A few weeks ago the greatness of the Ceilidh Place was
reinforced by trying somewhere else to eat and drink in Ullapool. We had peeped
into the Ceilidh Place but it seemed full. We only wanted a drink and all the
tables seemed laid out for evening meals. So we thought we would try somewhere else. Along the road we went
to the Caledonian Hotel. We found a table, had a look at the menu and went to
the bar to order from the surly barman (he was there last time we tried this
place a few years ago, we should have realised the futility of this adventure the
moment we saw him).
“Two coffees please”
“We don’t do coffee”
“But it says you do on the menu”
“Machine’s broke”
“How about tea?”
“Machine’s broke”
Not a single smile or apology from the barman, just the
general impression that the sooner we were out of his bar the better. So we
obliged.
We went back to the Ceilidh Place:
“Do you mind if we just have a drink?”
“Of course not, sit where you like and I’ll come and take
your order”
The Celidh Place is the place to sit, eat and drink in
Ullapool, in the whole of Scotland as far as I’m concerned. We’ve been going
there for 25 years or so and their high standards have always been maintained.
Great entertainment, excellent food, friendly, polite service, a fantastic log
fire in winter, a bookshop open all night, relaxing accommodation. That’s why
our house has 2 Ceilidh Place mugs and 3 T shirts, but none from the
Caledonian.
Food – excellent
Service – excellent
Atmosphere – perfect
Accommodation – quiet and relaxing with a wonderful
lounge to read in
