Move over Mariah, The Botanist has rewritten the soundtrack to Christmas with its own take on 12 Days of Christmas!
Think glasses clinking, ladies dancing, kebabs swinging, bands playing and cocktails shaking – it’s the ultimate Christmas packed with the gifts you actually want.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the music – to celebrate the season of giving, The Botanist is launching a huge social media giveaway in a countdown to Christmas, with prizes themed to each of the 12 days.
Guests can expect everything from gig tickets and champagne to big bar tabs, date nights, a year’s worth of hanging kebabs (yes, really) and even a mini break up for grabs. The giveaways will start from Wednesday 19th November and happen every few days in the lead up to Christmas, with all 12 prizes being won by Christmas Eve.
Those feeling lucky should keep an eye on The Botanist’s Instagram page, where the remixed 12 Days of Christmas song and video will launch, each day to find out what’s up for grabs and how they can enter.
And of course, it wouldn’t be winter at The Botanist without their Famous Hanging Kebabs and there’s a new festive addition to the line-up, the Christmas Dinner Hanging Kebab, stacked with roast turkey, pork and sage stuffing and pigs in blankets in a cranberry glaze, served with all the trimmings including maple roasted carrots, braised red cabbage, garlic & herb roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and finished with a jug of rich gravy to pour over.
We all know Christmas is the time to treat ourselves, and The Botanist’s festive take on its signature sharing cookie dough is the ultimate indulgence. Those with a sweet tooth can savour a giant chocolate orange cookie dough served with honeycomb pieces, mini mince pies, ice cream coconut snowmen and Cointreau chocolate orange sauce (plus two spoons to dig in!)
Behind the bar, the team has been busy working on this year’s limited-edition Christmas cocktails. Let nostalgia take over with the “It’s Mine” Old Fashioned – Maker’s Mark Bourbon infused with orange and stirred down with indulgent chocolate – it’s a boozy tribute to a festive favourite.
The Partridge in a Pear Tree, a nod to The Botanist’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign, featuring Absolut Vanilia Vodka shaken with pear, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice and topped with prosecco, is set to be your new favourite festive tipple!
With imaginative and festive twists on The Botanist’s well-loved signature dishes, all created in house from scratch, this is the food and drink to celebrate over as party season gets underway!
And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with larger-than-life Christmas trees, giant Christmas presents and golden pears for a photo backdrop worthy of a Christmas card!
The Botanist’s homegrown live musicians are ready to keep the festive cheer wild, playing live throughout the November and December as guests drinks and dine.
The Botanist’s Christmas menu is available now. To find your nearest restaurant and book your table visit https://thebotanist.uk.com.
A life-saving conference, climate conscious zoo, an inspiring festival, and a trailblazing up-and-comer have been crowned Scotland’s best at the country’s top tourism and events industry awards.
Attractions, events and individuals from the city received awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow last night (20 November).
After triumphing at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards last month, finalists competed against their peers for a coveted national trophy and earning recognition across the country for their excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry.
For over 30 years, the Scottish Thistle Awards, this year with new headline sponsor Abbey: The Destination Experts, have showcased individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors. Past winners credit the awards with boosting their business, increasing enquiries and inspiring staff.
Delivered by VisitScotland, in partnership with regional awards programmes, the Scottish Thistle Awards combines five regional awards and a national final.
National winners from across the Capital are:
The 36th International Papillomavirus Conference 2024at EICC which won Best Business Event.
The conference welcomed over 1,600 delegates from across the globe in November 2024. It brought world leaders in science and healthcare to Scotland, the event advanced research, innovation, and collaboration in tackling HPV and related cancers.
By raising awareness and boosting vaccination rates in schools and communities, its impact extended far beyond the conference centre. Leaving a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses, save lives, and inspire future progress.
Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive, EICC, said:“Winning the Best Business Event Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards is a tremendous honour.
“IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh embodied the EICC’s vision of inspiring ideas that change the world, proving that business events can deliver impact well beyond the conference floor.
“By increasing HPV awareness and vaccination uptake, its legacy reaches into communities across the globe, a legacy that will prevent cancer diagnoses and save lives.
“This recognition underlines the transformative role of business events in shaping healthier, stronger futures.”
Edinburgh Zoo, who took home the Climate Action Award sponsored by Historic Scotland, which celebrates businesses making significant progress towards net zero.
Judges praised the popular attraction for its environmental sustainability practices and supportive work environment.
Ben Supple, Deputy Chief Executive, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said:“Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo is dedicated to protecting nature, tackling climate change and saving wildlife.
“It is wonderful that the sustainability activities and innovations at the zoo have been recognised with the climate action award, including the installation of our new solar meadow.”
