The Clachan Inn, a historic pub with rooms in the village of Drymen near Loch Lomond, has been named the Daily Record's Restaurant of the Week. The venue claims to be Scotland's oldest licensed pub, dating back to 1734, and was once a favourite haunt of comedian Billy Connolly during the 1970s.
History and Location
Situated in Drymen's Village Square, the inn is a popular destination for locals, hikers, and day-trippers heading to Loch Lomond. According to the pub, it was licensed in 1734, making it the oldest in Scotland. The first licensee was Mistress Gow, one of Rob Roy's sisters. Today, it is a family-run business owned by Gordon and Elaine Strang.
Billy Connolly Connection
The Clachan Inn counts legendary Glasgow-born comedian and actor Billy Connolly among its famous patrons. Connolly lived in the area during the 1970s and frequented the pub. In a 2020 Daily Record report, Connolly said: "When I lived in Drymen, I used to drink in a wee pub called the Clachan Inn."
Atmosphere and Amenities
The pub features a cosy log fire, creating a warm environment on chilly evenings, and a picturesque garden and terrace for sunny days. The inn's restaurant uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to prepare Scottish favourites, including Cullen skink, haggis bon bons, fish and chips, and wholetail Whitby scampi. A new pizza oven has also been installed.
Customers can enjoy a wide selection of whiskies, gins, wines, and more. The whisky collection was hand-selected from top Scottish distilleries, while gins include The Botanist, Hills and Harbour, and Strathearn Heather Rose.
Accommodation and Reviews
The inn offers three twin rooms, two with shared facilities and a larger room with private facilities, all with comfortable beds and dedicated outdoor space for guests. The Clachan Inn holds an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,814 customer reviews. Visitors praise the historic atmosphere, hearty food, and friendly service.
One reviewer said: "We stopped in for dinner after our first day hiking the West Highland Way. Nice little pub. I highly recommend the Aberdeen Angus burger! Servers were attentive and keen to ensure you enjoyed the experience. I've never seen so many different Whisky boxes displayed around the restaurant."
Another shared: "What a pub! The pub area and restaurant were both busy and lively. We sat in the main bar, which was warm, friendly and welcoming. There was a great atmosphere, the food was beautiful and the service was great—we had a brilliant night."
