hospitality – Page 4 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh Bar Awards announces 2025 Longlist with 150 nominees

The countdown is officially on for one of the biggest nights in Scotland’s hospitality calendar – the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025, as the longlist of nominees is revealed.

Now in its second year in the Capital, the awards will culminate in the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, taking over The Biscuit Factory on Monday 22nd September 2025. Promising an end-of-summer blowout like no other, the Ball will bring together Edinburgh’s bar community for an unforgettable night of cocktails, music, food, and celebration.

This year, more than 150 bars, bartenders, and hospitality stars have made the longlist across 11 categories, following an overwhelming public response to nominations. From iconic cocktail institutions and legendary pubs to fresh talent shaking up the city, the longlist is a true showcase of the people and places that make Edinburgh one of the world’s leading drinking destinations.

And now, it’s time to vote. The longlist will be narrowed down to five finalists per category, with results decided by a 50/50 public and trade vote. The final winners will be revealed live at the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball.

Every vote counts – nominations close on 31st August, so get voting for your favourite before it’s too late.

Speaking about the longlist, David Smillie, co-founder and organiser of the Bar Awards and Bartender’s Ball, said: “Edinburgh is home to some of the best bars and bartenders in the world, and this year’s Edinburgh Bar Awards longlist proves it.

“This city’s talent, creativity and community spirit is unmatched, and the Bartenders’ Ball is our chance to celebrate that together in style. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Biscuit Factory this September for what promises to be the ultimate industry party.”

Tickets for the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, priced at just £35, are on sale now.

The event includes complimentary drinks, food, entertainment, and a night of industry celebration.

2025 Categories & Longlist
(alphabetical order within each category)

Best Bar
4042 • Bittersweet • Bramble • Chancho • Dragonfly • Hey Palu • Lucky Liquor • Old Pal • Panda & Sons • The Bonnington • The Cocktail Geeks • The Powder Room • The Raging Bull • The Volley Leith • Uno Mas

Best Pub
Athletic Arms (Diggers) • Bennets of Morningside • The Black Cat • The Bonnington • The Finch • The Golden Rule • The Hanging Bat • Joker & The Thief • Kay’s Bar • Malt & Hops • The Mother Superior • Nauticus • The Oxford Bar • St Vincent Bar • Teuchters (Landing & West End)

Best Restaurant Bar
The Alchemist • Bittersweet • Bonnie & Wild • Copper Blossom • The Devil’s Advocate • Hawksmoor • Leith Depot • Little Capo • Lucky Yu • Old Pal • Paradise Palms • Smith & Gertrude • Tipo • The Bonnington • Voyage of Buck

Best Bar Team
Bramble • The Bonnington • The Cocktail Geeks • The Mother Superior • Hey Palu • Lucky Liquor • Nauticus • Nightcap • Old Pal • Panda & Sons • The Powder Room • The Raging Bull • The Three Sisters • Voodoo Rooms • West Port Oracle

Best Late Night Venue
4042 • Banshee Labyrinth • Liquid Rooms • The Jazz Bar • The Mother Superior • Nightcap • NQ64 • Paradise Palms • The Raging Bull • Sneaky Pete’s • Stramash • The Street • Tonic • Uno Mas • The Voodoo Rooms

Unsung Hero
Adam Fraser Gray (Herman) • Anthony Crowther • Ben Leslie • Cam Chittleborough • Cullen Hutchison • Dom Cummings • Fiona Hamilton • Gavin Whyte • Jane Ross • Kaelum-Ian Mullen • Kristaps Baranovs • Logan Pope • Mon Nelson • Sam Baxendale • Sian Buchan

Rising Star
Cal Lister • Cameron Finlay • Emily Weston • Flora Luckman • Freja Kemp • Jack Smith • Ketan Mackenzie • Levi Reed • Logan Pope • Noah French • Pierre Martin • Saul Lavelle • Walt Webster-Curran

