Social Bite’s first pop-up food venture will focus on custard and desserts
Social Bite customers will be able to pay it forward and donate towards the charity’s work providing food, homes, jobs and support to people affected by homelessness
Social Bite is the third vendor to be announced for the market’s opening in Granton later this year
Social Bite joins British Street Food Champions Choola, and the legendary Buffalo Truck with more to be announced
Leading homelessness charity Social Bite today announced their dessert pop-up as the newest addition to an exciting line up of local food businesses at The Pitt, Granton. The partnership between Social Bite and The Pitt will bring sweet treats to customers.
Social Bite’s first pop-up will celebrate all things custard, with delicious desserts including crumble made with seasonal fruit and a choice of toppings served with hot or cold fresh custard. Social Bite will be a permanent trader and exclusive provider of desserts for visitors to the popular street food market at its new home in Granton.
Whilst Social Bite has a history of coffee shops in Edinburgh city centre, the charity is no stranger to the Granton Waterfront. The Pitt is located opposite Social Bite’s village, which opened in 2018 and has since supported 100 people out of homelessness.
The Pitt, owned and operated by not-for-profit community interest company, Granton Project CIC, is on a mission to create positive change in North Edinburgh and will open year-round this winter.
Mel Swan, Commercial Operations Director at Social Bite, said:“We’re excited to bring the Social Bite brand and our new dessert concept to The Pitt. There’s a lot of synergy between us – as well as our love of good food, we share their ethos of creating a supportive, community environment where people can flourish.
“They’ve welcomed us an established business with a new idea. We chose custard because it’s great hot, cold or frozen, and it works on its own, baked in a dessert, or as a side. We’ve got loads of great ideas that we can’t wait to bring to The Pitt’s devoted foodies, whether you pop along for pudding or want to pay it forward.”
Hal Prescott, Chief Executive of The Pitt, said:“With a number of exciting traders already confirmed, it’s amazing to welcome Social Bite, such a well-established social enterprise, to the project.
“They’ve already made such a huge contribution to end homelessness and we firmly believe that this innovative collaboration will make a significant impact.
“And how exciting to have Britain’s first dedicated custard stall at The Pitt on the shores of Granton!”
Lost Shore, Scotland’s first inland surf resort, has announced the arrival of three celebrated Scottish restaurants in its highly anticipated waterfront bar, cafe, and restaurant offering, Canteen.
Glasgow-based Five March and Rafa’s Diner are set to join the resort, along with the iconic Edinburgh pizzeria, Civerinos.
The eateries will be the first to take up residence in the resort’s waterfront dining experience, Canteen, designed and managed by renowned Edinburgh-based events and hospitality agency, Rogue Village.
The venture aims to showcase a seasonally rotating roster of Scottish eateries, shining an international spotlight on Scotland’s exciting food and drink industry, providing visitors to Lost Shore with a diverse and ever-changing culinary experience.
The announcement comes as the Edinburgh-based inland surf resort is now taking online bookings for surfing and accommodation.
Lost Shore Surf Resort, which will open this Autumn, will be the home of Europe’s largest wave pool with luxury hilltop lodges, premium waterfront pods and wellness treatments. This has quickly become one of the most hotly anticipated tourism openings anywhere in the world this year and is expected to attract an additional 160,000 surfers and tourists to the surrounding areas annually.
Meet the Restaurants
Five March
Originating from Glasgow, Five March is renowned for its effortlessly cool vibe and inventive small plates.
This will be Five March’s third venture, following the success of their collaborative pop-up in Glasgow’s Southside, Five at Phillies, and the original Park Circus location. Owner Joanna Nethery has curated a menu rich in locally and ethically sourced ingredients, with a strong emphasis on vegetarian and vegan options, while also celebrating the incredible Scottish meat and fish offerings.
At Lost Shore, diners can expect a creative array of dishes that are as delicious as they are sustainable, making Five March a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Civerinos
A staple of Edinburgh’s vibrant culinary scene, Civerinos is set to open its sixth location at Canteen.
Inspired by the atmosphere of classic New York Slice joints, Civerinos offers a laid-back yet dynamic dining experience, with an array of mouth-watering pizzas and Italian street food on offer.
