Bridgend Hotel
Bridgend, Argyll and Bute
Good Hotel Guide Review
There is whisky galore on the Inner Hebrides island of Islay; bonhomie in the bar of this friendly hotel. It was first mentioned in 1849, when it hosted the Morrison family: they liked it so much, they bought the island. Manager Alison Gray and her staff ‘have clearly thought through their guests’ comfort’. Rooms blend contemporary and traditional style, neutral decor with tartan and floral fabrics. They are supplied with local toiletries and tablet (the fudgy confection, not a device). Chef Scott Chance has a passion for local produce – game from Islay estates, vegetables from the community garden, Argyll meat, freshly landed seafood. The restaurant’s daily-changing menu includes such imaginative dishes as medallion and faggot of venison, truffle croquette, woodland mushroom, parsnip, berry sauce; vegetable linguine. Readers so loved the soft local background music that they ‘downloaded it, and still sing along’. You’ll find more casual dining in the public bar, Morrison tartan underfoot in a lounge warmed by a blazing fire. After a breakfast kipper, you can set out to spot seal and sea eagle, visit distilleries, or ‘follow a stream through woods and farms to a local craft centre’.
Hotel details
Address
Bridgend
Argyll and Bute
PA44 7PB
Scotland
Telephone
01496 810212
Bedrooms
11. 1 family room with bunk bed.
Open
all year except 25 Dec and 1 Jan.
Facilities
lounge bar, public bar, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview), wedding facilities, terrace, garden, drying room, half-acre grounds, parking, public areas wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.
Background music
in public areas.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
well-behaved dogs allowed in bedrooms, bar.
Credit cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B £120–£250. À la carte £30. 1-night bookings sometimes refused during Islay Festival end of May.
Other reviews
Good Hotel Guide articles about
Bridgend Hotel
- Sunday Post: 10 of Argyll and Bute’s best dog-friendly getaways
- Sunday Post: The Good Hotel guide picks out the best hotels on the Isle of Islay
- Scottish Field: Top 10 Scottish hotels for whisky lovers
From check-in to check-out, the staff could not have been more helpful or positive. They have clearly thought through their guests' comfort. Cari Anne is fabulous and so are the staff in the dining room. This hotel is centrally located on Islay making it easy to tour the island. The building is old and the walls are solid, so noise from other rooms cannot be heard. There are lovely walking trails nearby. The food is largely locally sourced, and our meals were superb. The dining room is quiet enough so you can hear your companions even when the room is full. The lounge is attached to the bar and casual dining which is clearly enjoyed by people other than guests at this small hotel.
- VA - August 2017
Last updated:
October, 2019. Information from the 2020 Good Hotel Guide
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