The Dreadnought was recently declared Edinburgh Pub of the Year by members of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Branch of CAMRA – the Campaign for Real Ale.
During the previous year, CAMRA members had been visiting pubs and scoring their beer – making an assessment of how well it had been kept and served, submitting their scores online.
In February, members met to consider a short-list of the highest scoring pubs. This had been compiled using an algorithm that takes account of the number of people scoring, the number of visits the scores related to, as well as the scores themselves. The pubs on the short list were those which consistently offered well kept beer. By secret ballot, members then voted for their Pub of the Year, in the 3 areas the Branch covers – Edinburgh, the Lothians outside Edinburgh, and the Borders.
The photograph (TOP) shows pub landlord, Toby Saltonstall, on 15 April, being presented with a framed commemorative certificate by Chris Miller, Branch Chair, at a gathering in the pub.
The presentation was greeted by much applause, from the crowd of regular patrons who had assembled to celebrate this special event.
The pub has been runner-up on a number of occasions, so this win was not entirely a surprise!
This International Women’s Day, Heriot-Watt University is celebrating the success of Bella Perez, a 2024 graduate of its MSc Brewing and Distilling programme. In less than two years, Bella has risen to become Head Brewer at 71 Brewing, joining a growing number of women working in the industry in Scotland.
Although modern beer production has long been dominated by men, historically brewing was a woman’s responsibility. Beer was brewed in the home as a safe substitute for water.
Bella’s appointment as Head Brewer is not only a personal milestone but is also part of brewing tradition:
“People are often surprised to meet a woman head brewer,” she said. “But women belong here. We always have. International Women’s Day is a reminder of how important visibility is—and why creating space for other women matters.”
Bella grew up in California. Childhood car journeys past the local Budweiser plant and the region’s thriving craft beer culture sparked her interest in brewing. In 2016, an international study trip confirmed her passion for fermentation science. This became her focus when she returned to UC Davis in California.
After nearly a decade working across the US—at MillerCoors in Colorado, craft breweries in California, and as a shift lead brewer in Oregon—she looked to further her progression in an industry where women remain underrepresented in senior production roles.
“I’d been working three jobs at one point and felt stuck,” she explained. “I loved brewing, but to move into upper management you need more than experience—you need technical proof of concept.”
That next step arrived through a scholarship from the Michael James Jackson Foundation, which supports brewers from underrepresented backgrounds.
With a Cuban parent, Bella was eligible. The organisation funded her Master’s degree at Heriot-Watt University, home to one of the world’s most respected brewing and distilling programmes. Bella describes her time at Heriot-Watt as transformative.
“It made all the difference. The Master’s gave me the scientific foundation, the research skills and the professional credibility I needed. Combined with my experience, it opened doors that simply weren’t available to me before.”
Within months of graduating, she was appointed Head Brewer at 71 Brewing, a Dundee-based independent brewery known for innovation and global reach. Her role involves overseeing production, recipe development, quality, and sensory training for an international team – including seven Heriot‑Watt alumni.
Professor Dawn Maskell is head of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. She said: “Each year, more women choose to study brewing and distilling at Heriot‑Watt, and their presence in our classrooms and laboratories is changing the face of the sector.
“Seeing graduates like Bella move into senior production roles is a powerful reminder of why representation matters and why supporting women into technical leadership positions is so important for the industry’s future.”
Today, Bella is part of a growing cohort of women shaping Scotland’s brewing. She is the driving force behind this Sunday’s inaugural Cailleach Festival, Scotland’s first beer festival dedicated to showcasing women working in production roles from across the country.
By bringing together female leaders from breweries large and small, the festival aims to increase visibility, foster mentorship and challenge lingering assumptions about who makes beer.
“For young women entering the industry, seeing someone who looks like you in a senior role can be transformative,” Bella said. “Representation shapes possibility.”
Despite progress, Bella acknowledges the challenges women still face. Brewing remains physically demanding, technically complex and often male-dominated. “You need to be thick-skinned and creative.
