ISLE OF BUTE.

The Isle of Bute lies off the coast of Argyll in Western Scotland, a half hour ferry ride from Wemyss Bay at the mouth of the River Clyde. Port Bannatyne is a centuries old stone built highland village in north Bute, situated around a safe yacht bay and with its own golf course. Dag and Olga Crawford run The Port Royal Hotel located on the waterfront. Inside the traditional waterfront hotel is a re-creation of a Russian Tavern of the Tsarist times, with fire, piano, Russian foods, game, fresh fish and langoustines from the bay. An eclectic mix of English, Continental visitors and dissident Scots, yachtsmen, ramblers, birdwatchers and foodies. Good access for disabled, a real log fire, chairs and tables, a jazz piano player, good toilets and disabled toilet. The Port Royal Hotel serves all freshly cooked local produce and is proud of its selection of real ales poured direct from the barrels on the bar and include Warstyeiner Premium on pump and in bottles Export Guiness 8%,Imperial Russian Stout 9% and Baltica Russian Beer 5%. There is real cider from Hereford and a selection of authentic soft drinks and reasonably priced wines. Dinner is served in the first floor restaurant with stunning views over the bay to the Argyll Mountains. Freshly cooked food is served all day in our harbour side "Old Russia Tavern". Food is like 'Avocado with herring fillets marinated in Madeira', 'Marinated Halibut steak', 'Pike baked in a pot with tarragon and cream'. The best beef stroganoff I have tasted...EVER! Food is served from midday to midnight as some yachts arrive late. It was the strangest experience ... finding a re-creation of a pre-revolution Russian Tavern in a little highland village on Bute, an island 30 minutes ferry ride from Wemyss Bay at the mouth of the Clyde. Russian musicians, fabulous Russian food and six different local real ales served direct from casks up on the bar. The Port Royal Hotel has only five guest rooms; two twin beds with en-suite showers and toilets, a family room that has a double bed and bunk beds and two simple twin rooms. Prices vary from £22 - £26 per person per night.  A cosy highland village cottage rooms with TV, heating and en-suite facilities ... sparkling clean. At £26 per person per night, exceptional.