Edinburgh International Book Festival won the award for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by STV. The category recognises the outstanding cultural events and festivals that are part of Scotland’s tourism offering.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which celebrates and shares the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Held in the heart of the city at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, each August it presents almost 700 events featuring writers and thinkers from around the world.
As well as children and families, young adults, adults, and schools’ programmes, the festival brings writers into community settings such as libraries, hospitals and prisons, and streams events online.
Finally, The Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland was presented to Hugh Mackay from Highland Experience Tours – based in Edinburgh.
Hugh began his career in the tourism industry in 2024. While working with Highland Experience Tours, he has delivered over 200 tours, received more than 150 individual five-star guest reviews, and contributed to a 12% uplift in overall tour ratings for the company.
He has been praised for his leadership, authenticity, and natural charisma, which has made him a standout ambassador for Scottish tourism and a true rising star.
Hugh said: “As a young man from the far north of Scotland, I’m honoured to be recognised in this moment that reflects my commitment to hospitality and tourism, and my passion for showcasing Scotland’s very best to every guest I have the privilege of welcoming on my tours.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Neil Christison said:“Congratulations to all our national winners on this outstanding achievement.
“The strong showing from Edinburgh is a testament to the exceptional quality and innovation found throughout the city’s tourism sector.
“Being honoured by the Scottish Thistle Awards places these businesses, events and individuals among the very best in Scotland. These awards play a vital role in celebrating the people whose work continues to make a positive impact on our communities and the wider visitor economy.”
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
National winners were announced at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and delivered by VisitScotland, with headline sponsors Abbey: The Destination Experts – part of the Abbey Group, a collection of travel companies specialising in inbound tourism to the UK & Ireland.
Winners from all five regional awards, which also include Central and East, the West of Scotland, Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards (delivered in partnership with the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise) competed at the Scottish Thistle Award national final.
This year’s sponsors are AccessAble, Fishers, GetYourGuide, Historic Scotland, HIT Scotland, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, Scottish Licenced Trade Association, STV, The Times Scotland and the Scottish Sun.
With Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets returning, there’s no better time to spend a day in the city, and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving locals a reason to make the most of it.
Set on George Street, Hard Rock Cafe is known for its buzzing atmosphere, with walls adorned with authentic rock history items and serving classic American cuisine. This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail.
It’s a great excuse to stop in for a burger or a refreshing drink before wandering through the markets or gliding across George Street ice rink.
Guests must ask for the offer and provide proof of EH residency when requested (driving license, utility bill etc) or book the offer via OpenTable Experiences (and provide proof of EH residency)
Food and non-alcoholic drinks only, not valid on alcohol
Select Retail only (no co-branded or charity)
Cannot be combined with any other discount, offer or event ticket
This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City. With a magical dessert, perfectly pink and gloriously green cocktails, Halloween is not to be missed this year at The Ivy.
From 25th October, The Ivy in Edinburgh will be serving up a wickedly delicious dessert, perfect for rounding off a meal this spooky season. Crafted exclusively for the occasion, The Emerald City Apple sees a chilled apple parfait perched on a golden blondie bed with milk foam, accompanied by a raspberry coulis.
Complete with a green witch’s hand and a cloud of candy floss, the dessert is an indulgent and enchanting treat for guests with a sweet tooth.
Sip like a “Good Witch” or a “Bad Witch” with The Ivy’s spellbinding cocktails
Carefully crafted by The Ivy Collection’s expert team of mixologists, this Halloween sees a duo of delicious cocktails launch to celebrate the season:
Bound to be a popular choice for those with a taste of something tart but sweet, the Rhubarb Bubble sees Ketel One vodka, Rhubarb Mead and Doppelgänger Aperitivo blended with a touch of vanilla and served with a magical sprinkling of raspberry sugar dust.
Meanwhile, the Emerald Magic Margarita is definitely a good deed, combining Casamigos tequila with Beesou Honey liqueur and matcha cold brew with a dash of lime and geranium syrup – a dusting of Tajin on the rim casting a spell of heat.
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Guests are invited to book their table [here] to avoid disappointment.
To celebrate the launch of its newly opened George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might just be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer.’
Pizza enthusiasts and pasta fans are invited to apply for the honorary position, which will see one lucky recruit enjoy a free main dish every week of the year. The Chief Tasting Officer will spend their time sampling Prezzo Italian’s signature dishes, from handmade pizzas to indulgent pastas, and sharing their thoughts on flavours, combinations and menu favourites.
Ideal candidates will have a genuine love of Italian food, a passion for flavour, and the ability to spot the perfect pizza topping or pasta pairing. Whether you’re a self-confessed foodie or simply never say no to a slice, this could be the dream role for you.
