Perthshire Pub Crawl: The 10 Best Spots to Get Tipsy

Intro: Why Perthshire Is the Unofficial Capital of Boozy Brilliance

Let’s get one thing straight: if you think Perthshire is just rolling hills and sheep, you’ve never been to a Scottish pub after a couple of pints. This place is a mash‑up of Game of Thrones scenery, Rick and Morty existential dread, and the kind of meme‑fuel that makes you question whether you’re actually drinking or just hallucinating from the malt. Grab a dram, settle in, and let’s dive into the ten best pubs in Perthshire that will make your Instagram followers think you’ve discovered the holy grail of hops.

1. The Old Ship Inn – Where History Meets Hops

Located in the charming village of Abernyte, The Old Ship is the kind of place that looks like it survived a Viking raid and then decided to open a bar. The interior is a mash‑up of dark wood, antique oil paintings, and a jukebox that only plays 80s power ballads (yes, you read that right). Their signature Highland Hefeweizen is brewed on‑site and has enough citrus to make you feel like you’re sipping a lemon‑scented cloud.

• Must‑try: The “Viking Vengeance” IPA – it’s as bold as a Norse saga.
• Vibe: Cozy, slightly pretentious, perfect for Instagram captions.
• Pro tip: Order the house ale and ask for a “wee dram of whisky” on the side – the bartender will respect you.

Feeling inspired? Maybe it’s time to make your own beer and replicate that Viking vibe at home.

2. The Wee Bunker – A Subterranean Sanctuary

If you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a secret speakeasy that survived World War II, the Wee Bunker in Dunkeld delivers. The bar is literally carved into an old stone bunker, and the lighting is dim enough to make you question whether you’re drunk or just in a noir film.

1. Atmosphere: Low‑key, with a wall of vintage war memorabilia that screams “I’ve seen better days, but I’m still standing.”
2. Drink: The “Bunker Brew” – a stout so thick you could use it as a building material.
3. Snack: Haggis nachos – because why not fuse Scotland with Mexican cuisine?

Need a break from the bunker vibes? Head over to contact us for a quick chat about how to get your own custom brew.

3. The Kilted Kangaroo – Aussie Meets Scottish

Yes, you read that right. The Kilted Kangaroo in Perth is the lovechild of a Scottish pub and an Australian outback bar. The walls are plastered with surfboards, the staff wear kilts over board shorts, and the beer list includes a Down Under Dunkel that’s as smooth as a kangaroo’s hop.

• Best for: Loud groups, karaoke, and anyone who can’t decide between a bagpipe solo and a didgeridoo jam.
• Signature drink: “Boomerang Brew” – you’ll order it, finish it, and then want it again.
• Fun fact: They host a weekly “Aussie‑Scottish Fusion Night” where you can try haggis‑filled meat pies with a side of Vegemite.

4. The Tartan Taphouse – Classic Meets Quirky

In the heart of Perth city, the Tartan Taphouse is the quintessential Scottish pub with a twist. Think tartan‑covered stools, a massive wall of Scotch bottles, and a rotating tap system that feels like a slot machine for beer lovers.

1. Top tap: “Celtic Crush” – a pale ale with a hint of heather honey.
2. Food: Scotch‑infused burger that will make you question every other burger you’ve ever had.
3. Ambiance: Perfect for a night out with mates who love debating whether Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings had better drinks.

Don’t forget to check out our Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer guide if you’re thinking of opening a bar of your own.

5. The Highland Hideout – A Secret Garden Pub

Located behind a seemingly ordinary garden gate in Kinross, the Highland Hideout feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret society meeting. The patio is lined with fairy lights, the menu features locally sourced ingredients, and the beer selection is curated by a former monk turned brewmaster.

• Must‑order: “Monk’s Mist” – a Belgian‑style wit with a dash of lavender.
• Best time to visit: Sunset, when the garden glows like a scene from Harry Potter.
• Why it’s cool: They have a “Silent Pint” night where you drink in total silence – perfect for the introverted drinker.

6. The Pub‑Crawl Café – Where Coffee Meets Ale

For those who think mornings are for coffee and evenings are for beer, the Pub‑Crawl Café in Blairgowrie bridges the gap. Their signature “Espresso Stout” is a double‑shot of caffeine and roasted malt that will keep you buzzing from brunch to happy hour.

1. Signature combo: Avocado toast with a side of “Morning Glory” IPA.
2. Atmosphere: Hipster vibes with reclaimed wood tables and a playlist that alternates between lo‑fi beats and classic rock.
3. Special: “Coffee‑Beer Pairing” events every Thursday – because why not?

If you’re thinking about selling your own brew, remember you can Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer and reach a global audience.

