually only on Friday and Saturday nights “Mad Hatters” has a stage and hosts bands and stand up comedy. Sometimes there is an entrance charge, but normally it is free with the venue staying open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Children are admitted provided they are having a meal but unfortunately must leave before the music starts.