The Bar & Restaurant: Authentic Highland Flavours
At The Old Inn, food is at the very heart of what we do. Housed in a traditional building that has welcomed travellers for generations, we serve honest, sustainable Highland fare in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you are searching for pubs in Gairloch or an excellent seafood restaurant, our menu has something to suit everyone.
View The Old Inn Menu:
Click the image below to download the PDF Opening Menus For March 2026 of The Old Inn, Gairloch –
Opening & Service Times:
🌿✨ Spring Opening Times at The Old Inn, Gairloch ✨🌿
We’re delighted to share our new opening hours from 6th March 2026.
As the days grow longer and spring arrives in the Highlands, we look forward to welcoming you for relaxed lunches, cosy evening meals and a drink by the fire.
Monday – Wednesday
🕓 Open from 4.00pm
🍽 Evening meals served 5.00pm – 8.30pm (last orders 8.00pm)
Thursday
🚫 Closed all day
Friday
🕓 Open from 4.00pm
🍽 Evening meals served 5.00pm – 8.30pm (last orders 8.00pm)
Saturday & Sunday
🕛 Open 12 noon – 2.30pm
🕓 Reopen 4.00pm – close
🍽 Lunch served 12 noon – 2.30pm (last orders 2.00pm)
🍽 Evening meals served 5.00pm – 8.30pm (last orders 8.00pm)
Please note we are closed between 2.30pm and 4.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Plan Your Visit:
To ensure you have a table, we recommend booking in advance through our online reservation page. Walk-ins are always welcome provided we have space available in the dining room or bar.
Located at the edge of the historic Flowerdale Glen and overlooking Loch Gairloch with views towards the Torridon Mountains, we are an ideal stop for those exploring the West Coast.
A Truly Local Menu
We source our ingredients very close to home. As a result, our menu varies according to what the local sea and hills provide. We use a fantastic blend of produce to create a unique dining experience. You might find local venison infused with Orange Gin from the Badachro Distillery just up the road. For seafood lovers, we offer a platter of langoustine and squat lobsters freshly landed and picked up by our head chef directly from the local harbours. In addition, you can enjoy North Sea haddock fried in a crisp batter. This is made using our own recipe with beer from the local Loch Ewe Brewery.
Our kitchen team prepares everything with care. For example, they roll and cut our homemade pasta fresh on-site every day. Furthermore, we always ensure that vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. We also have a dedicated children’s menu to cater for younger tastes.
Fresh Seafood from the Local Waters
Being nestled on the shores of the loch, we are defined by the water. We pride ourselves on offering some of the freshest seafood in Gairloch, with catches sourced directly from our local harbours. Our menu changes with the seasons and the tides, featuring:
- West Coast Staples: Creel-caught Langoustines, Lobster, Mussels, and Cape Wrath Oysters.
- The Rare & Local: We take particular pride in serving the elusive Squat Lobster—a sweet, succulent Highland delicacy.
- Highland Fare: From local meats to our daily specials, our kitchen focuses on traditional, hearty dishes that reflect our surroundings.
As one of the long-standing Gairloch restaurants, we offer a dining experience focused on quality. It is a natural choice for those seeking NC500 food and accommodation with a genuine sense of the Highlands. For those looking to stay the night, we also offer comfortable Highland accommodation in our traditional bedrooms.
The Whisky Bar & Local Ales
The Inn is the perfect spot for a meal after a walk through the lovely Flowerdale Glen or a day spent spotting marine wildlife—where sightings of seals or even whales are possible in the local waters. The character of the building and the glow of the bar remind you of the Inn’s long-standing heritage.
Our bar is a place for conversation and relaxation. As a traditional whisky bar in Gairloch, we curate a wide selection of Scottish Malts and local Gins. For those who prefer a pint, we serve our very own real ale, crafted to a unique recipe at the local Loch Ewe Brewery.
Please Note: All our dishes are prepared on the premises using fresh produce. Furthermore, everything is cooked to order. Consequently, please allow for a reasonable wait during peak times of up to 45 minutes. In particular, certain dishes like our individual Wild Venison Wellington require at least 30 minutes to prepare.
Visiting Gairloch? We look forward to welcoming you to The Old Inn. You can book your table here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book?
We highly recommend booking for dinner as we can get very busy. You can book a table quickly through our online reservation system.
Are you family-friendly?
Yes, we welcome families and have a dedicated children’s menu to cater for younger tastes.
Are you located on the NC500?
Yes, we are! The Old Inn is one of the most popular pubs on the NC500, perfectly situated in Gairloch on the spectacular west coast leg of the route. As a traditional Highland inn, we provide a welcoming stop for drivers and cyclists looking for fresh local seafood, our own real ales, and a warm fireside. Whether you’re just passing through or staying the night, we are a must-visit for anyone searching for authentic NC500 pubs.
Are you a dog-friendly place to eat in Gairloch?
Absolutely! We are well-known as one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Gairloch and the wider Wester Ross area. We welcome well-behaved four-legged friends in our traditional bar and outdoor seating areas.
However, we understand that not everyone is a dog lover or wishes to dine near pets. To ensure all our guests are comfortable, we maintain dedicated dog-free areas in our dining room.
When you book your table online, you can specifically choose your preferred environment by selecting either a dog-friendly or dog-free area, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
Food Allergies and Intolerances:
All our food is prepared in a kitchen where nuts, gluten, and other known allergens may be present. Please note we take caution to prevent cross-contamination; however, any product may contain traces as all menu items are produced in the same kitchen. Our dish descriptions do not include all of the ingredients used to make the dish. Therefore, if you have a food allergy, please speak to a member of staff before placing an order.
How long is the wait for food?
All our dishes are prepared on the premises using fresh produce. As everything is cooked to order, please allow for a reasonable wait during peak times (up to 45 minutes). Certain dishes, such as our individual Wild Venison Wellington, require at least 30 minutes to prepare.
Do you serve local seafood and produce?
Yes, we take great pride in our “platter-to-plate” philosophy. We specialise in freshly landed seafood from the local waters of Gairloch and Wester Ross, including langoustines and squat lobsters. Our menu also features Highland venison and local game, ensuring our guests enjoy an authentic taste of the Scottish Highlands.
Where is the best place to eat in Gairloch for local seafood?
The Old Inn is widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in Gairloch, specialising in locally caught seafood and traditional Highland dishes served alongside local real ales.
Is there parking available at The Old Inn?
Yes, we have free on-site parking available for all our guests. Our car park provides a convenient and accessible base in the heart of Gairloch, whether you are a local resident joining us for a drink, a visitor exploring Wester Ross, or a traveller navigating the NC500. Whether you are stopping by for a quick lunch or a celebratory dinner, there is space for everyone.
Wondering Where to Eat in Gairloch?
After a day exploring the NC500 or hiking in Flowerdale Glen, many visitors find themselves looking for places to eat in Gairloch for an authentic taste of the Highlands. At The Old Inn, we serve freshly landed seafood and local game in a traditional setting that feels like home.