The Papay Pub

The Papay Pub is unique because it is, in fact, a cupboard in the corner of the Papa Westray Hostel, which is owned and managed voluntarily by the Papay Community Co-operative.

From the outside it looks like a regular cupboard, but when its door is opened, it means friendship, company and warmth for one of Scotland’s most remote island communities. Jim Rendall, the octogenarian license holder, was born in the pub, when it was traditional farm workers’ cottages.

‘The pub comes into its own at an island event like the Muckle Supper’

The bar opens every Saturday from 9.00 pm and it’s a family friendly hub, a coming-together of locals, incomers and visitors, of all ages. The pub comes into its own at an island event like the Muckle Supper, when meals are served and a lively dance gets underway (some of the dances are unique to the Isle). It has no single claim to fame and we like to keep it that way but no visitor who enjoys a night at the Papay Pub forgets it, and some fit their holidays around it. Perhaps it is Margaret’s accordion they will remember most, or the local friendly chat, perhaps a game of chess or snap, or the impressive array of Orkney beers behind the cupboard door.

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