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Secluded bars to escape the outside world

The world is a difficult place right now, but just imagine if you could jet off to an isolated bar and enjoy a drink, where would you go? Here, we list 10 of the most remote watering holes across the globe.

You might have penguins for company at this Antarctic drinking den

Despite the draw of a crowded city centre cocktail bar, filled with laughter, music and killer drinks, sometimes there’s nothing better than uncovering a secluded spot far off the beaten track.

From Scotland to South America, we’ve scoured the globe in search of the most remote drinking dens around the globe, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Whether it’s an Irish pub 3,440m above sea level, or a cosy escape from the Antarctic weather at a remote research station, each venue on this list is worthy of a spot on your imbibing bucket list. And, even though travel options may be limited, there’s no harm in dreaming up your next far-flung drinking destination. 

Click through the following pages to find out about 10 of the most remote bars around the world.

Know of another remote venue around the world? Let us know in the comments below. 

The Old Forge, Scotland

Located on the banks of Loch Nevis, The Old Forge claims to be the most remote bar on the UK mainland and is only accessible by an 18-mile hike or a seven-mile sea crossing.

Despite its hard-to-reach location, the bar offers those brave enough to make the trip a selection of Scotch whiskies, real ale and wine. It also serves up a menu of sustainably-sourced seafood for patrons to restock their energy levels before the 18-mile return trip.

Due to its remote location, The Old Forge is open between March and October from 11.30am to midnight.

Where to find it: The Old Forge, Inverie, Knoydart, Mallaig, PH41 4PL

The Little A’Le’Inn, US

A favourite among fans of the supernatural, Nevada’s Little A’Le’Inn is located just off route 367, dubbed the ‘extraterrestrial highway’, 148 miles outside Las Vegas.

Open daily from 8am to 8pm, the bar and motel has been in business for 25 years and became a haunt for those seeking life outside our planet due to its proximity to Area 51.

As well as a menu of food and drinks to refresh weary travellers, The Little A’Le’Inn features rooms for overnight stays and was previously home to the Alien Stock sci-fi festival.

Where to find it: 9631 Old Mill Street, Rachel, NV 89001

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, Canada

Originally opened in 1927, the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse was purchased by Joy Kimball in 1959 and is now managed by her daughter Susanne.

To reach the venue, patrons must hike through the glacial valley along a 5.6km trail surrounded by towering peaks and the wildlife that calls the area home. The trail begins at the public parking lot for the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse opens each year in early June and operates until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October.

Where to find it: Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada

The Irish Pub, Nepal

Regarded as the world’s highest Irish pub, The Irish Pub in Namche Bazaar is located 3,440 metres above sea level.

Frequented by mountaineers tackling Everest and other peaks in the Himalayan mountain range, The Irish Pub is a five-hour hike from the Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Lukla, thought to be one of the world’s most dangerous airports.

The drinks list focuses on imports from Ireland, including household names such as Jameson, Guinness, Erin’s Rock, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Baileys Irish cream liqueur. The bar also serves whiskies and other local drinks, including Everest Lager.

Where to find it: Namche 56000, Nepal

Funken Bar, Svalbard

Located between Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is home to the Funken Bar, which first opened its doors to drinkers in 1991.

The welcoming space in the Funken Lodge hotel serves a host of signature cocktails, alongside small plates and bar snacks.

Open year-round, the bar serves drinks between 12pm and midnight.

Where to find it: Vei 212 9170 Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Birdsville Hotel, Australia

This bar and hotel in Australia’s desert country has endured floods, fires and cyclones since welcoming its first travellers more than 130 years ago.

Under the ownership of Kym Fort and David Brook, the Birdsville Hotel offers everything needed for an “authentic outback experience”, including comfy accommodation, traditional pub fare, a quality wine list and ice-cold drinks.

Located in the heart of Birdsville, in the south west corner of Queensland, the hotel is a 17-hour drive from Brisbane on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Where to find it: Adelaide Street, Birdsville QLD 4482, Australia

The Faraday Bar, Antarctica

Without a doubt the most remote destination on our roundup, The Faraday Bar is located at the Vernadsky Research Base in Antarctica.

At this remote location, scientists and sightseers on the Antarctic peninsula can come together to share stories of their time out on the ice while enjoying a drink from this fully-stocked bar.

The Vernadsky Research Base is home to Ukraine’s Antarctic scientists. The nearest town to this ends-of-the-earth bar is Puerto Williams in Chile, 1,150km away.

Where to find it: West Antarctica

Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Jamaica

Located in the Caribbean Ocean just off Jamaica’s Treasure Beach, Floyd’s Pelican Bar has been serving adventurous travellers since it opened in 2001.

Accessible only via a one-mile boat trip from either Black River, Treasure Beach or Parottee Point, Floyd’s Pelican Bar serves up rum punch, beer and a simple food menu comprising of lobster and fresh fish.

Visitors to the ocean bar bringing mementos of their hometown can also have these proudly displayed around the venue.

Where to find it: Caribbean Sea, Jamaica

The Lounge, Bolivia

On the edge of the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia, adventurous drinkers will find The Lounge at the Luna Salada Hotel de Sal.

With views of the expansive salt flats from the bar, guests can soak up the tranquility of this remote location over an innovative cocktail mixed up by the team at The Lounge. The nearest city to the bar and hotel is Potosi in Bolivia’s highlands, more than 200km away.

As well as visiting the remote drinking den, guests can also take tours of the Uyuni Salt Flats, which covers nearly 11,000sq km and is the largest salt flat in the world.

Where to find it: Uyuni, Colchani, Bolivia

Maggie’s, The Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland and comprise 18 rocky, volcanic islands including Nólsoy, which is home to bar and concert venue Maggie’s.

Accessible by a short ferry ride from neighbouring island Tórshavn, Maggie’s serves a menu of spirits, beer and wine, alongside a simple food menu.

The bar also regularly hosts live music and other events.

Where to find it: 26 Válagøta Nólsoy, 270, Faroe Islands

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