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ISLE OF BUTE: The Famous Russian Tavern

Time has stood still on the little known and visited Isle of Bute in Scotland, yet it is easily reached by a direct train from Glasgow Airport to the ferry port of Wemyss Bay and a 35 minute crossing. A car is not necessary as the island has a good bus service and foot passengers only pay £6 return on the ferry.

There is plenty to help you chill-out and revitalize from big city life. There's golf, hiking, biking, horse-riding, sailing, fishing both freshwater and marine, and wildlife watching, all amidst exceptional scenery of islands, mountains, forest, and seascapes.
The island has a magnificent gothic masterpiece in Mount Stuart House, now open to the public during summer months, and surrounded by 200 acres of parkland planted with exotic species from all over the world.

Rothesay Castle dates from Viking Times (8th century) and part of the building can be explored. Behind the castle is the eclectic Isle of Bute museum with artifacts ranging from stuffed squirrels to penny-farthing bicycles!

Throughout the island is evidence of human settlement from 6,000 years ago. Most impressive is the petrified Iron Age fortified village at the south end of the island, and Standing Stones still aligned to where the sun will set on midsummer’s day.

The Russian Tavern is a stone-built village inn of 1725 A.D. at Port Bannatyne, a yacht bay towards the north of the island. Te Russian family have a high reputation for fine a la carte cuisine of the freshly landed seafood and exquisite Russian specialities.

The London magazine Time Out rated the tavern in the top five affordable restaurants in Scotland. Of particular mention are the local catch of langoustines (European Marine Crayfish,) which are exported live to Paris. Here they a served in good quantity with freshly baked bread and home mayonnaise.

There are Russian wines beers and vodkas, and kegs of local Real Ales on the bar and poured direct. There are fout guestrooms, £64 for two including Ruissian breakfasts. You will not be disappointed. For reviews and press articles simply Google 'Russian Tavern'

The Russian Tavern has 5 guest rooms. They are situated in the XVIIth century cottage annex, on a quite side street overlooking the green.

The two ensuite rooms - a double and a twin have a separate entrance from the side street. The rooms have been refurbished in the winter of 2007 and are equipped with newly fitted shower rooms, TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities.

* Family room, twin and a single room are situated on the first floor .
* The family room has a double bed and two full size bunk beds, with
* TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

The twin and a single rooms have TV, tea and coffee making facilities.

The first floor rooms share a bathroom and an extra toilet room situated on the floor.

The Russian buffet breakfast includes a healthy choice of cereals, cheese, ham, eggs, fresh fruit salad, juice, freshly baked bread and croissants.