Perth is a lovely, vibrant wee city on the banks of the silvery Tay.
It packs a punch in terms of culture, shopping, history and it’s great place to enjoy a few drinks.
The question is – which bars and pubs are worth a visit?
They surely all have their merits, but I popped along one evening to check out my favourites.
1. The Twa Tams – a Perth institution
My first stop was at the legendary Twa Tams on Scott Street.
It’s billed as one of the city’s go-to gig venues, with musicians including Travis, Belle and Sebastian, and Ocean Colour Scene playing here over the years.
Why is it called the Twa Tams? It was named after founders George Thomas Craic and Martin Thomas Sweeney, two Perth lads with the same middle name, Tam.
The pub is dog-friendly, and when I walked in I was delighted to see regular customer James Lackie propping up the bar with his three extremely well-behaved pet pooches.
“I’m in here most days,” said James, a carer. “It’s great because they love dogs – and the dogs love people.
“I sometimes leave them here when I go shopping. The staff are so friendly and helpful.”
2. King James Pub – scene of a royal murder
The King James Pub on Kinnoull Street has been described as the most historic in Perth.
It’s located at the scene where King James I was assassinated in 1437 – on the site of the ancient Blackfriars Friary.
The only remains of this building were discovered in the cellar of the pub in 2017 when it was being given a makeover.
The ancient foundation stones that were discovered date back to 1231.
Excitingly, they can be seen by visitors today via a section of glass floor in the bar!
Grisly history aside, the pub is a great place for a beer, or to catch up on some live sport, play pool, or choose tunes from the juke box.
I had a wee drink and caught up with landlord Jim Weir, who happens to be the manager of Forfar Athletic and a St Johnstone legend.
He told me the pub runs quizzes, holds live music nights, and offers great food.
“Folk come in to watch the game, taste the great beer, and enjoy the atmosphere,” he said.
3. The Old Ship Inn – Perth’s oldest bar
Tucked away on the old High Street, a stone’s throw from the Tay, The Old Ship Inn is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Dating back to 1665, it’s said to be the oldest pub in Perth, and it’s just as popular now as it was back in the 1600s.
Inside, I found it bustling with people of all ages, and the friendly barmaid was quick to serve me.
The name, ‘The Old Ship’, apparently harks back to the days when the harbour was at the bottom of the High Street – not too far away.
Sailors staggered back to their ships there after drunken nights in the pub.
The decor is nautical-themed, and it’s a joy to gaze at the timber-lined walls and beamed ceiling.
A big oil painting of a sailing ship takes pride of place, and there are nautical knots in glass frames at every turn.
There’s even a lounge area with a selection of books.
The Old Ship is dog-friendly, it’s big on beer, ale, gin, rum and whisky, and it won Tayside CAMRA’s Perth City Pub of the Year 2023 and 2024.
4. The Kirkside Bar – one of Perth’s best
A friend who has lived in Perth all her life told me The Kirky was her favourite ‘old man’s pub’, and, having never been in, I decided to check it out for myself.
I have to say – I absolutely loved it!
It’s certainly got the good old-fashioned vibe, but it’s the perfect place to get a taste of authentic Perth life.
The Kirkside Bar sits in the city’s Cafe Quarter opposite Perth Museum, and had its outdoor seating area extended last year.
There’s something charming about The Kirky, from its low ceilings, wooden beams and floral carpets, to its juke box, twinkling fairy lights and friendly customers.
I spent a good 10 minutes chatting about the pub’s links with horse racing, the RAF and Tartan Army with an enthusiastic regular, despite the fact I know very little about any of these subjects.
There are plans to refurbish the bar soon. I sincerely hope it retains its charm and tradition.
5. The Venue – pushing Perth boundaries
So, where to start with The Venue? There’s so much going on here!
Most excitingly, perhaps, is the fact it opened Perth’s first LGBTQ+ bar back in July.
Billed as the ‘Rainbow Rooms’, it’s a dedicated space inside the venue.
I caught up with manager Ryan Myles over a beer.
“It’s Perth’s first gay-friendly bar – there’s nothing like it,” he said.
“It’s a safe environment open to everybody. You don’t have to be gay!
“We’ve had a few drag acts in performing, including Mrs C. That was great fun.”
Ryan was keen to stress that The Venue boasts three separate areas – the Rainbow Rooms, Club One, and a gin and cocktail bar.
It hosts all sorts of events, from tribute nights, to ‘neon parties’, DJ sets, and live bands.
A recent highlight was a Dolly Party and Shania Twain tribute night.
And that’s not all. The Venue is also a great place to dine out and watch live sport.
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