Trendy Highlands bar trumps rivals. And there’s no mad nutter in charge
The White House in the US capital of Washington DC has been home to the most powerful man on the planet since 1800.
Its namesake bar in the Highlands capital of Inverness has not been around for quite so long.
But it is already trumping its local rivals with a combination of stylish decor, trendy cocktails and hearty food.
The White House could not be further from the antlers-onthe-wall and roaring-log-fire image of a traditional Highland pubs.
We arrived at lunchtime and were told we would have to wait 20 minutes for a table, which tells its own story. But we were happy to sit and enjoy our cocktai ls in the laid- back atmosphere.p At the weekend, t h e Whi t e House goes from bistro to trendy bar af ter 9pm and is open till 1am. Though the bar is chic, the food is more wholesome and traditional. The menu boasts that everything on it has been locally sourced.
With the signature macaroni and cheese and salad sold out, my wife and I enjoyed the crisp battered haddock and a hamburger, both at £11.50.
But there are cheaper meal deals such as two courses for £ 10.50 and a sandwich and soup for £ 8.90.
The pub has table service, a l thoug h i f you a re a traditionalist like me, you can still sit or stand there and watch the staff – called mixologists – put together their impressive array of 40 cocktails.
Not the sort of place you would normally hang out with your mates to watch the footie and sink a few beers.
The atmosphere is chilled out and relaxing, aided by the mood music and wall candles, and the service welcoming and friendly.