Best Shake
Alessia Impedovo • Ben Jones • Cameron Chittleborough • Connor Bleakley • Fowwaz Ansari • Jake Harris • Jay Braby • Kielan Davidson • Logan Pope • Pierre Martin • Sam Baxendale • Sam Milne • Saul Lavelle • Stuart McBain • Toby Peters

Best Cocktail
Baltic Bru • Bramble • Coco Colada • Feta Mezcal Negroni • Indominous • Make Love Not Warcraft • Paper Dragon • The Perfect Pear • Port Hayward • Porridge Colada • Spicy Peach Margarita • Spring Fizz • Stinger • Sweet Manhattan • Yuzu Margarita

Social Star
Ben Greig • Camille Le Courtois • Carrie Smith • Chloe Archibald-Ansari • Chloe Yeung • Gracie Goggins • Groundskeeper (Murray Tait) • Kaelum Mullen • Lara Sinclair • Millie Harley • Rachel Dixon • Ross Lawrie • Ryan Snedden • Tasha Corfield • Cal Lister

Far Side of the Bar
Adam Murphy • Ashton Williamson • Connie Macdonald • Damian Koval • Dan Bartley • Dana Crombie • Ellie Raeside • Josh Knox • Kaitlin Wilkes • Mike McGinty • Niamh Savage • Ross Lawrie • Ruth Mason • Ryan Snedden • Stevie Aitken

The Edinburgh Bar Awards take place at The Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball at The Biscuit Factory on Monday, 22nd September 2025. Tickets include complimentary drinks, food, and entertainment, and cost £35.

Vote now or buy tickets from https://backshospitality.com/.

Follow on Instagram: Instagram.com/theedinburghbartendersball

Hospitality stars crowned at Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025

THE DIGGERS IS WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR

The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled at a glittering Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow on Tuesday. Celebrating its 30th year, the prestigious event welcomed hundreds of hospitality professionals from across Scotland, with over 100 venues shortlisted as finalists.

Top industry honours went to some of Scotland’s most iconic names. Michele Pagliocca, owner of Monteleone Ltd (The Marlborough, The Butterfly and the Pig,

The Buff Club and Singl-End) in Glasgow, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Donald MacLeod MBE was recognised with the SHG Contribution to the Industry Award and Buzzworks’ Alison Blair was named Inspirational Woman of the Year.

There were big celebrations in Edinburgh as local venues scooped some of the night’s most coveted titles.

Black Ivy was named Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year, Hey Palu claimed the Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, and The Athletic Arms (above) took home the title of Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year.

I’m sure my old pal Frank Russell would have raised a glass to THAT award! – Ed.

It was a double win for Encore Bars, with Freddy’s picking up Fireball Best Late Night Venue, and owner Edward Fox receiving the Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneur Award.

The night even saw individual successes celebrated, with Jane Ross (The Mother Superior) awarded the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, Gavin Ruthven (The Dome) named HOSPO Manager of the Year, and Toby Peters (The Cocktail Geeks) shaking things up to win Schweppes Mixologist of the Year.

In Midlothian, The Original Rosslyn Inn was recognised as the DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, celebrating its warm welcome to both guests and their four-legged friends.

The celebrations continued in Glasgow, where Berlinkys was awarded the DRAM New Bar of the Year, Kitty O’Shea’s took home the Jameson Best Irish Bar title, and MacSorley’s proudly received the highly sought-after Pub of the Year award.

Dundee enjoyed a successful night, with Draffens honoured with the De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, and The Phoenix receiving the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality.

In Fife, Hugos Bar and Pavilion celebrated a second consecutive win, this time taking home the DRAM Best Beer Garden award, while The Criterion in St Andrews received the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering trophy.

Elsewhere across Scotland, The Newton Bar in Millport was named DRAM Community Pub of the Year, The Birds and Bees in Stirling earned the Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year title, Lochy’s in Barrhead took the Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year award, and Aimee Ashworth from Dishoom was honoured with the Campari Bar Apprentice 2025 accolade.

