Best pub in Scotland? With fantastic food and staff, it can’t be ruled out

It’s a former title holder of Scotland’s Best Pub so my expectations were set high for The Brown Bull in the Renfrewshire village of Lochwinnoch.

The charming, cosy pub prides itself on the lack of a telly, games machines and jukebox.

And with kids and a husband who are happiest when glued to some form of electronic device, I agree wholeheartedly with the landlady.

They offer a selection of real ales, including Copper IPA, Broughton’s Merlin Ale and Bitter and Twisted.

There’s a small beer garden to the rear of the pub and regular live music.

Former River City star Tom Urie was scheduled to appear a few weeks after our visit. A restaurant upstairs operates at weekends and other select days but we d ined in the pub. The chef himself took our order and it was the perfect chance to quiz him on the f ish and potato chowder (£ 4.50) on the menu.

He told me he put in a little bit of whatever he had on the day so it didn’t taste exactly the same twice.

It was so good that I’ve dined there again on the strength of it – and he was right.

All the main courses are available as children’s portions and, after sharing a starter of haggis tempura (£ 8.75) – only in Scotland – my kids both had beef burgers.

Far from the cheap ,processed meat you’re often fobbed off with in some places, these were prime beef and tasted home-made – as were the hand-cut chips.

At £8.50 for the adult portion, it’s great value. Home- made coleslaw and onion rings made it a substantial dish and they just about had enough room left for ice cream.

If I had one request, it would be for a wider selection of wine offered by the glass but it’s a small village pub so that’s not always possible.

It’s clear that the pub are committed to getting the food right and I really couldn’t fault our meal and the laid- back, family-friendly buzz on our visit.

It shows when it’s done right, you don’t need the flashy trappings.