Great food, views and a warm welcome make charming old pub the bee’s knees

It’s long been regarded as one of the best pubs in Stirling.

And for that reason, you can’t expect to flit in to the Birds and Bees before buzzing off again.

Its popularity means it’s best to book ahead. We’ve been to the inn numerous times and have never been disappointed, either in the food, the service or the ambience.

Nestled between Stirling and Bridge of Allan, the quaint white- washed cottage pub offers beautiful views over to the castle in the West and the Wallace Monument in the East.

And the inside is just as charming as the exterior – beautifully decorated with a menagerie of wooden animals, antiques, leather couches and a fabulous black and white cowhide-covered bar. In the winter, there are roaring fires and in the s umme r glass doors open out onto a cobbled beer garden, making it our “go to” place at any time of year.

The menu is packed full of tasty British and international dishes and the portions are always generous and satisfying.

My husband is a sucker for their spicy Creole Jambalaya, whereas I usually opt for good old scampi and chips or their beef and ale pie. The last time we were in, we had the bairns with us and they were starving after an afternoon tackling the stiff climb up to the Wallace Monument.

Two big steaming plates of macaroni from the kids’ menu soon cured their hunger and the ice cream sundaes which followed went down a treat.

The Birds & Bees staff, although run off their feet, were really friendly. As designated driver, I stuck to the soft drinks but my other half sampled a couple of the craft beers, which he said he would try again in the future.

Top-notch food and drink in top-notch surroundings, it’s no wonder this place is a former Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.