Botany-inspired bar & restaurant The Botanist has announced its Christmas menus and entertainment, including a 2 & 3 course dining menu and ‘festive twists’ on its signature dishes, all to be enjoyed alongside live music.
Want to save your traditionally served Christmas dinner for December 25th? After becoming famous for its head-turning hanging kebabs, selling over half a million (650,000) per year and three every minute, The Botanist has created the Turkey Kebab, and it’s the perfect alternative festive meal.
Fans of the iconic dish can enjoy orange and cranberry glazed turkey, ham, stuffing balls and pigs-in-blankets on a skewer, with traditional trimmings of roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and glazed carrots, complete with a rich gravy to pour over.
Those looking for classic plates can enjoy starters such as chicken liver & brandy pate with spiced red onion marmalade or butternut squash soup with crispy sage and saffron aioli, both served with toasted sourdough. Main courses include grilled seabass on a romesco sauce with roasted new potatoes, tomatoes and chicory leaves and ribeye steak with wild mushroom stroganoff sauce, watercress and chunky chips.
The Botanist’s signature cookie dough has also had a makeover for Christmas. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the mouth-watering ‘cookie dough pie’, which comes drizzled with Biscoff sauce and served with vanilla ice-cream. Other desserts on the menu are sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream or lemon meringue mess with whipped cream and lemon curd.
The Botanist is famed for its live music which continues throughout the festive season to accompany your dining experience. Every table that books for the Christmas menu will also receive treats at the table, including a game to be played with the whole group, designed to encourage great conversation whilst you dine.
The bar & restaurant is also set to launch a limited-edition cocktail menu for Christmas with details f the seasonal drinks coming soon.
The Botanist’s festive dining experience costs £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three, inclusive of a glass of prosecco and is available to book now for 20th November to 24th December for groups of any size. During peak dates (7th-10th and 14th-24th December, bookings are subject to a £5 per person surcharge).
Local pubs deliver invaluable socio-economic value, ministers must act to save them, says new report
Government must give pubs which serve as the beating hearts of their communities greater support with tax rebates to safeguard the nation’s locals as vital social lifelines, a report from the think-tank Localis has urged.
According to polling undertaken by YouGov for the report, 75 percent of people felt the impact of pubs to community life to be positive. When asked if pubs are important in bringing people together, more than four-in-five (81 percent) of British adults agreed they are, with just 14 percent feeling that they are not.
Polling carried out for the report showed 68 percent of British adults felt that pubs help combat loneliness in their local area. Among pro-community activities supported by local pubs, nearly half (44%) of people were aware of pub events that bring the community together, a quarter (25%) knew of local pubs that supported charitable causes and 17 percent knew of local pubs that supported vulnerable people in their area.
The research identified from case studies taken pubs across the country some dominant themes on how the sector supports local people and communities, namely by:
combatting isolation
supporting local causes
reflecting local culture
bringing local business together
supporting community through generations.
Pollsters also found that among social uses of pubs in the last three months, more than half of the population (51%) had met a friend in one, while nearly two-in-five (37%) of people had visited the pub to meet up with family, a quarter (25%) had enjoyed Sunday lunch in one and 10% of the public had attended a pub-held birthday party in that timespan. In addition, six percent of the public had used pubs for dating purposes and 13% watched a sporting event.
A key recommendation of the report calls for the re-establishment of a Minister for Pubs post to co-ordinate a cross-government taskforce responsible for long-term strategy for the British pubs sector and to lead on help with tax and regulation, alongside an emergency fund for energy bill support.
The report authors also make the case for business rates rebates for those pubs which take on socially valuable roles such as foodbanks or in providing warm spaces for vulnerable people, with a call for a modest £4m cashpot to help 1,000 pubs to diversify at a cost of a mere £4,000 per pub.
Localis head of research, Joe Fyans,said: “Across Britain, pubs have consistently played a pivotal role in knitting communities together and promoting social cohesion.
“Pubs are the beating heart of many communities, playing multifaceted roles in local daily life. This is why the decline of pubs is cause for great concern. With each closure, both tangible and intangible voids are left behind.
