INVERNESS LOVES LOCAL: A little bit of R&B’s lights up city centre
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A firm favourite for all those in search of a bit of musical fun, laughter and enjoyment in the city centre, R&B’s bar and restaurant prides itself on providing a warm welcome for locals and visitors alike.
The only karaoke bar in the Highlands, it offers would-be Taylor Swifts and Ed Sheerans their 15 minutes of fame – or infamy – at the mic.
Equally, there is always a varied bill of live music from local talent to keep more discerning customers happy and entertained.
The family ethos and nature of the business filters into a distinct friendliness between management, staff and patrons, nurturing fierce loyalty from regulars and generating unforgettable one-off evenings for visitors from all over the world.
Add in good quality, reasonably-priced food with emphasis on local produce – starters, house classics, grills, baked potatoes, paninis, sandwiches, salads and sides, not to mention hot drinks and desserts to die for – and R&B’s stands as a shining light for everything good about local, independent business in the heart of Inverness.
Read more Inverness Loves Local stories:
- Fashion inspiration in the Highland glens
- The shop where everything is handmade
- Spirits of Christmas to delight customers at WoodWinters
We spoke to owner Rebecca Yorston.
Q: Tell us a bit about R&B’s and your business.
A: At the heart of everything we do is the belief that if you support local, local will support you back.
We pride ourselves on supplying a great range of food and drink, with no compromise on quality but an emphasis on value for money. Our central location is ideal for locals and tourists alike and the welcoming atmosphere is a very important part of it all. The restaurant and bar was established more than seven years ago, in April 2016, and has been passionately grown and improved and by the family ever since.
We always set out to be the kind of restaurant and bar that we would frequent and we’re proud of what we offer and the terrific feedback we consistently get. As the only karaoke bar in the highlands, we see it as our duty to ensure that every night is full of fun and laughs, and is one to remember.
True to our ethos, we always do our best to source our high quality local suppliers where possible and we enjoy building great relationships with these local entrepreneurs, as we hope they do us.
Q: What’s happening at R&B’s during the festive season?
A: It is going to be hectic, but plenty of fun! We have live music and karaoke throughout the festivities and there is sure to be a buzzing atmosphere.
We are also organising a special Facebook give-away which will be drawn on December 20, with three prizes up for grabs: the new Xbox; an electric Segway kids’ scooter; and a £500 Inverness city centre gift card. Our restaurant and bar is the perfect place to gather with friends and family, whether for a special event just an evening’s treat with good company.
Q: What is it about the Highlands and Islands that makes for ideal inspiration?
A: Good people, firstly – and a genuine friendliness. Inverness is a growing city with so much to offer and is often a surprise to those who are new to it. The beauty of it is how the tranquillity and wonderful scenery, both within and just a short hop outside the city, perfectly offsets the energetic and entertaining evenings people can enjoy.
Q: Can you tell us something about R&B’s that might surprise people?
A: Some people might assume that I’m the ‘R’ in R&B’s, but I’m the ‘B’ for Becca. R&B’s was named after myself and my younger brother Robert, who quickly discovered hospitality was not for him and became a joiner! I’ve grown up in hospitality all my life, from running about the former Moray bar as a toddler to working in Gunsmiths then onto R&B’s in 2016. Hospitality is all I know.
Q: Who are your Inverness city centre stars?
A: There are so many, but I’d give special mention to Inverness Whisky for supplying our lovely drams behind the bar; Perk for keeping us going with their amazing coffee; and the Mustard Seed who always provide excellent service.
Q: What makes Inverness city centre a great place to visit, shop and work?
A: The great variety – there is something for everyone.
Q: Why is the Inverness city centre gift card the perfect present this festive season?
A: It is an ideal present for anyone this Christmas as it supports our local businesses and you can spend it in 170 different premises, from clothing shops to pubs, cafés and restaurants – perfect for when you don’t know what to get loved ones!
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