Sat 31 Oct 2026, 17:00
Our StoryBuilt on History,
Built on History,
Raised on Hospitality
Directly opposite Inverness Castle and overlooking the River Ness, our building has been part of the Highland capital's story for two centuries.
The Building
Our home at 1-2 View Place was built in the early 1800s, soon after View Place was laid out for building in 1818, as Inverness grew up the slope beneath the castle hill. It's a heritage-protected building (Category C listed) of rubble stone, with two storeys on one side and three plus an attic on the other, where the ground falls away.
Family lore has it the building served as offices in the 1800s.
A later porch aside, it keeps much of its original character: the stone walls, the pointed-arch doorway on Castle Street, the views. Two hundred years of character. We just added the whisky.
The Family
The Castle Tavern is a family business. It is owned by Les and Jane Wilson, James and Eithne Robertson, and John and Erin Robertson, who took over in May 2017.
A Highland family through and through, with roots in Inverness and Tain. Les and Jane look after the Tavern day to day, so you'll often find one of them behind the bar.
Visit the Inverness Castle Experience
Just steps from our front door, the Inverness Castle Experience is a modern, immersive journey into the stories of the Highlands — its landscapes, people, and heritage. Open year-round, the experience features interactive exhibits, stunning panoramic views from the South Tower roof terrace, and the Saltire Bistro and North Tower Bar for food and drink.
Whether you're exploring Highland culture, designing your own tartan, or simply taking in the views from the castle rooftop — it's the perfect companion to a visit at The Castle Tavern. Pop over for the experience, then come to us for a proper pint.
Explore the Castle ExperienceA Building Through Time
c.1818–1830s
Built on View Place
View Place is laid out for building in 1818, and our stone home rises on the sloping ground beneath the castle hill.
1836
A New Castle Across the Road
William Burn's red-sandstone Sheriff Court is completed on Castle Hill, giving Inverness the castle you see from our door today.
1981
Heritage-Protected
The building is listed at Category C, recognising it as part of Inverness's architectural heritage.
1990s
The Harlequin
The building opens as a pub, first under the name The Harlequin.
2007
The Castle Tavern Is Born
Renamed The Castle Tavern, after its location directly opposite Inverness Castle.
2017
The Family Takes Over
The Wilson and Robertson families take over the Tavern in May 2017.
Today
Family-Run, Locally Loved
A ground-floor bar, upstairs restaurant, and beer garden. Real ales, malt whiskies, and traditional Scottish fare, run day to day by Les and Jane. A favourite for locals, tourists, and Great Glen Way walkers alike.
Across the Road
- From 1727, General Wade rebuilt the old castle as a government fort, Fort George. In 1746 the Jacobites blew it up.
- The castle you see today is the Sheriff Court of 1833–36 by William Burn, with a prison block added in 1846–48. It now houses the Inverness Castle Experience.
- The Great Glen Way, 79 miles to Fort William, starts at the castle. Start or finish your walk with a pint here.
Sources: Historic Environment Scotland (LB35166, LB35372); Inverness Castle Conservation Statement.
Look For
Next time you visit, step back and spot these details from our building's listing:
- ◆ The pointed-arch doorway on the Castle Street front
- ◆ The angled (canted) dormer windows in the roof
- ◆ The cut-off corner where View Place meets Castle Street
- ◆ The slate roof, sloping away to the north
Ground Floor Bar
Real ales on tap, malt whiskies on the shelf, and a warm welcome at the door.
Upstairs Restaurant
Traditional Scottish fare with views of the castle and the River Ness.
Beer Garden
The perfect spot for summer evenings — a cold pint and the Highland sky.