“The lessons are clear: pubs, in all their forms and across all locations, remain integral to British social cohesion as hubs of activity, community, and social capital. This makes their presence all the more crucial as community safety nets and beacons of light, offering a lifeline hope for many people looking for a real sense of local belonging.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association,said: ““The stories highlighted in this report truly are just a snapshot of the hugely positive impact pubs have in communities across the country every single day.
“There are few businesses that can say they add both social and economic value and pubs are delivering that value in neighbourhoods from Lanarkshire to Liskeard, and everywhere in between. Pubs provide solace to people in tough times and a place to celebrate in others and to lose them would have a serious impact on people’s lives.
“With closures continuing to rise and pubs under threat from further duty and business rates cost hikes we hope the Government will seriously consider the proposals put forward by this report so the foundations can be laid to help pubs continue to do this brilliant work in their communities long into the future.”
Becky Barnett who runs The Lamb Inn in Swadlincote, which features in the report,said: “We support our local community in a number of ways, including offering free food and drinks to people on Wednesday mornings. People can come into the pub, have a free hot meal, and in winter, sit by our log fire in comfy chairs, no questions asked.
“When times are tough, we want to be a place where people can come for help and local people have been incredibly grateful of us opening our doors at no cost. At the same time, we also face challenges with high energy bills and other rising costs so it’s a scary time for our business as well, we want to continue to provide a non-judgemental warm space for people but we’re facing our own difficulties as well.”
Pub is The Hub chief executive, John Longden,said: “Pubs and publicans are the heroes at the heart of community life that provide essential local services and activities that create social value.
“They are a lifeline for many rural areas providing vital local services and activities such as village stores, allotments and community cafes as well as offering a safe space to tackle the major societal issue of loneliness.
“Pub is The Hub now estimates 1,000 more pubs and local areas could benefit from services if they can be directly supported in the future to diversify.”
The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 51st edition with a striking cover and a foreword supplied by Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson.
The Guide, which surveys 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nation’s pubs.
Dickinson’s foreword shines a spotlight on the cultural tradition of pubs within the United Kingdom, the importance of protecting the heritage, charm and welcoming nature of pubs and clubs, and not taking them for granted.
The Good Beer Guide, which is published annually by CAMRA, helps beer lovers take a barometer of the local beer scene.
As well as covering 306 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen and Grampian, Argyll and the Isles, Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Highlands and the Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling, the Trossachs, the Northern Isles and Tayside, it keeps track of brewery numbers, and notes a net loss of four breweries across the counties.
The story is the same across the UK, as although the Guide records 82 new breweries, 142 have closed. This net loss of 60 breweries is a worrying reminder that a lack of support from the Government means dire consequences for local businesses, in the wake of a cost-of-business crisis and the constant pressure of fuel bills.
This year’s Guide contains 910 newly featured pubs, which is a fantastic prospect for the pub trade which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years following the pandemic and rising fuel costs.
The trade also faces an impending threat from unlawful demolitions, which CAMRA has declared a ‘national scandal’ in the wake of the demolition of the Crooked House in Himley.
CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said: “The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving.
“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s Guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”
The Good Beer Guide, which reviews over 4,500 pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinkers’ guide to the very best pints in a variety of styles of pubs to suit individual tastes. Compiled by thousands of independent volunteers, it helps identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally.
Edinburgh New Town Cookery School (ENTCS) has been shortlisted in the UK Cookery School of the Year category in the 2023 Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards.
The school needs your vote to put Scotland and ENTCS on the map! Facing stiff competition from English-based other schools, the winners are those voted for by the public.
Principal, Fiona Burrell comments: “We are just completely thrilled to be shortlisted for this award, particularly as we are up against great schools from all over the UK. Please vote for our school and team after their hard work over the last year and help to bring this award home to Scotland.
“For over ten years we have trained professional chefs, chalet cooks and keen amateurs and we employ a hugely talented team of teachers. This award would be the icing on the cake for 2023.”
ENTCS is a professional cookery school based in Edinburgh’s New Town. The school was founded by Fiona Burrell, formerly Principal of Leith’s School of Food and Wine. She began her career in Edinburgh and has been teaching professional cookery courses for over thirty years.