Civerinos promises an inviting and energetic dining experience perfect for surfers and families alike.
Rafa’s Diner
From its humble beginnings in Glasgow’s Hidden Lane, Rafa’s Diner has quickly become a beloved spot for its down-to-earth charm and fantastic food.
Known for its no-fuss, flavour-packed menu, Rafa’s will bring its celebrated Mexican dishes to Lost Shore, offering a taste of comfort and authenticity. The diner’s Finnieston location has garnered a loyal following, and visitors to Lost Shore can look forward to the same delicious experience with a menu designed to delight.
Locality is a keen focus of Canteen’s offering. In addition to the rotating food offering, Canteen is working with speciality coffee roaster Machina Coffee, and the award-winning Company Bakery, both based in Edinburgh, to provide visitors with first-class hot drinks and pastries. Leith-based brewery, Pilot, is providing the resort with its house beer.
Peter Maniam, Co-director at Rogue Village said:“We’re passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland’s food scene at Lost Shore.
“We are creating a dynamic dining destination that offers something for everyone. We’re thrilled to partner with innovative and beloved eateries like Five March, Civerinos, and Rafa’s Diner, each bringing their unique flair and exceptional quality to Canteen at Lost Shore.”
Andy Roger, Chief Executive of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said:“Lost Shore will become one of Scotland’s leading leisure destinations and with our food and drink offering, our priority was to achieve the perfect balance of quality, diversity, and, most importantly, taste.
“Canteen is bringing a vibrant mix of lively and unique kitchens to Lost Shore, offering surfers and visitors an unforgettable dining experience. With the anticipated influx of tourists, we are honoured to showcase the very best of Scotland’s food and drink scene to a domestic and international audience.”
Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to open in Autumn this year.
To find out more about the upcoming food and drink offering, and to book surf sessions and accommodation please visit: https://www.lostshore.com/
The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.
The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.
Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!
There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade.
Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!
It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.
The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.
In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade.
Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.
The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award.
Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.
“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”
The full list of winners is below:
Lifetime Achievement Award
David & Ruth Wither
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow
Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh
Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Absent Ear – Glasgow
Campari Bar Apprentice 2024
Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry
Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year
Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow
Deanston Whisky Guru 2024
Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024
Tempura – Ayr
Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year
Cru Hospitality – Inverness
De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year
Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh
Favela Latin American Venue of the Year
Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Ship – Irvine
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Manorview Hotels – Howwood
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year
Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee
Unsung Hero Award
Jules Clark – Montpeliers
Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering
Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
Jameson Best Irish Bar
Malones – Aberdeen
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
The Stravaig – Ayr
Media World Best Outdoor Area
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year
Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Schweppes Bartender of the Year
Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Scottish Hospitality GroupContribution To the Industry Award
Aldi Scotland’s much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge has been all over Scotland this year, and after being chosen to take part in the gameshow inspired activity, a lucky local winner has raised £809.18 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £404.59 in Aldi favourites for herself.
The lucky sweeper, Laura Robertson, was selected from thousands of applicants as part of a competition at this year’s Royal Highland Show. She selected Aldi’s Chesser store to take part in the five-minute trolley dash on Tuesday 13 August.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Laurasuccessfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, The Salvation Army.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Laura Robertson said:“The Supermarket Sweep was a brilliant experience. I had so much fun running around the store with my husband and Aldi staff cheering me on.
“It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, and the time goes by so quickly, but it’s an experience I’ll remember forever. I’m so glad I was able to raise so much money for my local foodbank, as it will help so many people in need.”
Elizabeth Young, Community Programme Coordinator, The Salvation Army, said:“I would like to say a massive thank you to Aldi for the substantial donation to our foodbank.
“Life is very tough for lots of the people visiting our foodbank, and this donation will go a long way to help us provide food parcels and spread a little love and kindness through this generosity.”
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We know that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite with shoppers across the country, so we were delighted to bring it back for another year.
“Congratulations to Laura who managed to raise an incredible £809.18 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”
CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024 competition is hotting up with the announcement of this year’s finalists from the UK’s nations and regions.
