Notice: Venues need your support more than ever during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Under level three of the roadmap in Scotland, pubs can open indoor areas for food and non-alcoholic drinks, while alcohol can only be served in outdoor areas. Many pubs will only be open for customers who have pre-booked.
But please be aware that opening hours and services may be different to those displayed here. Before visiting or ordering from any venue, we strongly advise you to check its website or social media, or get in touch with them first to avoid disappointment.
If you see any details here that need updating, please let us know by submitting feedback on the pub.
Blackfriars
93-95 Academy Street
Inverness
IV1 1LU
Premises Description
Meals and accommodation.
Social Links
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Visit Blackfriars on Facebook
Opening Times
| Monday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Tuesday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Wednesday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Thursday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Friday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Saturday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
| Sunday | 7.30 pm - 1.00 am |
Meal Times
7.30am - 10
About the Pub
The building itself is "Category B" listed and dates back to 1793, and has had a varied life, including that of a "Temperance Hotel" - the info board outside gives a potted history.
With a carefully balanced remit of both restoring and improving, other than a new roof, the outside walls and the walls of the bar area have been stripped back to the old stonework and the bar area has been enlarged by removing some walls and the customer area now provides a mix of booth and the table seating – Look out for the re-purposed cinema seats!
Two handpumps offer real ales from Scotland off the Heineken / Star list, typically Fyne Ales, Jarl and Caledonian Deuchars
Breakfasts are available from 07:30 for guests, and 08:30 for "walk-ins", although a full bar service does not start until 11:00.
The simple menu features Scottish fare, and in the future it is hoped to source some of the herb and salad ingredients from a small garden area on the rooftop, along with honey from the bee hives.
Accommodation is provided by the nine cosy en suite (shower) letting rooms, one being a family suite and another with a scroll top bath.
Handy for the bus or train station (5 mins walk) but no parking, albeit out of hours only, but on street or nearby Rose Street car park (pay).
As a footnote, Star Pubs initially re-branded the pub as "Mortar & Pestle", and more recently as "The Optimist" to signal its new direction, but it was decided to keep the old name on, and this is the only aspect of its past that remains.
Expect a very warm welcome from Billy the manager and his staff.
Phone / tablet out of juice? Plug your device into one of the many USB / power sockets located just behind the seating.
Note, image of the "old" yellow frontage has been left as a contrast & compare.
Regular cask ales
No beers listed Add regular beers
Changing cask ales
This pub serves 2 changing beers.
Source: Regional
Features
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Real Ale Available
Facilities
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Disabled Access
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Lunchtime Meals
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Evening Meals
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Dog Friendly
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Family Friendly
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Accommodation
9 en suite letting rooms, with one a 2 room family suite.
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Live Music
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Newspapers
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Wifi
View on Larger Map | OS Map
Blackfriars
93-95 Academy Street
Inverness
IV1 1LU
Sat Nav Reference
OS Reference
Transport
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Close to Bus Routes
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Close to Railway Station
Nearby Bus Routes (10m)
Stagecoach: bus station (all routes)
Nearby Station (300m)
Inverness
Directions
At the North end of Academy Street
Submit Pub Feedback to CAMRA
We welcome the help of all users to contribute to this important campaigning project. Please use the form below to submit feedback or updates directly to the CAMRA branch for consideration.
Please note that any changes mentioned WILL NOT have an immediate effect on whatpub.com but will instead be emailed directly to the CAMRA branch Pubs Officer for consideration. If you provide your name and/or email address this information will also be visible to the Pubs Officer, who may use this information to follow up your feedback. IF YOU WISH TO CONTACT THE PUB DIRECT, PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS FORM.