With courses on offer from one day tasters for amateurs, to six month professional courses, many graduates have gone on to work in some the UK’s top kitchens.
Luxury French Champagne brand joins The Cocktail Village lineup for 2023
Edinburgh Cocktail Week publishes official guide for 2023
22 brands taking part across 10 days at the UK’s biggest cocktail festival
The guide showcases all of the £5 cocktails on offer as well as cocktail maps for the 100 participating bars around the city
With just a month to go untilEdinburgh Cocktail Week kicks off, organisers revealed today that Moët & Chandon is the final brand to join the stellar lineup at next month’s Cocktail Village.
Moet & Chandon, in collaboration with the team from Eve at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, will offer a selection of three Champagne cocktails. Moët & Chandon celebrates life’s memorable moments, and the bespoke cocktail selection has been curated to celebrate the festival’s fifth anniversary, running from Friday, 6th – Sunday, 15th October from 12 noon-11pm daily.
The announcement coincides with the publication of this year’s Edinburgh Cocktail Week guide which includes a rundown of all the £5 cocktails on offer at 100 bars taking part throughout the city during the 10-day festival. The guide can be accessed here.
This year marks Edinburgh Cocktail Week’s fifth birthday. To celebrate, the event has partnered with 100 of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars, speakeasies and neighbourhood pubs to offer delicious £5 Signature Cocktails.
To get exclusive access to these cocktails, customers simply need to buy one of the festival wristbands and show it at the bar when ordering.
Wristband holders can find all the cocktails within the official guide and maps to help plan their day out and navigate the best cocktail routes across the city.
No matter which wristband type is purchased – weekday or weekend – wristbands are valid at all participating bars for the full ten-day duration of the festival so event goers can enjoy multiple days out tasting their way around the best bars in Edinburgh.
The celebrations also extend to the highly popular Cocktail Village at Festival Square, the social epicentre of the festival, which will be bigger than ever before. Entry to the Cocktail Village is free with a festival wristband and inside cocktail-lovers will find 22 pop-up bars serving amazing cocktails from £5.
Pop-up bars serving cocktails from £5 include Aperol Spritz, Grey Goose, Patron, Engine Gin, Tia Maria, Hoxton Spirits, Boe Gin and Malibu, as well as a luxurious selection of premium, full-priced cocktails from the Moët & Chandon bar.
There will also be a mouth-watering selection of street food from Duck & Waffle, Pizza Geeks and Taberu Japanese Kitchen, and a live music stage with a jam-packed programme of local musicians and special headline performances, including a Spice Girl Tribute band, to get the party going.
For the discerning cocktail drinker, Edinburgh Cocktail Week has a collection of award-winning ‘Prestige Cocktail’ bars to visit, where you can enjoy elevated cocktail experiences curated by the city’s top mixologists at the likes of Panda & Sons, Hey Palu, The Waldorf Astoria, Commons Club and The Devil’s Advocate.
Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week said: “What better way to toast our fifth birthday than with Moët & Chandon champagne?
“We are utterly delighted to announce that Moët & Chandon will be joining us in the Cocktail Village next month and we look forward to raising a celebratory glass with wristband holders.
“We’re incredibly proud to call Edinburgh the home of the UK’s biggest cocktail festival and would like to thank all our customers and partners for their continued support of the festival – it’s amazing to see so many familiar faces year after year.”
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District said: “Essential Edinburgh is delighted to again be the primary partner to Edinburgh Cocktail Week.
“ECW is now eagerly anticipated and well established in the city’s event calendar, and does a fantastic job in promoting our superb hospitality sector in the city centre.
“We look forward to another hugely successful event both in the Cocktail Village and around every one of the bars and restaurants taking part. I can’t think of a better way to spend an early October evening than sampling wonderful cocktails in and around our city centre.”
A full list of the brands and bars taking part can be found on the Edinburgh Cocktail Week website and in notes to editors below.
Ten Day – £14.00 (valid Friday 6th – Sunday 15th Oct)
All wristbands are valid at all 100 participating bars for the full 10-day duration of the festival. Wristbands are valid at the Cocktail Village for the dates detailed above.
Stunning interiors, delicious cocktails and Social Darts … the perfect line-up for an unforgettable night out!
