LARGS

Largs is a small town on the river Clyde about 33 miles from Glasgow. It is easily reached by bus or train. A small car ferry leaves Largs to visit the small island of Millport on Great Cumbrie, a small island opposite the town.

Largs may once have been a tourist resort but is now more of a day trip town than visiting for a week, although there are many things to do. 

There are still welcoming hotels for the many bus trips that visit the area. Retirement flats are also big business These and a lot of attractive residential property contribute to a population of around 11,000 people many of whom travel away from Largs for employment.

Largs online visitor guide Largs Yacht Haven Millport

The train from Glasgow takes you into the station in the centre of Largs. The bus from Greenock or Gourock or Glasgow travels down the side of the river Clyde on the A8 to Largs and passes some hotels that are open to non-residents and a visit to all hostelries could start with these hotels or you can continue into the centre of town getting off at the train station on main Street.

Stand and look at the entrance to the station then, on the same side as the station walk left up main Street where you will quickly come to, the now closed The Sheiling. Leaving here return past the station to find McCabe's on the corner. Walking out of McCabe's continue down Main Street then cross over.

There are two pubs across the road. The George is the easier of the two to see but before it there as The Lounge. This is hard to spot as it is not at ground level but on the second floor of the building. Once you see the entrance life is easier. After visiting this and The George cross the road once again to walk along Bath Street to The Waterside.

After The Waterside return to Main Street but follow it around past the car ferry to the promenade and a low modern building housing The Paddle Steamer (Wetherspoon) pub, The Lanes was here but is now gone. Opposite this, across the road are Charlie Smith's now called The Three Reasons, and then Ye Old Anchor Inn.

After the Old Anchor Inn there is a small Square and in the middle of the side parallel to the road is The Room. After this continue along the main road to where there was the now closed Albert's Bar.

Continue along going to the next corner with a red St Columba's church and Nardini's on opposite corner.  For a short trail you could turn up this road, Nelson Street, and at the corner find J.G. Sharp's.

On the other hand, you could walk further out of the main town and on the road going out of Largs to Gourock, with the river Clyde on the left there were, four, now three Hotels - Brisbane, Queens (closed), Woodhouse and finally Willowbank. As these are on the coast, they can take advantage of the view across the river and have the space to offer gardens for outside seating. These hotels do not offer real ale or even an extensive range of lagers. Their bus trips and wedding celebrations give them a captive audience.

Return to St Columba’s Church and now go up Nelson Rd and at the corner find J.G. Sharp's.

Turn along the road, Boyd St., to the right and at the end of the street there is the now closed Royal Oak. leave here by the other door and cross over to go along the next street (Aitken St). This would lead you back to Main St and opposite the station is McAulay's.

The Sheiling is a right-angled serving area straight in front of you. There is seating down to the right   with the main pub area in front of you. There is plenty of standing area. It is dominated by large screen TV and big speakers

have a half pint

heavy:         Belhaven Best, Belhaven Original

lager:          Stella, Tennent's,   

Cider:         Strongbow                                       Guinness + ice cold

Droothy Neebors (formerly McCabes) is a large corner pub with a hexagonal bar in centre. There is also a large room further back with a pool table. As with all round bars you have to be at the right arc to get served. Dog friendly.

heavy: Belhaven Best, Ice Breaker IPA

lager: Coors; Madri; Carling, Tennent's; Birra Moretti, Peronni

Cider: Strongbow; Strongbow Dark Fruit Guinness + ice cold

The Lounge, has no on the road bar front as it is up an old and attractive staircase which opens out on a large lounge with a square bar on the second floor. There is a restaurant through from the comfortable lounge and a terrace up further stairs. This has been cut out of the roof space and has a view of main street and, to the right, over the river - slippery when wet. You can smoke all day of the Terrace and children are welcome!! Lunch and evening meals.

real ale: Greene King IPA No real ale anymore

heavy: Belhaven Best, Belhaven Original

lager: Stella, Peronni, Erdinger, Tennent's, Esterella

Cider: Strongbow Guinness

The Waterside (previously known as The Clachan) is a large roomed pub with a small 'snug' room to the right of the serving area. Seating all around and plenty of standing area. Lunch time food and dog friendly. Music entertainment all weekend.

Occassionally in Good Beer Guide(CAMRA); not 2023

Have one here

real ale:      Ossian (Inveralmond), Landlord

heavy:         Tartan, Belhaven Best, Belhaven Original

lager:          Stella, Tennent's

Cider:         Strongbow                                    Guinness + ice cold

The Paddle Steamer is a Wetherspoons on the main road with views looking out over the river and the pier.

Good Beer Guide 2020- 2023

Charlie Smith's is now The Three Reasons, large open bar on the main road. Plenty of room for standing at bar. It offers meals every day and is dog friendly.

Good Beer Guide 2013 (CAMRA)

real ale:      West Highland Way (Loch Lomond)

heavy:         Belhaven Best

lager:        Heineken Silver, Tennent's; Heverlee

Cider:         Strongbow                                       Guinness + ice cold