The Hillend Tavern in Dalgety Bay has been named as the best pub in Scotland.
This community-focused village pub near Dalgety Bay, Fife previously won the Regional Scotland & Northern Ireland Pub of the Year award in 2023.
Locally known as “the Tav”, the pub has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with cosy coal fires. The traditional bar serves four changing cask beers, and a spacious area at the rear is used to host village events. The Hillend Tavern proudly supports and sponsors local sports teams, including cricket, football and squash.
A total of 17 fantastic pubs have battled it out with thousands of pubs across the UK to be crowned the winner in their area. Pubs in the competition are scored on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression, but most importantly – the quality of live beer, real cider and perry.
The regional and national finalists will now compete for the UK National Pub of the Year award, with judges whittling the 17 pubs down to just four in late September. CAMRA’s esteemed National Pub of the Year title is the topmost accolade the campaigning group can bestow upon a pub. The overall winner will be announced in January 2025.
Last year’s UK National Pub of the Year winner was the Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire, which won the crown consecutively in both 2023 and 2022.
The recognition of pubs and their place in our communities has never been more important, as the announcement of the top 17 pubs come hot on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the demolition of the iconic Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire.
The total destruction of this beloved establishment sent shockwaves across the nation, putting a spotlight on unlawful demolitions and conversions of pubs.
CAMRA continues to fight for stronger planning protections for pubs in Scotland, including closing the planning loophole where freestanding pubs can be demolished without the need for planning permission – being lost to their communities without local people having a say.
Andrea Briers, National Coordinator for the Pub of the Year competition says: “These amazing pubs really are the crème de la crème and I would encourage the public to seek out the 17 winners from across the nations and regions of the UK – they are top-tier pubs serving excellent beer, cider and perry, run by welcoming, hardworking staff.
“It’s also important to support your local all year round. With constant pressure from stubbornly high energy prices, fluctuating running costs and grossly unfair business rates threatening to drown pubs across the UK, it’s vital to get out and support the licensed trade.”
The industry charity, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, is inviting aspiring chefs working in Scotland to apply for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship as applications open.
Interested candidates can find more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.
An invaluable opportunity for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship offers an exceptional culinary education for the next generation of cheffing talent.
Launched in 2019 by the late Andrew Fairlie, the scholarship is provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity Andrew was closely associated with. Now in its fifth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Last year, two winners were awarded the prestigious scholarship. Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College, Darren Seggie, and Rachel Bremner, Commis Pastry Chef at The Balmoral, were selected for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance their culinary horizons.
An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2024 competition. Lead judge, Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred ChefPatrons, Tom Kerridge of the Hand and Flowers and Sat Bains at Restaurant Sat Bains. Gary Maclean, the Winner of MasterChef The Professionals and National Chef of Scotland, will also be judging the candidates on their performance.
The winner of this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will be taken on a 2-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, and undertake a stage at the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London. Held over two years, these educational experiences will inform and inspire the scholar’s professional development and knowledge over a period of time.
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, commented:“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is Scotland’s finest Chef Scholarship.
“It is a true chance to showcase your talent and passion, along with the opportunity to help yourself be guided and nurtured into being as good a chef as you want to be. The prizes for this year’s scholarship recipient are some of the best educational and development driven learning experiences in the world!
“Be mindful in your application to stay true to yourself and to pull from all your resources to make sure that your application is as polished as it can be. Only the very best applicants will make it to finals day. Good luck Chefs and happy cooking!”
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added:“Applications for the 2024 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship are officially open, and with it, the chance for aspiring chefs in Scotland to advance their career and broaden their professional horizons.
“The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for upcoming culinary talent to gain practical experience in the finest establishments and learn from the very best chefs the world has to offer. With so much at stake, applicants must give it their all to impress the judges!”
Candidates must complete an application form which can be found on the HIT Scotland website. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date.
The applicants will also need to showcase their creativity and expertise by designing an autumnal sharing dish for four people, made from a short saddle of Scotch lamb. Those awarded a Finals Day place will be asked to recreate the recipe in real-time for the judges, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
Up to 6 chefs will be chosen to take part in the Grand Final, a skills test on Wednesday 27th November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation to the winner at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ technical skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the winner carefully striking a balance between passion and professionalism throughout.