Flight Club, famous for making Social Darts a memorable night-out with friends, is opening a brand new and long-awaited venue in Edinburgh this November.
This will mark the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland, closely following the opening of Flight Club Glasgow this October, and destined to be a highlight in everyone’s social calendar this autumn.
Flight Club’s unique Social Darts concept promises to deliver a social experience like no other, loaded with unexpected, ridiculous, joy, and designed to bring people together through multiplayer games, show-stopping cocktails and tasty bites.
Flight Club will add a technology-charged twist to Edinburgh’s social scene and welcomes first-timers and fanatics alike. Automated scoring eliminates any need for counting and will seamlessly guide players through fast-paced, exciting games, whilst handy ‘push for service’ buttons will ensure not a moment of epic gameplay is missed when refreshments are required.
Flight Club blends the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor; offering the ultimate escape from winter weather.
The new venue located in St James Quarter, the lifestyle district at the centre of Scotland’s capital, will give players the chance to discover an impressive 10 oche playing areas and will be neighbouring some of the biggest names in retail and hospitality.
The venue will celebrate the city’s heritage with a large mural featuring historical landmarks, and a model Victorian railway running throughout the height of the bar, calling at thoughtfully designed streets and stations.
If Prosecco and bottomless pizza sounds like more of a winning combination, Flight Club Edinburgh will be offering an incredible Brunch Social every Saturday & Sunday. Delivering on all those crispy base, ultra-cheesy cravings, the paddle board pizzas come with a variety of toppings and can be tailored to suit dietary requirements, whilst each guest will receive a bottle of Prosecco.
Located in the bustling St James Quarter, Flight Club Edinburgh is a one-stop destination for all group sizes, from groups of friends to corporate events, catering for up to 250 guests. Groups of 37 + can join Flight Club for an industry-leading Social Darts Tournament hosted by an expert Gamesmaster. Multiple oches are effortlessly connected for an immersive experience, perfect for team building, Christmas parties or company socials!
CEO, Steve Moore, said:“We love the atmosphere in Edinburgh and the existing hospitality and nightlife scene, so we are beyond excited to be opening a Flight Club in St James Quarter this autumn.
“It’s a busy and evolving city, and we will be bringing something a little different to the area, and can’t wait to see friends and colleagues celebrating every occasion with us.”
Edinburgh pub entrepreneur Billy Lowe got an extra birthday present when he scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award at Tuesday’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, formerly known as the DRAM Awards, on his actual birthday! The award recognised his 35 years at the top of the licensed trade.
Said DRAM publisher Susan Young, “Billy Lowe is arguably Scotland’s most successful licensed trade entrepreneur. Having created three very successful pub companies and operated more than 30 pubs over the decades, he remains at the helm of Caledonia Inns, which includes the award-winning Black Ivy.”
The latter also won the Drinks Express Best Outdoor Area award.
He received his award in front of more than 600 industry peers at a glittering 80s Film themed awards ceremony at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.
Following his win, Billy said, “It was a complete surprise, and I was delighted that the whole family was there to see it! For me, to be recognised alongside the deserving people who have won this award before, people that I truly admire, was such an honour.”
The event saw 30 awards presented to both venues and individuals from all around Scotland spanning from Our Place in Annan which picked up the Media World Casual Dining Award, to Inverness-based Prime which grabbed the ARO Procurement Customer Service Award.
Organiser Susan Young said: “The Scottish licensed trade is full of successful entrepreneurs and as a result we have some of the best pubs and venues in the UK. These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of the owners and their employees that give Scotland a hospitality industry that is worth shouting about. I take my hat off to all of them.”
Now in their 28th year, the awards are a highlight in the hospitality industry calendar and this year over 100 finalists attended the ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton Glasgow Central – making it the biggest event yet!
There were celebrations in Aberdeen as Scott Anderson of Siberia Bar & Hotel won THE DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year, Adrian Gomes of The Tippling House won Campari Mixologist of the Year and Bryony Baxter of Meraki Bar and Restaurant was named as William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice of the Year.
