Historic North Highlands pub reopens on North Coast 500

One of the most historic and northerly pubs in Scotland has reopened to the local community and visitors in Tongue on the North Coast 500, as part of a wider investment initiate to champion year-round tourism.

Highland Coast Hotel’s has unveiled the new look Brass Tap bar at Tongue Hotel this week, including an interior makeover and outdoor terrace with views across the Kyle of Tongue towards the historic Castle Varrich, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.

Positioned along one of the UK’s most celebrated road trips, the Brass Tap is now set to become a must-visit stop for day visitors and hotel guests alike, combining casual dining, a lively bar atmosphere and regular live music in one of the Highlands’ most scenic coastal settings.

Built in the mid-1800s by the Duke of Sutherland, the main building at Tongue Hotel began life as a hunting lodge, a place of gathering after long days on the hill and by the water.

The Brass Tap takes its name from an original brass water tap still found within the bar. It offers a quiet nod to the building’s earliest days, when guests would draw water to accompany their dram after long days on the hill. While the name itself may not be centuries old, the spirit of the space is now a place of warmth, conversation and community.

The venue now offers a relaxed, social bar at the heart of the village for travellers exploring the North Coast 500, as well as a vibrant gathering place for the local community.

The return of the Brass Tap follows extensive engagement with the local community over the past year, reinforcing its role as a vital social hub in Tongue.

The venue has been carefully reintroduced to reflect both local needs and visitor expectations, blending a traditional Highland welcome with a refreshed, informal experience designed to bring people together.

Tongue has been a key focus for Highland Coast Hotels following the hotel’s renovation in 2023, with continued investment aimed at showcasing the destination as a standout stop along the North Coast 500.

The Brass Tap will now be open seven days a week, serving food daily and transitioning into a lively, drinks-led venue in the evenings, with live music every last Friday of the month and a growing programme of events.

The reopening of the Brass Tap has been a long-standing personal priority for Managing Director of Highland Coast Hotels, Kenny McMillan, who has family ties to the area, alongside newly appointed Group Commercial Manager Clare Armstrong, whose own connections to nearby Durness further strengthen the group’s local roots.

Commenting on the reopening of the Brass Tap, McMillan said:

“The Brass Tap has always been more than just a bar. It’s a place where people come together. Over the past year, we’ve taken the time to listen to the community and ensure its return reflects what people want and need. It’s incredibly rewarding to see it come back to life.

“Whether visiting for a quick drink, a relaxed meal or an evening of live music, The Brass Tap is designed to encourage travellers to pause longer, stay overnight and explore the surrounding area.

“From coastal walks and historic landmarks to wildlife and local culture, Tongue continues to establish itself as one of the most rewarding stops on the North Coast 500.”

As part of Highland Coast Hotels’ wider commitment to responsible tourism, the reopening of the Brass Tap supports the group’s messaging around safe, considered travel in the Highlands. The hotel group continues to encourage visitors to travel at a slower pace; engage with local communities; support local businesses; and respect the natural environment.

Since being established in 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired six of the region’s landmark hotels, including Tongue Hotel; Kylesku Hotel; Plockton Inn; Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch; Royal Marine Hotel Brora; and Lochardil House in Inverness.

Highland Coast Hotels is a Scottish-based group aiming to bring innovative, sustainable and community-led hospitality to the stunning coastlines of the North Highlands of Scotland. The group intends to strengthen and enhance the hotels it owns, as well as boost regional growth.

For more information go to Brass Tap and Tongue Hotel

More information on Highland Coast Hotels