‘It’s a social hub greater than a pub’: Scottish neighborhood reopens its native inn simply in time for Christmas | Journey

It’s opening night time at Scotland’s latest neighborhood pub, Oakbank Inn, which sits on the Holy Loch within the village of Sandbank, Argyll. It’s a transparent, chilly night time, and the inn couldn’t look extra welcoming: a comfortable glow from inside the historic constructing, the Cowal hills past. The Christmas lights are twinkling, the glasses are charged and there’s a palpable sense of goodwill, cheer, and loads of pleasure within the air. By 6pm, it’s buzzing. Locals are already propping up the bar as a classy lady sweeps in and baggage the final desk. She is Debbie Rycroft, an area haberdasher. “A pint in my very own native,” she smiles fortunately, relishing a toast together with her husband and equally dapper 19-year-old son.