Two industry giants also made their mark on the night. Apex Hotels showcased their commitment to staff wellbeing by winning the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year award, while the formidable Bucks Bar Group took home the Favela Independent Multiple Operator Award.

Special recognition was given to Fiona Joyce of the Solway Lodge in Gretna, who received the Unsung Hero award, and Lorraine Ferguson from Billy Bridges in Ayr, who was named Bar Personality of the Year.

Both women have dedicated over 20 years to their venues, embodying the passion and loyalty at the heart of Scotland’s hospitality industry.

Susan Young, organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “It was fantastic to see so many deserving winners this year.

“These awards are a celebration of the people who make the Scottish hospitality industry the success it is, and this year’s entries were truly outstanding.

“Over the past 30 years, we’ve hosted some incredible events, and this was certainly one of the best. Every finalist deserves recognition for the exceptional venues they operate and should be immensely proud of their achievements.

“Congratulations to each and every one of them!”

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Michele Pagliocca

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneurial Award

Edward Fox – Encore Bars, Edinburgh

Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year

Hey Palu – Edinburgh

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

Highly Commended – The Anchorage, Dunure

Campari Bar Apprentice 2025

Aimee Ashworth – Dishoom, Glasgow (Formerly La Jupe, Helensburgh)

Highly Commended – Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel

De Kuyper Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues

Draffens – Dundee

Highly Commended – The Corner House, Kilwinning

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star

Jane Ross – The Mother Superior, Edinburgh

Favela Independent Multiple Operator

Winner – Buck’s Bar Group

Highly Commended – Rocks Leisure Group

Fireball Best Late Night Venue

Freddy’s – Edinburgh

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Apex Hotels

Highly Commended – Lisini Pub Co.

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Gavin Ruthven – The Dome, Edinburgh

Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

Unsung Hero

Fiona Joyce – Solway Lodge Hotel

Bar Personality of the Year

Lorraine Ferguson – Billy Bridges/Southern Ayr

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

The Criterion – St Andrews

SPBA Best Beer Garden

Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow

Jump Ship Brewing Gastro Pub of the Year

The Birds and Bees – Stirling

Highly Commended – Crown and Anchor Inn – Findhorn

DRAM Community Pub of the Year

The Newton Bar – Millport

SBPA New Bar of the Year

Berlinkys – Glasgow

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

Toby Peters – The Cocktail Geeks, Edinburgh

Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year

Lochy’s – Barrhead

Scottish Hospitality Group Special Recognition Award

Donald MacLeod MBE

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Alison Blair

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality

The Phoenix – Dundee

Pub of the Year

MacSorley’s – Glasgow

Follow us online:

www.dramscotland.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Edinburgh’s Pubs Go for Gold at the Hospitality Industry’s Very Own Oscars

Edinburgh’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.

Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great. Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.

This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles.

Local finalists include the Athletic Arms, The Belfry and the Mother Superior which are up for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, The Cocktail Geeks, Hey Palu and Lady Libertine who are fighting it out to become Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year and the Boston Bar, Malones, O’Connnor’s and Seamus’s who are all hoping to be crowned Jameson Best Irish Bar!

However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!

Publisher, Susan Young, said, “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!

“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”

Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

The Belfry – Edinburgh

Mother Superior – Edinburgh

The Pot Still – Glasgow

Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year

Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh

Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin

Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport

Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Hey Palu – Edinburgh

Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow

Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Lady Libertine – Edinburgh

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Anchorage – Dunure

Bag o’Nails – Glasgow

The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs

Campari Bar Apprentice 2025

Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh

Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow

Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone

Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder

Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh

Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh

Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride

Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh

De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues

The Corner House – Kilwinning

Draffens – Dundee

McLarens On The Corner – Edinburgh

The Torfin – Edinburgh

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award

Ross Barr, Scotch at the Balmoral – Edinburgh

Chris Chambers, Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

Lucy Connor, Tipsy Midgie – Edinburgh

Jane Ross, Mother Superior – Edinburgh

Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

Bucks Bar Group

Cru Hospitality

Eden Group

Rocks Leisure Group

Fireball Best Late Night Venue

Berlinkys – Glasgow

The Corset Club – Glasgow

Freddy’s – Edinburgh

Slouch – Glasgow

Vic’s – Prestwick

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Apex Hotels

Cru Hospitality

Lisini Pub Co.

