The Moulin Hotel just after dawn in January 2000

A very welcoming atmosphere can be found in this 300 year old inn almost a mile up ths hill on the A924 out of Pitlochry in the village of Moulin. What can I say apart from 'Great Beer', great food and a great atmosphere. The inn is home to the Moulin brewery. The brewery only opened in 1995 in the stables behind the hotel during celebrations for the hotel's 300th anniversary but it certainly seems to have thrived ever since. They only supply a handful of other outlets but the beer was great. We tried all four of their fine beers (Light, Braveheart, Ale of Atholl and Old Remedial) and all were in perfect condition. My personal favourite was the reddish, full-bodied, malty Ale of Athol (abv 4.5%) which went down a treat. The lower picture shows 4 of the 5 of us (Colin took the photo) that treked up from the Youth Hostel in search of good food and good beer. Manage to grab the top table, a mere yard and a half from the pumps.

Bar service was prompt, informal and above all friendly. The fires were roaring and we certainly had the feel that we wouldn't leave the pub cold and disappointed. The food was also excellent. They have a wide range of main meals available with many traditional dishes on offer. Portions were large, prices very reasonable and general standard of the food high. Away from the bar there were several booths divided by stained glass rural scenes where you could have a little more privacy. We always like to sit near the bar and jump at the chance of talking to a few locals and other visitors. During the summer they've seating outside available too.

Being a hotel you can of course stay the night and they do good value breaks for 3 nights from Autumn to Spring. Moulin is also not too far from the mountains so would be a great place to base yourself and the bar the perfect place to discuss the days achievements. I'm going back!

Jim, me, Phil & Lisa enjoying the food,
wonderful home-brewed beers & atmosphere
of the Moulin Hotel, January 2000