“It’s hands-on, heavy lifting, long days. But if you like getting your hands dirty, starting with a list of raw ingredients and turning them into something you’ve made yourself, brewing is definitely for you. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Bella is clear about the message she wants to share on International Women’s Day: “Don’t let the demographics of an industry tell you whether you belong. If you’re passionate, capable and determined, there is a place for you.
“Brewing needs more women. Science needs more women. Leadership needs more women. Progress is never accidental. It comes from women supporting women—and from institutions like Heriot-Watt believing in our potential.”
Black Gold (4.4%), a session stout by Cairngorm in Aviemore, has won silver in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain award, announced at Liverpool Beer Festival. Proving its credentials as a truly great winter beer after also being crowned the winner in 2025.
After a year of local and regional blind judging heats, the Campaign’s top three beers have been crowned. Black Gold will now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where it’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.
Judges were blown away, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Black Gold (4.4%) as: “A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.
The judging and announcement took place at Liverpool Beer Festival, in the Lutyens Crypt at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, just ten minutes’ walk from Liverpool Lime Street station. Competition beers are available at the festival while stocks last.
CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.
“Everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”
EDINBURGH’S rugby fans can enjoy a fresh take on a classic Scottish serve this Six Nations, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers expand their collaborative ‘hauf and hauf’ offering.
Following a successful festive launch, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are rolling out their innovative whisky and beer pairings to an expanded list of pubs across the capital – timed to coincide with the 2026 Six Nations Rugby Championship.
The partnership, which has revived the time-honoured half-and-half tradition, now introduces an exclusive ‘hauf and hauf’ serve to mark the Six Nations, offering fans a great way to back Scotland with a traditional Scottish pairing.
The initiative celebrates not only Scotland’s sporting passion, but also its rich drinks heritage, with the two family-run businesses showcasing their shared commitment to quality, flavour and community.
William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “The Six Nations is the perfect moment to bring people together over great food, drink and sport.
“Building on our hauf and hauf collaboration with Stewart Brewing, this partnership is about celebrating Scotland through carefully paired flavours, giving fans an enjoyable and responsible way to mark match days during the Six Nations
“It’s about putting a fun, flavour-led spin on a beloved Scottish ritual, one that encourages people to slow down and savour the experience.”
Fans are encouraged to enjoy a classic Scottish hauf and hauf – pairing a Stewart Brewing beer with a Wemyss Family Spirits whisky – as a simple and sociable way to back Scotland on matchdays.
To get Scottish supporters started, we’ve pulled together our favourite pairings which we think best reflects the character of our national side.
Stewart’s 80/- with Wemyss Spice King
A modern take on a classic Scottish serve. Stewart’s 80/- is one of Scotland’s most recognisable beers, making it a natural choice for fans backing the home side, while Spice King adds warmth and depth for those choosing to enjoy a dram alongside the match.
Edinburgh Black with Wemyss Peat Chimney
A richer, more full-bodied pairing inspired by the capital, home of Scottish Rugby. The smooth roast character of Edinburgh Black complements the gentle smoke of Peat Chimney, offering a robust but balanced option for match days at participating pubs across the city.
The hauf and hauf collaboration is now available at a growing list of pubs, including:
Teuchters, William Street
Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street
Athletic Arms (Diggers), Angle Park Terrace
O’Connors, Broughton Road
Jeremiah’s Taproom, Elm Row
Mathers Bar, Queensferry Street
Ye Olde Inn, Main Street
No. 1 High Street, High Street
56 North, West Crosscauseway
The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
The Bow Bar, Victoria Street
The Black Cat, Rose Street
The Cambridge Bar, Young Street
Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “We’re passionate about bringing people together in pubs, and there’s no better excuse than the Six Nations.
“By matching some of our most-loved brews with Wemyss Family Spirits’ distinctive malts, we’re creating a uniquely Scottish way to toast each nation, with a dash of humour and a whole lot of flavour.”
The initiative marks a continued commitment by both businesses to support Scotland’s vibrant pub trade, boost independent hospitality and bring heritage drinks traditions to a new generation.
Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing remain proudly family-run, fiercely independent and dedicated to producing characterful drinks that celebrate craft and community.