Manorview

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Michael Eaton, Café Royal – Edinburgh

Lorraine Ferguson, Billy Bridges – Ayr

Pete Harvey, Aboukir – Carnoustie

Fiona Joyce, Solway Lodge – Gretna

Stewart Kilpatrick, Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Gavin Ruthven, The Dome – Edinburgh

Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year

Bar 1819, Apex Waterloo Place – Edinburgh

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh

Red Sky Bar – Glasgow

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

The Criterion – St Andrews

The Keys Bar – St Andrews

Scotch & Rye – Inverness

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

DRAM Best Beer Garden

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Weavers – Paisley

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow

Malones – Edinburgh

O’Connor’s – Edinburgh

Seamus’s – Edinburgh

Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year

The Birds and The Bees – Stirling

The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn

The Bridge Inn – Ratho

Stravaigin – Glasgow

DRAM Community Pub of the Year

Aboukir – Carnoustie

The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Montagues – Kirkcaldy

The Newton Bar – Millport

The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria

New Bar of the Year 2025

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Berlinkys – Glasgow

Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

The Marlborough – Glasgow

Sebbs – Glasgow

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

Branford Edgar, Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Jake Harris, Old Pal – Edinburgh

Poppy Kerr, Bartenders Lounge – Aberdeen

Chris Mullen, Mar Hall – Bishopton

Toby Peters, The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year

Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone

Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Lochy’s – Barrhead

The Tap Yard – Glasgow

Staropramen Award For Outstanding Quality

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Louie Brown’s – Dalgety Bay

The Phoenix – Dundee

Siberia – Aberdeen

Pub of the Year

The Anglers – Annan

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

Four Marys – Linlithgow

MacSorley’s – Glasgow

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/

https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Where is the Best Community Pub in Edinburgh?

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 Adds Two New Categories and Voting Deadline Extended!

Scotland’s hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened! Two brand new categories have been added to this year’s awards lineup: Community Pub of the Year and Hotel Bar of the Year, recognising the vital role these venues play in Scottish hospitality!

To give these deserving establishments the recognition they’ve earned, voting has been extended until Friday 20th June – giving customers extra time to back their favourites for glory!

With the deadline looming, now’s your last chance to rally behind the venues and hospitality heroes who deserve their moment in the spotlight. Make sure they’re in the running!

From bustling bars and traditional pubs to vibrant restaurants and buzzing late-night venues – plus the bartending talent behind the magic – it’s time to propel your local hospitality heroes onto the national stage.

This year’s stellar lineup includes categories like Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, HOSPO Manager of the Year and Jameson Best Irish Bar – proving there’s a spotlight waiting for every corner of Scotland’s hospitality scene.

Event organiser, Susan Young said, “These category additions reflect the incredible diversity of Scotland’s bar and pub scene. Community pubs are the heartbeat of Scottish towns and villages, while hotel bars deliver world-class experiences that put Scotland on the global hospitality map. Both deserve their moment in the spotlight.

“We’ve been thrilled by the outstanding entries received thus far, and there’s still time to nominate the bars and people who make Scotland’s hospitality scene truly special. It’s time to help us celebrate the incredible talent across the country!”

Marking three decades as Scotland’s premier licensed trade awards, the 2025 ceremony celebrates a milestone 30th year. Judges will once again embark on covert missions across the country, conducting mystery visits from the Highlands to the Borders to uncover Scotland’s hospitality gems.

Voting is easy, just go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com and you can vote in as many different categories as you like. Voting closes on the 20th of June, finalists will be announced, and the winners will be crowned at the glittering award ceremony in Glasgow on the 26th of August!

You can also find a full list of all categories on the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards website and socials.