Applications open 12 August 2024 and close 22 September 2024. Find out more information and apply here.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has kickstarted the second year of the Made to be Measured campaign, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote responsible consumption and tackle harmful drinking.
Following on from a successful first year, in which the campaign reached nearly 600,000 people and achieved 5.5 million impressions, the campaign will continue to target adults in Scotland and communicate the importance of measuring your drinks at home, to understand where they sit in relation to the Chief Medical Officer’s low risk drinking guidelines.
The SWA is taking an active role in ensuring the Made to Be Measured campaign supports industry professionals in communicating the importance of responsible drinking effectively with their audience, through a series of online and in-person workshops.
The collaborative nature of the events allows members the opportunity to share unique insight into the challenges faced by industry while SWA can help equip them with campaign tools and assets.
Working closely in this manner to ensure the campaign meets the needs of those working at the forefront is essential to the ongoing success of Made to Be Measured.
Initially launched in 2023, Made to be Measured is a responsible consumption campaign with Scotch Whisky at its heart.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the alcohol content of drinks and the recommended weekly guidelines (units). As Scotland’s national drink, carefully crafted and only released after many years of maturation in warehouses across the country, Scotch Whisky is there to be savoured and enjoyed responsibly.
The campaign, aimed at adults in Scotland, will continue to run across a range of digital and consumer platforms, all using creative advertising to help convey and clarify the units within Scotch Whisky and other alcoholic drinks.
One single 25ml measure of whisky (at 40% abv) comes in at one unit, with guidelines from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer recommending consumers do not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
Fourteen units of alcohol equate to approximately 14 single measures (25ml) of spirits, one and a half bottles of wine or five pints of lager at average strength.
Mark Kent, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association,said: “We’re pleased to bring the second year of the campaign to audiences in Scotland.
“In order to make responsible choices about alcohol consumption it is important people understand what the unit guidelines are and how this equates to what they are drinking. Made to be Measured strives to inform people in Scotland about the guidelines and encourage them to track what they drink, particularly when consuming alcohol at home.
“The Scotch Whisky industry takes responsible consumption of its products extremely seriously and wants consumers to understand that it is a product that is meant to be sipped and savoured.
“Distillers take pride in producing each dram, and whether you enjoy it neat or in a cocktail, it should be consumed in a responsible manner.”
From a castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands to a quintessential English inn with a Bridgerton flair, this year’s lineup celebrates the finest across the UK’s B&B scene.
· The AA proudly celebrates places to stay that have gone above and beyond to impress their guests with its coveted Bed and Breakfast Awards 2024.
· The finest Inns, Restaurants with Rooms, and Bed & Breakfasts across England, Scotland, and Wales have been unveiled.
· These distinguished establishments will also attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards in September, where the ultimate winner in each category will be announced.
At its annual online awards, the AA revealed the ultimate B&Bs across the UK who have gone above and beyond in their industry.
Now in its 28th year, the 2024 AA B&B Awards saw its team of expert inspectors recognise the best-of-the-best across the bed and breakfast scene in England, Wales and Scotland.
Individuality, the standard of housekeeping and the all-important breakfast, are just some areas the AA’s experts used to decide the winners. Excellent levels of hospitality and attentive service are also at the heart of the guest experience for each of the winners.
Categories include “Inn of the Year”, “Bed and Breakfast of the Year” and “Restaurant with Rooms of the Year” with winners representing England, Scotland and Wales in each category. Spanning every corner of the UK, winners included The Auld Kirk, in Ballater, to Y Talbot, Tregaron and Boys Hall, in Kent.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, said: “This year we have a very rich B&B scene across the UK, showcasing an extraordinary level of individuality and the very highest standards of hospitality.
“The calibre of the nine worthy winners represents the very best from across Scotland, Wales and England. With so many to choose from, holidaymakers can explore Britain, enjoying a comfortable sleep and delicious breakfast in an array of B&Bs wherever they decide to go.”
