The Royal Hotel Longhope

My favourite pub in Orkney. Friendly folk, sensible prices, warm fire, superb fish and chips on a Saturday. Don't let Alan make you drink Sambuca (unless you like it!). Conversation - not mobile phones.

Shame there are only five stars to give, as this place deserves at least 8. If you need to learn what the word "hospitality" means (because it is not "the industry with pubs, hotels, and Sky Sports TV at every wall" but about making people feeling welcome), this pub should be in Sevres near Paris in that Institute as the universal standard of the welcoming pub. The fish and chips cooked by Sabine are brilliant, and Alan, the landlord, is the most welcoming host you can imagine, taking care that you'll integrate well with other guests. The regulars are like a family, but don't be afraid that you'll be left outside - on the countrary, you'll know that you made some good friends in no time. Our night in this pub was so fantastic, that we let the locals convince us to stay for another night - and it was the best decission of our whole holidays. On the technical note - there is a fireplace, and Alan puts the fire pit outside as well for those, who want to look in awe at the wonderful skye during bright, summer nights. The bar has a wide selection of drinks, reasonably priced, and the building itself has a great atmosphere and is clean and well maintained. The visit to this place was the highlight of our trip to Orkney and while we are usually tend to go to new places everytime, in this case we are already thinking how and when we can come back. It is THE BEST pub in Scotland, period.

Excellent hosts Alan and Sabine ensure you are greeting with a warm welcome. Great selection of whisky, open coal fire, homemade fish and chips, cooked to perfection by Sabine; absolutely delicious! Had to return for the second night for more. Super place to stop for food and drink if visiting Hoy or stay over in one of the fine bedrooms with spectacular views.

August in the Orkney Islands, so a fire burned in the grate! Alan is friendly and welcoming behind the bar. Then came the fish and chips, cooked by Sabine, which were absolutely delicious. A friendly atmosphere and well worth visiting.

Called in at lunchtime before visiting the Lifeboat Museum. They have recently started offering fish and chips at lunch and teatime. It was excellent quality and they were extremely friendly. I highly recommend this (but only if you like fish and chips, they have only one meal available).

Wonderful friendly buzz about the bar, welcomed by Allan, Sabine, Jimmy, Mary, Vera and many others with fire roaring on a windy October night......follow the warm light at the entrance to Longhope and you will be delighted by this wee bar.

Alan is a fantastic host and the fish and chips are quite simply the best I have ever eaten. Everyone in the bar makes you feel so welcome.i chatted with different people each time I went in. Its in such an amazing setting ...it's well worth an evening or 2 in here... be careful of the mini Guinness!!

The pub is only great. The local Girls invite me to play Beer pong, the first time in my life. The bartender Alan is only lovely. I hope I can enjoy fish and chips when I come back again