Scotland’s Isle of Bute welcomes its first wine and cocktail bar

Inspired by the boudoir and led by women, The Sulking Room is bringing a new kind of social elegance to the island. James Bayley explores how this glamorous new venue is shaking up the drinks scene in Rothesay. On the waterfront of Rothesay, a new bar is turning heads with its velvet-clad interiors and elegant pours. The Sulking Room, the Isle of Bute’s first dedicated wine, whisky and cocktail bar, opened its doors over Easter weekend and has already made a striking impression on the island’s residents and visitors. The Sulking Room is the creation of local entrepreneur Erin Murphy, already known for Gather Deli and its successful series of supper clubs. Speaking exclusively to the drinks business, Murphy said the idea grew from her own experience of working away from home and often dining alone. “I grew up with family gatherings in proper pubs, but I knew that not everyone feels confident to go out on their own,” she explained. “Bute was once said to have the most pubs per capita in the country, but they’re all designed by and for men.” Murphy envisioned a space that felt both glamorous and inclusive. “I really felt Bute was missing somewhere that was designed for women, by women,” she said. “Men are, of course, welcome, but we are leading with a women-first mindset.” The name came from a blend of family humour and French inspiration. “Boudoir” traditionally refers to a woman’s private room. “My dad always told me to go to my room until I’d cheered up,” Murphy said. “Now I’ve built one I actually want to be in.”

Gathering momentum

Murphy developed the idea alongside David Murphy, a chef of more than 20 years who had joined the team at Gather Deli. In early 2024, they moved the deli to East Princes Street and trialled the wine-and-cheese model that would become central to The Sulking Room. “We see the two businesses as sisters rather than twins,” David told db. “The Sulking Room offers delicious cheeses, fine wines, brilliant cocktails and tasteful live music. The deli has a more casual daytime feel with fresh breads, soups and sandwiches, and continues to host regular supper clubs.” The soft launch included live music from David himself, saxophonist Jim Holland and family friend Skye Edwards of Morcheeba. “We want it to feel more like someone singing at a lovely dinner party,” he said.

Designed for access and atmosphere

The new bar’s beauty is matched by its thoughtful design. Murphy’s vision was shaped by frustration at the lack of accessible venues on the island for wheelchair users and families with young children. “In 2021 I did a full audit of food and drink premises on Bute,” she said. “I looked at which had outdoor seating, sea views, an alcohol licence, were dog and child friendly, and had wheelchair access and baby change facilities.” The research guided every aspect of the new space. Originally considering a smaller venue, Murphy eventually purchased a larger property with space for generous outdoor seating and easy access. The Sulking Room now sits at No. 19, while Gather Deli operates next door at No. 24. “The building was originally Bute’s town hall, built for entertaining,” Murphy said. “We’ve really loved bringing it back to life, and we’ve had so much positive feedback. People are genuinely grateful we’ve opened.”

A bar in step with its island

The Sulking Room arrives at a time of quiet reinvention for the Isle of Bute’s hospitality scene. In 2021, the local community famously raised more than £92,000 to save The Anchor Tavern in Port Bannatyne, the village’s last pub, as reported by the BBC. The pub, now owned by the Port Bannatyne Development Trust, has been revived as a space for residents, artists and young people, and reflects the island’s strong community spirit. The Sulking Room, though very different in style, taps into that same sense of local pride and possibility. “The response from women in particular has been amazing,” Murphy said. “We’ve had people coming in alone for a glass of wine and a cheeseboard, friends lunching together, couples on dates and families with grandparents and dogs.” With the summer season approaching and visitors preparing to explore Scotland’s most accessible island, The Sulking Room is already proving to be more than just a bar. It is a stylish and welcoming new chapter for Bute’s evolving social scene.