“The family-run, 17th-century Cartford Inn enjoys extensive views towards the Lake District and offers stylish and chic accommodation together with award-winning food. Some bedrooms have Juliet balconies with views of the river. Eating on the terrace is possible in warmer weather and a private function room is available for small parties. There’s also their own branded on-site TOTI Deli and designer home store.”
“Located in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, Kildrummy Inn is the perfect base for touring the Grampian Mountains and beyond. This family run, traditional inn combines a harmonious blend of luxury heritage, tradition and nature to form the quintessential Scottish getaway. The inn provides four charming bedrooms. The lounge bar, with a roaring fire and a good selection of beers and whiskies, is a great place in which to while away the time. No visit would be complete without sampling the food on offer, with indulgent, award-winning cuisine capturing the essence of the dramatic Cairngorms landscape.”
“Located in the heart of this quiet town, Y Talbot provides a range of very high-quality bedrooms and bathrooms with luxury showers; some smaller, standard rooms are also available. There is a traditional bar serving real ales and a contemporary main restaurant and lounge. Dinner offers a very good selection of dishes using quality produce.”
“Decorated in a beautiful boutique style, Boys Hall is a lavishly restored 17th-century manor house now resurrected as a classy restaurant with rooms. The 9 bedrooms are individually styled and deliver style and comfort in spades. There’s a cosy bar for a drink before you enjoy some excellent food with interesting global influences, beneath soaring rafters in the gorgeous barn-style restaurant. The lovely gardens are a pleasure to wander, and the location is perfect for exploring Kent’s attractions.”
“Built within the 13th-century curtain walls of Mingary Castle, this restaurant with rooms is unique and individual, with high levels of quality, charm and character. Luxurious feature bedrooms and en suites combine with a stunning restaurant showcasing great technical skill. Guests can explore the top of the curtain wall or climb down the staircase towards the sea and the viewing platform to take in the Isle of Mull just across the water.”
“Expect modern British cuisine served in an intimate and relaxed environment, with a focus on carefully sourced seasonal ingredients and fine wines. The Checkers is a fine dining restaurant with rooms in the heart of Montgomery, a picturesque Welsh borders town close to the Offa’s Dyke path, River Severn and Shropshire Hills. Superb food and great wines at accessible prices. A relaxed atmosphere and a chance to get away from it all are promised at this 17th-century coaching inn brimming with character.
“A genuine welcome is always guaranteed at homely Mallard Grange. The original features of this early 16th-century, Grade II listed farmhouse are highlighted by quality furnishings and tasteful decor. Bedrooms, two of which are in a converted smithy, are filled with a wealth of thoughtful extras. Breakfast is one of the highlights of any stay here and features home-reared and local produce. The property is a short walk away from Fountains Abbey, and there’s an easy path to walk from the property to there.”
“This Victorian Scottish Free Church building has been carefully converted into a warm guest house and is now hosted by welcoming proprietors Helen & Kevin. Many original features of the kirk have been restored and incorporated in the design, and all seven purpose-built rooms are situated on the first floor, accessed by a wide staircase from the large entrance hallway. Excellent homecooked breakfasts, using the finest local produce, are served at the table in the characterful dining room.”
“Located in a quiet area of Llandudno, Bryn Derwen is just a short walk from the main shopping area and local restaurants. A friendly welcome is assured at this impressive Victorian house, which retains many original features such as tiled floors and fine stained-glass windows. Décor and furnishings highlight the historic charm of the property, which is most apparent in the sumptuous lounges and attractive dining room. A choice of individually styled bedrooms is offered, and all are equipped with many thoughtful extras.”
All the B&Bs are invited to attend the annual AA Hospitality Awards on 23 September, where an ultimate winner in each category will be announced.
Discover all the top B&Bs across the UK and watch the AA B&B 2024 Awards here:
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh’s own artefact, a questionnaire complete by John Lennon in 1973, forms a part of an exciting new global treasure hunt, launched in honour of the release of John Lennon’s ‘Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection’.
Hard Rock Internationalis proud to kick off theJohn Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Huntalongside theJohn Lennon EstateandUMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group, for fans around the world.
