The Royal Hotel, Oban
On Argyll Square in the heart of town, it goes without saying that the Royal Hotel – a well-known local landmark – is always at the centre of the Oban Live fringe events. There cannot be a person in Oban who has not ended up at a ceilidh at the Royal – for everything from wedding dances to Oban Choir and the Mòd. These ceilidhs are legendary and over the years anyone who is anyone on the west coast music scene has played here. The lounge bar in the fine old Victorian hotel, which was built in 1895, will feature live music – most notably sets by the ever-popular Gunna Sound. On Friday and Saturday night there is a late licence. The three-star hotel is well-known for its bar food and its popular Blasta restaurant will also be open. Blasta is a cosy and atmospheric restaurant with dark woods and chandeliers. The menu features as many local ingredients as the chefs can source, with the vast array of dishes local to the area. Many people will also know the new manager taking over at the Royal. John Horne is Oban born and bred, and an ex-pupil of Oban High School. He has a great deal of experience, having worked in the industry for more than 20 years, including at many hotels and venues around the Oban area. He has been one of the hospitality team of tutors at Argyll College, teaching students for eight years. The atmosphere at the Royal is always brilliant during Oban Live, with the music and cràic making it a very popular destination. There will be a number of promotions – to be announced by John and the team who pride themselves on the wide selection of draft beers and malts. Entry to The Royal Hotel will be free, but very much on a first-come-first-served basis. Door staff will be on duty. John said: ‘I have no doubt that the Royal will be very busy and there will be a big welcome to all the Oban Live visitors throughout the weekend. The Royal has always been a place to be in Oban.’
The atmosphere at the Royal is always brilliant during Oban Live with the music and cràic, making it a very popular destination.