Tartan Tavern

‘Love this wee pub always full of characters and quick friendly service. Fun times.’

The Tartan Tavern is one of the longest established hostelries in Oban, probably only second to the Oban Inn and one thing’s for sure: its traditional approach to hospitality has won the bar a legion of fans from around the globe. If you have a good formula and a devoted following, then you do not mess with things. Walk through the door of the wee bar on George Street and you feel like you have stepped back in time and that’s why everyone loves the place: the list of people singing the Tartan’s praises on review websites and its own Facebook page is longer than your arm. The team at the Tartan Tavern, headed by Ann Marie MacLean and Michael Durkin can rightly take pride in this. ‘The Tartan Tavern has always been as it’s always been,’ said Ann Marie, ‘we have people who come back from all over the world to visit us.’ There is a difference between keeping things traditional and being stuck in the mud, for as tastes change then the bar’s stock has changed accordingly; there are plenty of shooters and Jack Daniels cider on offer over the Oban Live Festival weekend, along with a disco on the Friday night and Ron Johnston playing live on Saturday. This is a smaller-sized place with a huge welcome and a gigantic atmosphere, and if you don’t believe us, read just a few of the online reviews for the famous Tartan Tavern: ‘Love this wee pub always full of characters and quick friendly service. Fun times.’ ‘Fantastic atmosphere, fantastic people. Definitely coming here again.’ ‘Great pub, loved it…when you work away it’s great to find a pub like this.’ ‘Absolutely loved it, very friendly, welcoming atmosphere. We had booked a hotel miles away but after a few wee drinks here we cancelled and book round the corner.’ ‘Fantastic wee pub had a great time thanks again hope to be back soon. Warm welcome genuine people colourful characters.’ ‘Fantastic place, one of the best I’ve ever been in, just sad it’s not my local.’ ‘Great people, good beer and an awesome bartender. Thank you for showing me and my wife the night life in Oban. Looking forward to coming back’ ‘Fantastic pub that doesn’t mask itself with tourist fluff. My favourite place during my visit!’ ‘Best bar and staff members about! Make me feel so welcome when I am home.’ ‘Best wee bar in town, good bar staff and friendly punters.’