This questionnaire displayed within the Edinburgh venue, filled out in pen by Lennon himself, features 23 categories that offer a candid glimpse into his personal thoughts and feelings at the time.
Signed and dated by Lennon, many of his answers vividly express his deep affection for Yoko Ono, highlighting the profound bond they shared. Each response provides insight into Lennon’s personality, preferences, and priorities during a pivotal period in his life and career.
The document serves as a testament to Lennon’s openness and his willingness to share his innermost sentiments, particularly his love and admiration for Yoko Ono.
The questionnaire is not only a piece of personal memorabilia but also a valuable historical artefact, reflecting the intimate and emotional aspects of one of the most influential figures in music history.
Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at its locations around the globe. Memorabilia highlights to discover through the John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt include clothing, instruments, sketches, lyrics and more at various Hard Rock locations.
The treasure hunt launch aligns with John & Yoko’s new social website citizenofnutopia.com, a map of the world where fans can sign up, leave peaceful messages, enjoy “Meditation Affirmations” and express their gratitude and admiration for John & Yoko and their core principles of Peace, Love and Truth.
Nutopia is an imaginary country created by John Lennon & Yoko Ono in 1973, promoting the ideas of Peace and Love made famous by John’s songs ‘Imagine’ and ‘Mind Games’.
Citizens of Nutopia can earn points and rewards in the Unity by Hard Rock global loyalty program when they visit participating Hard Rock Cafes, Casinos and Hotels to discover precious John Lennon memorabilia tagged with QR codes that when scanned, provide more stories about the artefacts and points on the website.
Items include:
Hard Rock Cafe Manchester: Oriental teapot and matching goblets from John Lennon’s Kenwood home
Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly: John Lennon’s Gold Tone Algha Spectacles (Mid-1960s)
Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane (Vault, Requires Special Tour): Baldwin Harpsichord (1967)
Hard Rock Cafe Brussels: “You Are Here” Pen and Ink on Paper (1971)
Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest: Black Suit Worn by John Lennon During The Beatles’ US Tour (1965)
Hard Rock Cafe Florence: Black Leather Jacket Worn by John Lennon in “How I Won the War” (1967)
Hard Rock Cafe Key West: John Lennon’s Blue Denim Work Shirt Worn While Recording “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” (1974)
Hard Rock Cafe New York: Handwritten “Help!” Lyrics (1965)
Hard Rock Cafe Orlando: Original John Lennon “PEACE AND LOVE” and Portrait Sketch (1969)
Additionally, Hard Rock is offering incredible discounts and offers for John Lennon fans when they participate:
Citizens of Nutopia will receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating locations.
Citizens of Nutopia will receive 20% off Rock Shop® merchandise at participating locations.
The John Lennon Memorabilia Treasure Hunt serves to celebrate the release of ‘Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection’ sets.
The definitive Ultimate Collection puts listeners in the centre of the studio and explores the album’s 1973 recording sessions at the Record Plant in New York City, from inception to the final master, through scores of unreleased outtakes, unadulterated versions, instrumentals, stripped down mixes, studio chatter and more, revealing how fan-favorite songs evolved and came to life.
Sean Ono Lennon says: “We’ve been working on the box sets of Mind Games for years now. Initially I thought, ‘Mind Games’.. game… What if we ‘gamified’ Mind Games? So that’s all I’ll say for now, but there are many levels to this release, including the box sets and far beyond – that will slowly unravel – and I hope will potentially entertain and engage everyone for many years to come.
“I hope you enjoy these Mind Games with Hard Rock and as my Mom says in the intro to the book, let’s see how we can make a positive future with it – to play a positive mind game with one another.
Giovanni Taliaferro, Vice President of Memorabilia and Design at Hard Rock International, said: “Preserving music history is what enriches the Hard Rock travel, dining and gaming experience.
“We are honored to display priceless pieces from John Lennon’s musical and inspirational legacy. We have the utmost gratitude to the John Lennon Estate and Universal Music Group for inviting us to participate in this amazing venture.
“We hope that by learning from Hard Rock’s memorabilia collection, John’s biggest fans can imagine how his artistry and ideals still endure today.”