Deadline for Nominations – 20th June 2024

For a full list of categories and to vote please go to:

www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

Or vote by emailing:

entrysbpa@mediaworldltd.com and tell us your nominations and why they should win.

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Cheers to 30 Years!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now OPEN!

Scotland’s longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 – and they want Edinburgh to have their say! The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards are back, celebrating three decades of raising a glass to the nation’s best boozers, hospitality heroes, top-notch gastropubs, and brilliant beer gardens.

Last year set the bar sky-high, with stand-out Edinburgh winners such as Montpeliers David and Ruth Wither who won the Lifetime Achievement Award, Teuchters Landing (Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering), Black Ivy (Best Outdoor Area) and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Hotel Bar of the Year). Now, the search is on again and organisers are excited to hear who your favourites are for 2025!

It’s not just about the pubs – it’s also about the people behind the pints! From whisky wizards and rising stars to standout bar managers shaking up the scene, the awards shine a spotlight on the personalities powering Scotland’s licensed trade.

And with Schweppes on the hunt for a ‘Mixologist of the Year,’ it’s time to nominate those who stir, shake, and serve with serious flair.

If you’re interested in supporting your much-loved local venue, whether it’s for the lively atmosphere, exceptional food, or outstanding service, your vote can help highlight the pubs that make Scotland’s hospitality scene special. They have to be in it to win it, and your vote could make all the difference!

Voting is quick and easy at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards, where you can back your favourites across multiple categories.

But don’t wait – voting closes on the 14th of June. Finalists will be revealed soon after with the judges then hitting the road for mystery visits across the country.

The winners will be crowned at a glittering Oscar themed ceremony in Glasgow on August 26th!

Event organiser, Susan Young, reflected on the milestone, saying: “Over the past 30 years, we’ve seen some incredible talent recognised at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards and this year will be no different!

“Despite the challenges, hospitality remains one of Scotland’s most vibrant and rewarding industries. It’s a real privilege to shine a spotlight on the passionate people working hard behind the scenes in some of the country’s best-loved venues – that’s what these awards are all about!

“I hope their customers make the effort to vote for pubs, bars, restaurants and staff that make hospitality special.”

The full list of categories includes Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Caledonia Inns & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur, DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, Campari Bar Apprentice 2025, De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, Fireball Best Late Night Venue, Hospitality Health Employer of the Year, HOSPO Manager of the Year, Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering, Jameson Best Irish Bar, Schweppes Mixologist of the Year, Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year, Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality, DRAM Best Beer Garden, Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year, New Bar of the Year and Sunday Mail Pub of the Year.

Deadline for Nominations – 14th June 2024

For a full list of this years categories and to vote please go to:

www.scottishbarandpubawards.com/awards/

Or vote by emailing:

entryspba@mediaworldltd.com and tell us your nominations and why they should win.

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Short term let renewals extended from one to three years

Where there have been no complaints, the renewal period for secondary short term let licences in Edinburgh is being extended from one to three years

Short term let renewals have been extended from one to three years. The change was agreed yesterday (Monday, 19 May) by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Regulatory Committee.

Earlier this year the committee made other changes following a consultation with residents and the industry last summer on how the new licensing scheme is working in the Capital.

Cllr Neil Ross Regulatory Convener said: “We had always committed to reviewing the licensing scheme after it had been operating for a year and we did that last summer.

“We made some improvements to our policy at the beginning of year, following feedback from residents and the industry, and this is the final change agreed at Committee. The intention is to make our scheme as fair and reasonable as we can for residents, visitors and operators.

“I will also be writing to the Scottish Government’s Minister of Housing to ask for greater clarity on short term let licensing condition MC13 (planning permission), which some residents and short term let operators find confusing, and to see how this might be addressed.”

Construction begins on first TARKA Capsule Hotel to launch in Edinburgh

New accommodation concept set to transform city-centre travel with stylish, affordable capsule stays

Work has begun on an exciting new seven-story capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, developed by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with award-winning architect Studio LBA.

