Drop anchor after a day on the waves and steer towards The Auld Motor Hoose in Kirkwall, a truly unique and friendly pub that has been repeatedly named the CAMRA Northern Isles Pub of the Year. Drawing on its original life as a garage, this bar has wholeheartedly embraced its heritage, transforming into a motor-themed marvel where every corner is packed with fascinating motoring memorabilia and vintage car parts. The cozy, cluttered interior offers a warm welcome, providing a favourite meeting place for both spirited locals and curious visitors exploring the Orkney capital.
The Auld Motor Hoose is the perfect place to refuel, offering a great selection of drinks, including local cask ales like Swannay Brewery's Scapa Special, along with a wide range of quality spirits and lagers. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of life, typically fuelled by rock classics blasting from the jukebox and frequent live music sessions—it’s even one of the main venues for the Orkney Rock Festival. Whether you are a classic car enthusiast, a rock fan, or simply looking for a quality pint in a lively and welcoming Orcadian pub, make sure The Auld Motor Hoose is on your list of essential shore stops.
View a 360° tour
Auld Motor Hoose
A lively bar but not what I would call rowdy. Well trained staff that make sure your not waiting forever for a drink(Something that drives me mad!) It has a real American motor theme to it with plenty of memorabilia as decorations. Worth paying a visit.
12/09/2025 @ 8:25 pm
Cornel & Patsy
Auld Motor Hoose
Proper petrol head theme bar with lots of memorabilia as you can see from the photos. Frequented by locals and can get pretty busy. Very capable bar staff that get you served quickly. Really good bar.
30/01/2025 @ 8:03 pm
Danny & The Mottley Crew
Auld Motor Hoose
Fantastic theme bar that originated from a garage, so you can guess what the theme is, Yes cars and motorbikes and it has been done really well. Plenty of locals frequent the bar and the lady who was behind the bar is very helpful and will tell you the history of the place. One to put on your list to visit when in Orkney.
18/01/2024 @ 10:13 am
Lez & Juan
Auld Motor Hoose
Wow! What a find. If you fancy a pub with lots of atmosphere and you are into motors, this is without a doubt the place for you. As you can see from the photos, there's lots of motoring memorabilia to look at. Good staff and clientele. We came here most nights on our trip.
08/11/2023 @ 8:45 am
Debbie & Colin Hough
Auld Motor Hoose
A real theme pub with the emphasis being on motors (Hence the name) Lots of motoring memorabilia displayed. It kept Colin occupied for quite some time. The pub is pretty vibrant and is frequented by locals and curious visitors to Orkney. You can normally strike up a conversation with one of the friendly locals, or maybe have a game of darts with them. A must visit if staying in or near Kirkwall.
A lively bar but not what I would call rowdy. Well trained staff that make sure your not waiting forever for a drink(Something that drives me mad!) It has a real American motor theme to it with plenty of memorabilia as decorations. Worth paying a visit.
Proper petrol head theme bar with lots of memorabilia as you can see from the photos. Frequented by locals and can get pretty busy. Very capable bar staff that get you served quickly. Really good bar.
Fantastic theme bar that originated from a garage, so you can guess what the theme is, Yes cars and motorbikes and it has been done really well. Plenty of locals frequent the bar and the lady who was behind the bar is very helpful and will tell you the history of the place. One to put on your list to visit when in Orkney.
Wow! What a find. If you fancy a pub with lots of atmosphere and you are into motors, this is without a doubt the place for you. As you can see from the photos, there's lots of motoring memorabilia to look at. Good staff and clientele. We came here most nights on our trip.
A real theme pub with the emphasis being on motors (Hence the name) Lots of motoring memorabilia displayed. It kept Colin occupied for quite some time. The pub is pretty vibrant and is frequented by locals and curious visitors to Orkney. You can normally strike up a conversation with one of the friendly locals, or maybe have a game of darts with them. A must visit if staying in or near Kirkwall.