With the Calcutta Cup clash against England fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get behind Scotland and show your support. Join fellow fans in Edinburgh pubs, soak up the Murrayfield atmosphere, and enjoy a hauf and hauf ahead of the big match.
The Six Nations ‘hauf and hauf’ serve will be available in participating venues from February 2nd, 2026.
Customers can bring a taste of the German festival home with Aldi Scotland’s latest release
Aldi Scotland is bringing the excitement of Oktoberfest to its customers with its latest release of Scottish beers, featuring a Bavarian-inspired brew from Cold Town.
As thousands around the world raise a toast to celebrate the annual German festival, Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival range promises to put a tartan tint on proceedings and showcase the diversity of the nation’s brewers with an exciting lineup of delicious beers.
Edinburgh brewers Cold Town are leading the party with their new Bavarian Pilsner (£1.89, 440ml, 5.2% ABV), putting their own unique take on the traditional festival tipple with a clean and malty brew. This will be joined by the re-release of their Topic Thunder (£2.15, 440ml, 7.0% ABV), a full-bodied stout packed with caramel, dark chocolate and hazelnut flavours.
Peterhead’s Brew Toon are also on the guestlist with re-releases of their El Juicy (£2.15, 440ml, 7.1% ABV), a double dry hopped New England IPA, and The J’Ale (£1.89, 440ml, 5.5% ABV), a punchy riot red ale bringing an earthy, hoppy character.
Black Isle are also joining the party, making a welcome return to Aldi Scotland after five years with their Red Kite (£1.89, 440ml, 4.2% ABV) organic red ale, bringing a rich but malty character and their flagship Blonde (£1.79, 440ml, 4.5% ABV) organic lager, providing its unique crisp refreshment.
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Putting a uniquely Scottish twist on Oktoberfest gives us a great opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the brilliant local brewers we have at our doorstep.
“We’re fortunate to have developed strong relationships with some of Scotland’s most innovative suppliers and this gives us a fantastic platform to provide our customers with new and exciting products at affordable prices.”
Five Kingdoms’ Dark Storm Stout (6.9%) has been awarded CAMRA’s prestigious Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.
The annual competition recognises the best bottle-conditioned beers in the country, and this year the winner was announced at an event at The Bohemia in North Finchley, London.
Five Kingdoms, a small brewing team based out of the Isle of Whithorn, Scotland, started in 2015 as a hobby and passion project between Alastair Scoular, owner of the local pub and restaurant The Steam Packet Inn, and head chef Brendon Dennett.
Alastair said: “The brewery team were thrilled to have won this award for the whole of the UK. We are a tiny brewery from a remote corner of Scotland, so to win an award at this level is incredible, great recognition for years of hard work.
“It is also fantastic publicity for our local CAMRA branch who have been incredibly supportive since we started brewing.”
Champion Bottled Beer of Britain judge Alex Lines said: “Judges commented on the enticing chocolate aroma, the notes of coffee, liquorice and chocolate on the palate and dry finish. The panel was also impressed by its drinkability despite its strength.”
The well-deserved runners up were Lacons’ Audit, an 8% Barley Wine which scooped the Silver award, and Bronze award winner Milk Stout by Incredible Brewing Co in Bristol.
CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s worthy winner of the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain award.
“It’s great to see some of the big names alongside some of the up-and-coming brewers, I hope beer drinkers will go and search out these brews to give them a try for themselves.”
Full list of Champion Bottled Beer of Britain finalists:
The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack.
The Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nations’ pubs – and is on sale now.
Despite the tough trading environment facing a lot of licensees, they continue to battle against the odds, and the 2025 Guide boasts over 900 pubs that are new to this edition.
Information in the Guide is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to select the best of the best across the UK. As well as covering 314 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen & Grampian, Argyll & The Isles, Ayrshire & Arran, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Highlands & The Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs, Northern Isles and Tayside, it includes 52 new pub entries across the counties.
The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 has been written by multi award-winning Iain Macleod, ITV’s Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.
