Pubs in Girvan

Six pubs in a town of six thousand is a decent ratio, and Girvan's are the unpretentious sort — no gastro makeovers, no craft-beer boards, just bars where locals drink and visitors are made welcome. Start at the harbour and work inland.

At the harbour

• The Harbour Bar, Knockcushan Street — three rooms and a beer garden on the inner harbour. The front bar has barely changed since the 1960s and is the best room in town; Upstairs @ The Harbour is a 70-seat venue with a real programme of live music and comedy. If you go to one, go to this.
• The Swee Bar, 27 Knockcushan Street — also harbour-side, with a big drinks selection, live music and sport on the screens. The livelier of the two.

In the town

• Flynn's Boatyard — a modern bar with a lounge, conservatory and beer garden, and good harbour views from the garden.
• The Athletic Tavern, known universally as Big Mick's, 120 Dalrymple Street — a traditional local on the main street.
• The Commercial Inn, 123 Dalrymple Street — directly across the road from Big Mick's, and old-school in the best sense.
• The Vaults Pub & Restaurant, 32 Glendoune Street — at the south end of town, and the one of the six most reliable for a sit-down meal.

Worth the drive

• Souter's Inn, Kirkoswald — a pub meal on the site of Burns' old school, fifteen minutes north.
• The King's Arms, Ballantrae — twelve minutes south, on the wild coast run.
• The Anchorage, Dunure — real fires and an enclosed beer garden by the harbour, thirty minutes north.
• The Ailsa Bar at Trump Turnberry, if you want a dram with a view of the lighthouse and the Craig.

Practical notes

Kitchen hours vary and several of these do not serve food at all — check before planning a meal, and see restaurants if you need a table.

During the Girvan Folk Festival on the May bank holiday weekend, every one of these fills with sessions, and the town is at its best. See events.