In Edinburgh there was a double celebration for the Tipsy Midgie and owner Colin Hinds who took home both Benromach’s Whisky Bar of the Year and the Deanston Whisky Guru gongs!
Hey Palu was named the Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year, Stramash as Pernod Ricard Best Late-Night Venue and Brewhemia as Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year!
A special mention went to The Original Rosslyn Inn who were honoured with the Golden Jubilee Award for Hospitality to celebrate their 50th year of business.
Meanwhile, in Glasgow winners included local favourites St Lukes & The Winged Ox for Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue, the WORQ Group for Premier Card Services Independent Operator of the Year and Graham Chalmers of Radisson RED who won the inaugural Edrington UK Giving More Award for his amazing charitable contributions.
Gillian Kirkland of The Piper Whisky Bar was deservedly crowned Inspirational Woman of the Year, Rory McGinley of Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Sportsterz Pete Harvey was stunned to receive his Bar Personality of the Year award!
A special ‘Heart of Hospitality’ award was also given to Bucks Bar owner Michael Bergson for being such a great voice for the licensed trade industry.
The Lisini Pub Company were recognized for their amazing sustainability work, winning the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award and Baillieston’s The East End Fox snapped up the trophy for Kopparbergs New Bar of the Year.
In Ayrshire, industry giants Buzzworks took home the Hospitality Employer of the Year gong, the Fox and Willow won Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offeringand Brandon Van Rensburg, owner of the Tempura chain, walked away as Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
Other winners from the west included Great Scots Bar in the Cameron House that were awarded Molinari’s Hotel Bar of the Year, The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha that won Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year, and Aberfoyle’s The Forth Inn that scooped the prize for Sheep Dog Whisky Dog Friendly Pub of the Year.
Falkirk’s Brian Flynn, owner of Behind The Wall, was named Licensee of the Year and The Scottish Hospitality Group awarded its Special Recognition Award to Caroline Louden of TLT LLP.
The full list of winners is below:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Billy Lowe – Caledonia Inns
Heart of Hospitality Award
Michael Bergson – Bucks Bar
ARO Procurement Customer Service Award
Prime Steak & Seafood – Inverness
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Tipsie Midgie – Edinburgh
Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is once again open for applications from aspiring chefs working in Scotland.
An invaluable opportunity for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship provides the ultimate education for up-and-coming chefs.
Launched in 2019 with the late Andrew Fairlie fronting the initiative, the scholarship is provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity Andrew was closely associated with. Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Eddie Brown was awarded the scholarship last year, earning him industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie scholar and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on his culinary education.
An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2023 competition.
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred Chef Sat Bains, 1 star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee, and Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.
The winner of this year’s Scholarship will be taken on a 2-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, and the 2-star Mélisse in Los Angeles, as well as a bespoke chef’s jacket.
These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the scholar to develop their learnings over a period of time.
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, commented: “The search for the 2023 Andrew Fairlie scholar has now started! I am very much looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us this year.
“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration of the applicants’ skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.
“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelin starred chef. What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someone who is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”
Eddie Brown winner of the 2022 Andrew Fairlie scholarship.
Picture Robert Perry 17th November 2022
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added: “We are delighted to once again open up applications for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.
“The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for chefs that are looking to advance their career and to continue their professional development in this remarkable industry.”
To apply, potential candidates should complete an application 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. They will also have to design a dish to create on finals day.
This year candidates will need to display their innovation and expertise by creating a potato dish which will be cooked and served to the judges at the final, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
The finalists will take part in the final skills test on Wednesday 22nd November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the recipient of the scholarship striking a fine balance between personality and professionalism throughout.
Applications are open now and close midnight 24 September 2023.
Eligible candidates can find out more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.
Hospitality venues across Edinburgh are celebrating as they are named as finalists in the 2023 Scottish Bar and Pub awards, formerly the DRAM Awards.
Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar is a finalist for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year with owner Colin Hinds joining The Balmoral’s Cameron Ewen for the Deanston Whisky Guru title.
Stramash and Dropkick Murphys are both named in the Pernod Ricard Late Night Venue category, Panda and Sons and Hey Palu for Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year, and Indigo Yard and Brewhemia for the Molson Coors Bar of the Year gong!