Situated just off the lively St. Andrew Square – directly adjacent to Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street – TARKA draws inspiration from Japan’s popular capsule hotel concept. This project reimagines the model for a UK audience, prioritising comfortable yet compact capsules with a contemporary feel. It provides an innovative alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, focusing on customer experience and immersing the residents in a unique hotel environment.

The project involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously held various uses, including a job centre, office space, and retail.

This initiative represents a bold step forward in transforming the numerous underused underused buildings in Scotland’s major cities into purposeful spaces for visitors. Incorporating a range of vibrant and active uses for vacant spaces and supporting the ongoing regeneration of Scotland’s city centres.

The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a stunning rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. With construction already underway, completion is expected in Summer 2026.

Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, commented: “TARKA’s vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh.

“This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike.

“In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building’s new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture.

“This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building’s original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity.

“Nestled within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the New Town Conservation Area, and the New Town Gardens Designed Landscape, the project’s location offers breathtaking views from the historic Calton Hill to the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

“Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.”

James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, said: “TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan – trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK.

“We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.”

The project is led by Architect and Principal Designer, Studio LBA, in collaboration with Project Management and Quantity Surveying from Axiom Project Services Ltd, Interior Designer Studio S+CO, Civil and Structural Engineer Narro, Planning Consultants Derek Scott Planning, M&E Engineer Parrish Consultancy, Fire Engineer OFR Consultants, and Acoustic Engineer RMP.

Capital House set to host the capital’s newest Premier Inn

Whitbread submits a planning application for a new 195-bedroom hotel on Festival Square in the heart of Edinburgh city centre

Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, has submitted plans to transform Capital House into a 195-bedroom Premier Inn, with a commitment to investing more than £21 million in the conversion of the existing building into a hotel.

After acquiring the 65,350 sq ft gross office block off Lothian Road last year, Whitbread has been preparing a planning application to change the use of the building to a hotel, which was submitted to Edinburgh City Council on 2^nd May.

The plans involve the conversion of the existing building and rear extension of the 1980s office into a latest format Premier Inn hotel with a ground floor restaurant and bar.

The Capital House Premier Inn is expected to generate an additional £8.1 million per year in visitor expenditure through the external spending of more than 56,000 guests which are predicted to stay at the hotel every year. Half of this external expenditure is anticipated to be spent supporting city centre businesses.

The proposals signal the latest commitment from Whitbread to invest in Edinburgh as the business continues to see strong long-term potential for its bedrooms across the capital city.

Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Scotland at Whitbread, said: ““The visitor economy in Edinburgh is thriving but there remains an unmet demand for additional budget hotel rooms in the city. Capital House represents an excellent opportunity for us to deliver new Premier Inn bedrooms at affordable prices for our customers in a fantastic city centre location.

“The location is ideal for both business and leisure customers. It is sustainable and highly accessible with direct bus, tram and rail networks within a short walk, it’s a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) and Exchange District and is close to tourist destinations like Edinburgh Castle, Usher Hall and other theatres.

“We’re thrilled to submit proposals to transform this underused office building and bring life back into this corner of Festival Square. We are investing £21 million into delivering the new hotel which will generate over £8 million of additional guest spend into the Edinburgh economy each year and create more than 30 new hospitality jobs. We look forward to working with Edinburgh City Council to progress the application towards determination.”

Whitbread currently welcomes close to a million visitors to its established network of 14 Premier Inn hotels within the City of Edinburgh Council area. The business calculates its guests staying at these hotels generate more than £32 million in visitor expenditure to the Edinburgh economy every year.

More widely, across the UK & Ireland Whitbread currently offers its customers a choice of more than 85,500 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms and the company sees the long-term potential for 125,000 bedrooms in these two core markets.

Gracemount High School pupils gain hands-on hospitality experience in partnership with The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection has partnered with Gracemount High School to give pupils hands-on hospitality experience through the Hospitality Connect programme.

The initiative aims to reshape perceptions of hospitality careers while providing students with real-world training in a professional hotel environment.