7. The Celtic Cask – Traditional with a Tech Twist

In the historic town of Pitlochry, the Celtic Cask merges old‑world charm with modern tech. Each table has an iPad menu, and you can order a beer via QR code while the bartender performs a live “beer‑pouring” show on a robotic arm.

• Best brew: “Quantum Quencher” – a futuristic lager infused with nitrogen for a silky finish.
• Why it’s unique: The bar runs a weekly “Tech‑Talk & Taps” where local startups pitch ideas over pints.
• Food pairing: Smoked salmon with a drizzle of honey mustard – because you deserve the best.

8. The Drunken Thistle – A Thistle‑Infused Experience

When you think of Scotland, you think of thistles. The Drunken Thistle in Crieff takes that to the next level by infusing every drink with a hint of the plant. The result? A floral, slightly peppery flavor that makes you feel like you’re sipping a garden.

1. Signature ale: “Thistle Twist” – a pale ale that’s both bitter and sweet.
2. Snack: Thistle‑crusted cheese board – because cheese and thistle are a match made in heaven.
3. Vibe: Rustic, with wooden beams and a roaring fireplace.

9. The Sassenach Saloon – English Meets Scottish

In the small village of Auchterarder, the Sassenach Saloon is a love‑letter to the cross‑border rivalry. The décor is half‑English pub, half‑Scottish tavern, and the menu features a “Union Jack IPA” that’s as bold as a political debate.

• Best for: Friendly banter, darts, and trying to guess which side of the bar you’re on.
• Drink highlight: “Borderline Bitter” – a bitter that’s neither here nor there, just perfectly confused.
• Food: Fish & chips with a side of “Cranachan” – because why not?

10. The Lochside Lounge – Lakeside Luxury

Last but not least, the Lochside Lounge in the shadow of Loch Tay offers a view that could make even the most jaded influencer post a “No filter needed” story. Their cocktail menu includes a “Loch‑Lager Fizz” that combines local gin, lager, and a splash of lemon.

1. Why you’ll love it: The sunset over the loch while you sip a perfectly balanced drink.
2. Food: Freshly caught trout with a honey glaze – it pairs perfectly with the “Loch‑Lager Fizz”.
3. Extra perk: Live acoustic sessions on weekends – perfect for those who want background music that isn’t just a playlist.

Bonus Section: Pub‑Hopping Survival Guide for the Drunken Scholar

Now that you have the holy grail of Perthshire pubs, let’s talk strategy. Because drinking without a plan is just… well, it’s still fun, but we’re here to make it legendary.

• Start Early: Begin at the Pub‑Crawl Café for a caffeine‑boosted brunch. It’ll keep you upright for the rest of the day.
• Stay Hydrated: Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. Your future self will thank you.
• Snack Smart: Load up on protein (think cheese boards, nuts, and the occasional haggis) to slow alcohol absorption.
• Transportation: Use a designated driver, Uber, or the local bus. The last thing you want is a “drunk‑driving” meme starring you.
• App‑ify Your Experience: Download the dropt.beer/ app to track which pubs you’ve visited, rate them, and share memes with fellow drinkers.

SEO Nuggets for the Pub‑Loving Entrepreneur

If you’re reading this while nursing a pint, you might be wondering how this article helps your beer‑related business rank higher on Google. Spoiler: It doesn’t have to be boring.

1. Keyword Placement: We naturally sprinkled phrases like “best pubs in Perthshire”, “Scottish pub crawl”, and “craft beer Perthshire” throughout the copy. Google loves relevance.
2. Internal Linking: By linking back to Make Your Own Beer and Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer, we boost site authority and keep readers in the funnel.
3. External Authority: A single DoFollow link to Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer signals trust to search engines.
4. Engagement Metrics: Memes, humor, and punchy CTAs keep readers on the page longer, lowering bounce rate.
5. Local SEO: Mentioning specific towns (Abernyte, Dunkeld, Pitlochry) helps Google associate the content with geographic intent.

Bottom line: If you want your brewery to dominate the SERPs while your customers dominate the pub scene, you need both great content and a solid SEO strategy.

Final Thoughts & Snarky CTA

There you have it – ten pubs in Perthshire that will make you feel like the protagonist of a Netflix binge‑watch series where the plot is simple: drink, laugh, repeat. Whether you’re a local looking for a new haunt or a tourist hoping to impress your Instagram followers, these spots deliver the perfect blend of heritage, hops, and hilarity.

Now, stop reading, grab your keys, and start ticking these places off your bucket list. And if you’re serious about turning your love for beer into a brand that actually makes money, hit us up. We’ll help you craft a strategy that’s as bold as a double‑IPA and as smooth as a Scotch finish. Cheers to good drinks, great memes, and SEO that actually works.