Moulin Hotel

French-speakers might instinctively pronounce Moulin as they do in France. After all, it looks like their word for mill, but Moulin is actually derived from the Gaelic 'maohlinn', meaning either smooth rocks or calm water - a tad confusing, but presumably the locals know. This old inn faces Moulin's square, a rewarding three-quarters of a mile from the busy tourist centre of Pitlochry. Awarded the accolade of AA Scottish Pub of the Year 2006, its popularity is partly due to the fact that it opened its own microbrewery in 1995 to celebrate the building's tercentenary. Since the area is known as the Vale of Atholl, don't be too surprised to find that the name of one of the house beers is the same. A major refurbishment of the building in the 1990s opened up old fireplaces and beautiful stone walls that had been hidden for many years, and lots of cosy niches were created using timbers from the old Coach House (now the brewery). The courtyard garden is lovely in summer, while blazing log fires warm the Moulin's innards in winter. Menus partly reflect the inn's Highlands location, and although more familiar dishes are available such as seafood pancake, lamb shank, and trio of salmon, you also have the opportunity to try something more ethnic, such as deep-fried haggis; venison Braveheart; Scotsman's bunnet, which is a meat and vegetable stew-filled batter pudding; or a plate of sauté potatoes, smoked bacon and fried egg, otherwise known as vrackie grostel. You might then round off your meal with ice cream with Highland toffee sauce, or bread and butter pudding. A specials board broadens the choice further. Around 20 wines by the glass and more than 30 malt whiskies are available.

From A924 at Pitlochry take A923. Moulin 0.75m
Nearest station: Pitlochry

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