It is purely coincidental that Scottish beers are currently taking all the awards in the land and that my wife and I decided to take a holiday in Scotland this year. It is even more of a coincidence (honest) that as we turned into the lane that led to the cottage we had rented, we were greeted by a large sign that read “Benleva Hotel, CAMRA Highlands Pub of the Year 2003”, I promise you that the fact that this pub was a mere 100 yards door to door from our holiday home was just that.

We were to be based in Drumnadrochit, on the banks of Loch Ness, a short drive from Inverness, ideally situated for trips east & west, north & south and of course, ‘Nessie’ hunting for the kids. We had been to this area before and knew that whatever the weather, this year was scorching hot, the scenery would be mind blowing, the walking exhilarating, loads to see and do for the children and we would have a great time. But last time there was no Benleva Hotel. Talk about the icing on the cake, how lucky can you get!

In previous years, although we were aware of a growing interest in real ale in Scotland, it was always a chore to track it down. Now in this beautiful village, after a hard days holidaying, it was on our doorstep, needless to say we paid a few visits. We were instantly made to feel welcome. The Benleva is a former church manse (ministers residence) over 300 years old, complete with ‘hanging tree’ in the drive. It was turned into a hotel in the 1950’s but for many years had lay derelict until it was taken over by the present owners, the brothers Allan and Stephen Crossland and James Beaton, in November 2001.

They began the task of breathing new life into this wonderful old building. They will be the first to admit they have some way to go, but what they have achieved thus far is nothing short of miraculous. The Benleva is now a fully functioning hotel and restaurant
(check out the web site) but what appealed to us was the welcoming little bar. In the week we were there, six real ales were on offer; all kept well and served perfectly.

Beers from the Isle of Skye brewery feature on a regular basis as well as offerings from Caledonian, Inveralmond, Orkney and others. How refreshing to be able to taste local brews instead of the usual offering of Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA. No offence but I can get these at home! The customers seemed to be a nice mix of locals (very important), students on long term visits and holiday makers
from all over the globe, who all appeared to get on famously. In fact the only frown I saw was on a chap who didn’t stay long, asking in a broad west midlands accent “how much is the bitter, mate?”

Another thing that impressed my obviously biased mind was the abundance of CAMRA literature on display. How often do we go into CAMRA friendly pubs to find, if we’re lucky, a bunch of tatty newsletters stuffed behind a mirror, or propping up the dispenser for ID card leaflets and nothing else?

As well as running regular mini beer festivals, hosting local CAMRA meetings and socials, the boys certainly know how to make a Real Ale fan welcome. The Benleva hotel certainly enhanced our already wonderful holiday. Keep up the good work. We shall return.

Mad Dog Merfy
Dec '04