Quintessential Scottish Pub

 

It’s hard to find a decent pub beyond the British Isles. Luckily you don’t need a plane ticket to get quality suds and a counter full of pub-crawlers happily munching on peanuts. Since the 1980s, Pub L’Ile Noire has been the preferred stomping ground for Brits-cum-Montrealers. Named after one of Les Aventures de Tintin’s tomes — in which Tintin visits Scotland in search of a legendary ape — the bar is a tribute to the classic Scottish pub look. Featuring mahogany woodwork, stained glass and typical pint glasses, at L’Ile Noire, the only thing missing is the kilts.

 

Pure Malts, Pure Pleasure

 

If the thought of a wall-to-wall scotch selection makes you deliriously excited, you may have found your new haunt. Boasting over 140 brands that range from $5 to $500 a glass, L’Ile Noire is renowned across the city for its fine scotches. A frequent visitor to Scotland, the owner has stocked his bar with vintage whiskies that include single malts from the Highlands like Glenmorangie and The Macallan, as well as stronger peaty scotches like Lagavulin from the island of Islay. True fans of the amber liquid will delight in the pub’s annual scotch tasting events, complete with Scottish tunes.

 

Happy Hour Highlands-Style

 

Beer more your style? Pub L’Ile Noire has you covered with 16 local and British brews on tap. Sip on one of their Quebec brands — ranging from Ste-Ambroise to Belle Gueule — or try a Scottish pale ale import. Weekdays, you’ll find a motley crew kicking back on the big couches for the happy hour local beer specials. You can also drop by for a nightcap: the cozy, dark atmosphere is perfect for sampling the daily single malt specials.