In his foreword, Iain MacLeod says: “… the story which threatened one of our pubs the most was also the one which most resonated with our times. In 2023, the Rovers Return closed its doors. A combination of the lingering legacy of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that landlady Jenny Bradley couldn’t afford to keep it open. The characters – and the viewers – lamented the news like the loss of a loved one. If it were needed, it was a timely reminder of the central place the nation’s pubs have in our lives and in our affections.”
CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the UK’s love of their local, and to have them featured on the covers for this year’s Guide is very exciting.
“CAMRA’s mission is to ensure support from both the UK and Scottish Governments as well as tangible legislation to protect pubs in this country. By next year’s edition of the Guide, we want to be talking about the beer and pub trade growing with the support of communities and parliaments alike.”
Coronation Street and Emmerdale are available to watch on ITV and ITVX. This year’s Guide is sponsored by Midland Snacks Traditional Pork Scratchings and endorsed by Cask Marque.
Scotland’s beer and pub sector contributed more than £2.3 billion in GVA and generated more than £1.4 billion in tax, new British Beer and Pub Association research reveals
Despite huge contribution to country’s finances and communities, taxes and rising business costs mean pubs make just 12p a pint
Industry may have to bear yet more punishing burdens and restrictions
BBPA calls on the Government to be “business friendly” and support Great British beer and pubs to boost economic growth
Scotland’s beer and pub sector poured more than £2.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £1.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
As a whole, Britain’s beer and pub sector poured more than £34.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £17.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
Latest figures from 2024 Oxford Economics research show GVA contributions were up from the previous contribution of £1.7 billion.
These figures demonstrate the sector’s important economic contribution to both their region and the wider national economy, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.
But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.
Not only that, but the industry is also facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging costs and a potential beer garden smoking ban.
Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It warns the industry needs government support from the Budget to make sure the sector can continue to contribute to the economy and boost the country’s finances.
The BBPA wants to see a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and a pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The Scotland’s sector’s growth will underpin economic growth, which is why if the Government truly is business-friendly, it must recognise that pubs and brewers are shouldering multiple taxes and costs that are squashing growth and could lead to businesses failing.
“There is no more meat on the bone to cut, which is why it we are calling on the Government reduces the cost of doing business so we can continue to make a massive contribution to the public purse.
“It is imperative there is a reform in the business rates system which currently penalises bricks and mortar businesses like pubs which pay five times more than their share of turnover.
“Until then, the vital 75% business rates relief due must be maintained for pubs so that one of the core cost components of doing business can be controlled. In addition, we urgently need to see a cut in beer duty.
“Our industry is an economic bellwether and when pubs and brewers suffer, the economy suffers. If the Government wants to succeed in its growth mission, it needs to support our beer and pubs which play such a vital role in our communities.”
The sector is also facing potential eyewatering EPR recycling costs next year – set to be among the highest in Europe – plus increases in energy prices. The trade body has warned that this could lead some brewers to make heartbreaking decisions about whether they can keep making their beer.
Not only that, but a proposed smoking ban in beer gardens would have a devastating impact on many pubs and affect their viability as businesses. The BBPA is urging Government to reconsider this misguided restriction.
The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.
PLUS LOCAL BREWERY NEWBARNS LAUNCH GILDED BALLOON’S VERY OWN PINKTASTIC PINTS
A brand new bar is set to open in the heart of Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August, as some of the city’s best food vendors pop up for daytime dining at Gilded Balloon’s brand-new bar Lucky Penny including Alby’s, Spitaki, Wing Theory and more.
The hidden gem will serve up everything from frozen cocktails, Kegronis and Gilded Balloon’s very own beer.
Located at 19-20 Teviot Place, in the former Saboteur venue, Lucky Penny will welcome Fringe fans, acts and industry to the bar, which will be run in partnership with local brewery Newbarns, serving up fresh pints and cocktails as well as the very best Edinburgh food and drink pop-ups.
Gilded Balloon is a family run business, operated by mother-daughter duo Katy and Karen Koren, with Lucky Penny named after the newest member of the family, Katy’s daughter Penny.
Lucky Penny opens from 12pm on 31st July until 26th August meaning foodie fans have almost four weeks to pop in and try some of the incredible Edinburgh vendors taking over the bespoke bar from 1-6pm for daytime dining like no other.
