Perthshire is the definition of the Scottish countryside; just look at the picture above. Yes, there are so many stunning areas full of incredible countryside, but there’s something about Perthshire that oozes that quintessential Scottish countryside vibe. With over 200,000 acres of woodlands and the nickname of “Big Tree Country”, the tranquil glens and winding rivers will take your heart.
And when you’re done with it all, what’s better to do in the countryside than go to a country pub? They’re cosy, the food is incredible, and there are plenty of them in Perthshire. And if you’re looking at motorhome hire motorhome from us, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to do a full country pub foodie tour through Perthshire.
Below, we’ll tell you some of the best country pubs to visit if you’re visiting Perthshire.
The Old Ship Inn
The Old Ship Inn isn’t necessarily starting strong in terms of country pub vibes, even though it does look like that from the outside.
Located in Perth city centre (31 High Street / Skinnergate, Perth), it gives you everything you need from a country pub except the rolling hills or forest surrounding it.
Originally opened in 1665, it’s the oldest bar in Perth and definitely one of the best, with a 4.5* rating on TripAdvisor from 106 reviews and 4.6* on Google from 821 reviews. Everything is generally positive, especially for the atmosphere and the drinks (ales, beers, wines, gins), but the classic bar food definitely also hits the spot.
You can enjoy traditional pub staples like pies, burgers, light bites, and delicious desserts for very affordable prices. Average drink prices are between £4 and £7, depending on what you have, and food is around £10 to £18. You can’t moan about that value for money, and the pub is located near the historic landmarks like the Mercat Cross area or the Perth city centre shops and cafes.
To finish, we recommend a walk along the River Tay after (if the weather is nice) to help your food go down.
The Glover Arms
The Glover Arms does look more like a country pub in terms of what it looks like from the outside and its surroundings. Yes, it’s on a main road, but everything around it is so green and beautiful.
Located near Perth (Crieff Road, Huntingtowerfield, just outside the city), it’s part of the Vintage Inns chain of pubs, a franchise that’s well known for creating top-quality country pubs with great atmospheres and situated in stunning locations.
It definitely is a popular place to visit, with a 4.6* rating on Google from 2,201 reviews and 4.5* on TripAdvisor from 105. A lot of those reviews talk about the great location, cheap drinks, and classic country pub food that you just can’t go wrong with. And if you go for their Sunday roasts, you’ll probably never want a Sunday roast anywhere else again. The beef is incredible!
You can also get pub classic dishes like steaks and fish and chips, with plenty of vegetarian and lighter options available.
The average price for a main meal is between £13 and £22, with starters, desserts, sides, and drinks bumping up the price slightly.
If you’re interested in things to do nearby, visit Huntingtower Castle or go into Perth City to explore the centre. You’ve also got the stunning scenic countryside walks around Perthshire.
The Meikleour Arms
Now we’re into full country pub mode. The Meikleour Arms doesn’t disappoint, but it does move away slightly from pub vibes and towards a bit of luxury. As part of the Meikleour Arms Hotel & Restaurant, a unique boutique hotel and restaurant in Perthshire, you’re surrounded by stunning hotel grounds, perfectly manicured for guests; towering trees, all set on the 1820s Meikleour Estate, one of the oldest historic estates in East Scotland.
The pub itself couldn’t look more like a country pub. It’s very cottage-esque by design, with moss growing on the roof and the greenest grass, with chairs and tables for outdoor dining in the sun (weather permitting).
The entire Meikleour Arms Hotel & Restaurant has a 4.6* rating on Google from 652 reviews, and the food itself is the best you’re going to try, with the pub having been awarded 1 AA Rosette since 2019.
The menu focuses on Franco-Scottish cuisine using local estate produce, with dishes such as venison, steaks, black pudding, and Scotch eggs being some of the most popular items on the menu. It is slightly more expensive, but it is fancy pub food, with prices for mains varying between £18 and £30 for one dish.
Nearby, you’ve got a walk along the Tay River to the famous Meikleour Beech Hedge. Or, if you’re into it, the nearby Cateran Trail is a great hiking route.
If you’re a big foodie, there’s really no better place to be than Scotland, and we’ll continue our series that aims to show our readers the best food Scotland has to offer. And for us, it doesn’t get much better than the country pubs.