Black Ivy Bar and Hotel have a double nomination for Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year & Drinks Express Best Outside Area. Melanie Cranston, owner of Scotts of Rose Street, makes the top 4 for Buzzworks/Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur and the Boozy Cow lands a spot for Drum Digital Innovator of the Year!
Outside the city centre, Edinburgh is also represented by The Torfin for the Media World Casual Dining Award and by Thirty Knots in South Queensferry for Kopparberg New Bar of the Year.
A special mention also goes to The Original Rosslyn Inn and the Harris family who celebrate their 50th year of ownership with nominations for the Edrington ‘Giving More’ Award & Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year!
The awards are celebrating their 28th year, making them Scotland’s longest-established hospitality awards. They were established to recognise excellence in the Scottish licensed trade by industry magazine DRAM.
Over the last three decades the event has garnered a reputation as being one of the most prestigious events in Scotland’s licensed trade calendar and have been referred to, year in and year out, as the “Oscars of the industry.” The winners will be revealed at a glitzy awards dinner on Tuesday 29th August at The Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.
Organiser Susan Young said: “This year, a record number of votes were received from the public across a multitude of categories.
“The best of the best have now been named ranging from pubs that are Dog Friendly to cocktail bars that serve up fabulous drinks, from community pubs with stars behind the bars, to late night venues.
“Customers voted and then mystery shoppers visited, with the last word going to the awards judges. It was certainly not an easy task due to the quality of all the finalists and many miles have been travelled.”
More than 600 people will gather at the event to find out what pubs are taking the top accolade.
You can see the full list of the award categories and finalists below:-
ARO Procurement Customer Service Award
The Boudingait – Cupar
Coia’s Café – Glasgow
Mini Grill – Glasgow
Prime Steak & Seafood – Inverness
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Ardshiel Hotel – Campbeltown
The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow
The Pot Still – Glasgow
Tipsie Midgie – Edinburgh
Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Brandon Van Rensburg – Tempura, Ayr
Craig Scott – Bartenders Lounge, Aberdeen
Melanie Cranston – Scotts of Rose Street, Edinburgh
Owners of short-term let properties are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term licensing scheme before the 1 October 2023 deadline.
Short-term let hosts must apply for a licence with their relevant local authority before the deadline. Anyone who operated a short-term let before 1 October 2022 can still accept bookings and guests until an application is determined, but must apply before the 1 October 2023 deadline. Owners who started operations after 1 October 2022 cannot begin trading until they receive their licence.
Hosts must apply for a licence with the local authority their property is located and are being urged to check local criteria before making an application.
Local councils’ licensing schemes are in operation across Scotland and many short-term let hosts have already obtained licences.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “Short-term let accommodation plays an important role in Scotland’s economy, supporting our tourism and hospitality sector and allowing tourists and holiday goers somewhere to take them closer to the best that Scotland can offer.
“However, it is also important that there is appropriate regulation in place to ensure the safety of guests, and so that local authorities can make decisions that are right for their local areas. That is why the Scottish Government has introduced the short-term lets licensing scheme.
“I would like to thank those who have already signed up to the scheme, bringing assurances to tourists that their safety is paramount and that they have met local guidelines.
“Visitors coming to Scotland can already expect to see the benefits of properties being licensed and meeting specific standards. Meanwhile, the thousands of short-term let operators who provide a quality service can have the assurance that would-be competitors have to meet licensing standards as well.
“There is only two months to go until the 1 October deadline and so I would urge anyone who owns short-term let accommodation and has yet to apply to do so as soon as possible to ensure you can still take bookings and welcome guests from far and wide.”
Short Stay St Andrews Director Jordan Mitchell said: “As the largest holiday letting agency in St Andrews and the East Neuk, the initial thought of an application process for short-term letting our 130+ managed properties was a daunting one.
“However, the application process has been plain sailing once we had all the required safety certification in place.
“Fife Council has been extremely supportive in its quest to process the applications despite the extra pressure on its systems.
“I can only recommend applying as soon as possible to give your business plenty of time to adjust to the new Scottish Government requirements.”
Owners have until 1 October 2023 to apply for a short-term lets licence, with local authorities required to process applications by 1 October 2024.
