The Lord of the Isles Visited

Photos

Local Area

This is my regular wetherspoons, this trip was a relaxed visit with friends; DelnSue, MarknMags, ShaznMary, Junior, and Alastair. Renfrew sits on the Clyde where the Cart joins – the name comes from old Brittonic for “point of the current”. It’s been a royal burgh since the 12th century. In 1164 the original Lord of the Isles (Somerled) was defeated and killed right here by Malcolm IV – so the pub name has proper local historical bite. Shipbuilding built the town (Fairfield, Linthouse, Lobnitz yards). The Comet steamboat (1812) started the Clyde’s industrial revolution. There was even a post-war airport here. Today it’s all Braehead leisure and shopping – indoor ski slope, cinema, climbing, retail overload. Renfrewshire folklore is rich with kelpies, fairies and ghosts. Classic riverside west Scotland spot with modern leisure vibes.

The Pub

Named after two grand Clyde paddle steamers (1877 and 1891) that carried tourists to the Kyles of Bute until 1928. This is a purpose-built Wetherspoons inside the former Xsite/Xscape leisure complex (Unit 21, King’s Inch Road, PA4 8XQ) now known as GRID. Lively modern Spoons with Wi-Fi, TVs, outdoor seating, step-free access. Good after retail or indoor activities in the GRID complex. Kids out by 11pm.

Football Team

Renfrew FC (“the Frew”), founded 1912, play at New Western Park in the West of Scotland Football League. They also have u20s and a ladies team. Proper local community club – the grassroots alternative to the big Glasgow sides.

Travel

Busses there: First 77 is my regular bus Busses back: First 77

Beers

Standard beer in here is Belhaven 80 shilling or a doom bar, but regularly I have the guest real ale. Prices are in the £2 - £4 range. Belhaven Brewery is officially Scotland's oldest surviving regional brewery. Established in 1719 in Dunbar, East Lothian it's nestled in the local barley fields along the coast, with its name literally translating to "Beautiful Harbour". Commercial brewing on the Dunbar site stretches back to 1200s Benedictine monks, though the official brewery business was formalized in 1719. While still brewed in Dunbar using local East Lothian water and yeast, Belhaven was acquired in 2005 by English brewery Greene King. Belhaven’s 80 Shilling (affectionately called "80 Bob") is one of Scotland's most traditional flagship heavy ales. In Scottish brewing history, the "Shilling" (/-) system was used to categorize beer strength based on the historic tax or invoice price per barrel. Historically, 60/- was light, 70/- was heavy, and 80/- was "export" or premium strength. 80 Bob is a traditional Scottish Heavy / Amber Ale (3.9% ABV). Tasting Notes; pours a rich copper-brown with a light bronze head. Dominated by warm, toasted malt, caramel, and "Horlicks" maltiness, balanced by faint hints of orange peel and soft dried fruit. Food Pairings; the rich, caramel-malt profile of 80 Shilling makes it a natural match for hearty pub foods like Sausage & Mash, Venison or Beef Stew and Aged Cheddar. Famous for its iconic red-brick chimney, Belhaven brews classic cask ales like Belhaven Best (a staple in Scottish pubs), Belhaven Black Stout, and modern craft offerings like Twisted Thistle IPA.