Locals and tourists alike can take a break from Fringe fun to feast on the capital’s very best food offerings in Lucky Penny before heading off to experience over 3000 shows on offer at the Festival.
Plus, renowned Leith brewers Newbarns have introduced a special Gilded Balloon themed IPA ‘Hiya Pals’ with pinktastic pints set to be poured in the Leith Newbarns taproom, at Lucky Penny and across all Gilded Balloon venue bars at Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland.
Gilded Balloon work with Scottish brands Tennent’s Lager, Newbarns and Leith Spirits to provide spirits, beer,cider and more across all of their Fringe bars.
Open 7 days a week from 12pm – late, Lucky Penny will welcome a relishing roster of seven different foodie pop-ups throughout the month of August including:
Alby’s take on a classic hot dog with Big Hot Bangers, deep fried specialists Big Dip, authentic Greek food from Spitaki, fried chicken connoisseurs Wing Theory, Lebanese street food from Lazeez, Vietnamese cuisine from Banh Mi Brothers, as well as frozen cocktails and mimosas from Pulp Friction. Plus, award winning pies from Jarvis Pickle will be available all day and night throughout the Festival for tasty bites in between shows! See below for full line-up and dates.
As one of the Fringe’s original, and pinkest, venues, Gilded Balloon’s brand new Lucky Penny is in addition to bars at two venues Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland. The pop up bar will be operated in partnership with Edinburgh’s Newbarns Brewery, pouring their own easy-drinking pale ales and lagers, Aperol Spritzes and Gin Fizzes, as well as Kegronis from other local favourite Electric Spirit, meaning Negronis on tap all summer long!
Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s so exciting to reveal our incredible line-up of vendors who will be popping up at Lucky Penny and bringing some of Edinburgh’s very best food to Fringe.
“From fresh hot sandwiches from Alby’s to authentic Greek food from Spitaki, Pulp Friction’s frozen cocktails and even Negronis on tap, Lucky Penny will be the spot to chill out and grab a bite of some of the city’s most delicious food before taking in lots of Fringe shows!
“We’re looking forward to throwing open the doors to Lucky Penny and welcoming Fringe fans, performers and the Fringe community and industry to the brand new space for some ‘Hiya Pals’ pints in the sun, fresh out of the tap from our pals at Newbarns.”
Emma McIntosh, Director of Newbarns Brewery said: “As a local Leith brewery, working with a renowned local Edinburgh Fringe venue such as Gilded Balloon made perfect sense.
“We’ve created our bespoke ‘Hiya Pals’ IPA in collaboration with Gilded Balloon, available exclusively throughout the Festival in our brand new perfectly pink cans. We hope Newbarns fans will pop along to the Lucky Penny to sip on some freshly brewed pints this August!”
LUCKY PENNY – AUGUST TAKEOVERS
Spitaki, 1-6pm
Thursday 1st
Sunday 4th
Thursday 15th
Lazeez, 1-6pm
Friday 2nd – Saturday 3rd
Pulp Friction, 7-10pm
Saturday 3rd
Wednesday 14th
Thursday 22nd
Saturday 24th
Wing Theory, 1-6pm
Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th August
Big Dip, 1-6pm
Saturday 17th August – Sunday 18th August
Banh Mi Brothers, 1-6pm
Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th August
Alby’s, 1-6pm
Sunday 25th August
Jarvis Pickle Pies
Daily
Walk-ins only, no bookings. Open to the general public from 12pm – 6pm, artist and VIP bar only from 7pm.
Gilded Balloon’s ‘Pals in Pink’ will welcome audiences from around the world as staff transform Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland into fabulously pink hubs of creativity with acts from every genre descending during the month of August.
Big name stars from Michelle Brasier and Jack Docherty will take to the stage alongside comedy’s very best newcomers from Joshua Bethania to Kathleen Hughes, as well as an expertly-curated programme of theatre such as Chemo Savvy, a tribute to the late Andy Gray, The Steamie, Pop Off, Michelangelo and much more.