Since launching last November, the partnership has enabled 30 Gracemount students, aged 14 to 16, to explore daily operations at The Scholar, a 4-star hotel run by The University of Edinburgh, through four immersive workshops. Participants gained practical insight into core hospitality functions including housekeeping, reception services, kitchen operations, and food & beverage management.

Hospitality Connect, founded by UK Hospitality, delivers six bespoke career experiences annually, including workshops, employer-led events, and hands-on training. By connecting classroom learning with real-world industry expertise, the programme helps bridge the gap between education and employment, offering students a tangible pathway into hospitality careers.

The programme culminated on Thursday, 27th March, with a special event at the hotel’s restaurant The Brasserie, rebranded by the students as “The Mount” for the day. Students took full control of the lunch service, overseeing everything from menu design and marketing to food preparation and front-of-house service.

This hands-on experience not only contributed to their year-end assessments but also provided them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the industry – an invaluable stepping stone toward future career opportunities.

Gavin MacLennan, Group General Manager for Operations at the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, said: “We have loved opening our operations to support students who have already demonstrated a keen interest in the hospitality sector.

“By providing real-world insights and experiences, we’ve sought to equip them with the practical skills and knowledge required to excel in this field and to demonstrate the career opportunities it brings.”

Morven Langley, Teacher at Gracemount High School, added: “This initiative really brings classroom learning to life.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the inner workings of a busy Edinburgh hotel, enhancing their learning and preparing them for exciting career opportunities in this growing sector.”

This partnership marks the start of what is hoped to be a long-term collaboration, inspiring the next generation to view hospitality as an exciting and rewarding career choice.

To find out more about the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, please visit:

https://www.uoecollection.com/.

New toolkit to support workers and businesses in hospitality sector

An exciting new toolkit aimed at supporting workers and businesses within Scotland’s hospitality sector has been launched.

The Tourism and Hospitality toolkit is aimed at supporting the growth and success of Scotland’s hospitality sector by providing a one-stop shop with the tools and resources businesses and employees need to thrive.

The toolkit was created based on findings from Serving the Future, a three-year project by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute and The Poverty Alliance, which focused on addressing and preventing in-work poverty in the hospitality sector.

It has also been shaped by industry experts and key players such as Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s Tourism & Hospitality Industry Leadership Group, and industry charity Springboard.

The toolkit will provide support to the sector on key areas such as training and development, achieving net zero, recruitment and retention, and fair work. Employees will be able to access information on their rights at work, education and training, visa sponsorship and immigration, and more links to support when working in hospitality.

Kelly Johnstone, Chief Operations Officer of Springboard said: “Our mission with this toolkit is to support the growth and success of Scotland’s hospitality sector so both employers and employees can thrive.

“The toolkit brings together expert advice and practical solutions into one accessible platform to help the hospitality industry excel.

“Case studies included in the toolkit from Serving the Future highlight good practice which is already happening in Scotland – we hope many more businesses and employees can benefit from accessing this information.”

Dr Laura Robertson, research manager at The Poverty Alliance, which is a partner in Serving the Future said: “We know that low-pay and job insecurity have a big impact on households in Scotland.

“We hope this toolkit will empower businesses and workers to strengthen fair work and living wages in the hospitality sector. Scotland has signed up to legal child poverty targets and we know that making positive change in the world of work can contribute to reaching them. We are excited to see how the toolkit does that.”

Chirsty McFadyen, economist at the Fraser of Allander Institute and lead investigator on Serving the Future said: “We feel very privileged as a research team to have been let into the hospitality industry with such a warm welcome.

“Few research projects have worked with both employers and employees to create sustainable solutions in the way that Serving the Future has.

“We are keen to continue building the relationships we’ve gained from this work, and we’re looking forward to seeing the industry’s reaction to the toolkit.”

The toolkit includes a feedback form so that that businesses and employees can reflect on the usefulness of the information available.

The team behind the website will be evaluating responses and adapting the content throughout 2025.