Naddy Onions, Marketing Director of Prezzo Italian, said:“With the opening of our new Edinburgh restaurant, what better way to celebrate than by giving one lucky Scot the chance to step into a role created just for them.
“The Chief Tasting Officer role is our way of inviting a passionate foodie to join the Prezzo Italian family, enjoy a signature dish every week, and help us share our love of Italian cooking with the city.”
The new restaurant, located at135 George St, is open seven days a week from 12-10pm and seats up to 250 guests across two floors and an outdoor terrace. Guests can expect a wide-ranging menu of handmade pizzas and pastas, burgers, grill dishes, indulgent desserts and handcrafted cocktails.
Applications for the Chief Tasting Office are now open via this link until Sunday 16th November
Prezzo Italian also operates in Glasgow’s Braehead shopping centre and Aberdeen’s Union Square, with further expansion planned across the UK, including Central London.
Wonky fruit, farm-to-glass gin and border-crossing spirits; guilt-free cocktails are set to shake up Edinburgh Cocktail Week this October, with 100% electric train operator Lumo helping festival-goers raise a glass to sustainability and arrive smoothly not shaken.
Running from 3rd to the 12th October 2025, the UK’s biggest cocktail festival is set to welcome more than 25,000 visitors across the city.
This year, sustainability is firmly on the menu thanks to Lumo, the official travel partner of the festival, which offers relaxed, 100% electric train services between Edinburgh, Newcastle, London and, from December, Glasgow Queen Street. Thousands of revellers can swap motorways and short-haul flights for a greener journey direct into the heart of the celebration.
Lumo will also host a special sustainable cocktail reception during the week, showcasing innovative suppliers including:
Flawsome! Drinks, the B Corp brand transforming surplus and “wonky” fruit into refreshing juices which are already served on Lumo trains
Blowin’ Free Gin, an Ayrshire farm-to-glass start-up distiller
Ad Gefrin, the award-winning Northumberland whisky and gin distillery reviving a centuries-old tradition in Northumberland in the North East of England
To mark the partnership, passengers on a recent Lumo journey between Newcastle and Edinburgh were surprised with cocktails and mocktails mixed onboard by an expert mixologist, bringing a taste of the festival to the 125mph train service.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access (Lumo), said: “We’re proud to be back supporting Edinburgh Cocktail Week for 2025, not just as the official travel partner but as a champion of sustainability and collaboration.
“Festivals like this showcase the very best of Scotland’s hospitality, tourism and creativity, and we want to make sure people can enjoy them in the greenest way possible.
“From our 100 percent electric trains to our partnerships with socially conscious suppliers, Lumo is committed to making sustainable choices more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring.”
Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week,added: “This year’s festival promises to be bigger, greener and more inclusive than ever, with more than 120 bars, masterclasses and pop-ups across the city.
“Having Lumo onboard as our official travel partner makes it easier than ever for cocktail lovers across the UK to be part of it without racking up an environmental hangover. I’m particularly excited about Lumo’s sustainable drinks reception, which brings together some brilliant suppliers from Scotland and beyond.”
Karina Sudenyte, Co-Founder and CMO of Flawsome! Drinks, said:“We’re very proud that our sustainable drinks are available for Lumo customers and particularly delighted to be supporting this fabulous event in Edinburgh.
“We’ll make sure that the cocktails on offer will not only be delicious, but also crafted from wonky and surplus fruit to prevent food waste.”
Elaine Borland, Owner of Blowin’ Free Gin,said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for a small business like mine.
“The Lumo team have been hugely supportive, and I can’t wait to see our gin showcased at one of Scotland’s biggest celebrations.”
Jordan Rutherford, Spirit Sales Manager at Ad Gefrin,commented: “To be part of Edinburgh Cocktail Week is unbelievable for us.
“We’re Northumberland’s first legal whisky distillery in over 200 years, and working with Lumo gives us a fantastic platform to share our story.”
With guilt-free cocktails and guilt-free travel, Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 proves that the best journeys and the best experiences can go hand in hand with protecting the planet.
Lumo is also proud to announce that it’s the prestigious sponsor of the Net Zero Champion Award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, which take place in February 2026.
The Capital’s finest pubs, bars and hospitality stars were celebrated last night (Monday, 22 September 2025) at the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, where the winners of the 2025 Edinburgh Bar Awards were revealed in front of a packed house of 300 at The Biscuit Factory.
The awards, voted on by the public and Edinburgh’s bar community, recognised the very best of the Capital’s world-class drinks scene, across 11 categories from cocktail creativity to pub culture, rising talent, and the people making it all happen behind the stick.
Top cocktail bar, Panda & Sons, were the night’s big winner, scooping Best Bar sponsored by Schweppes and Best Bar Team sponsored by Monkey Shoulder.
Leith-based Nauticus took home Best Pub, while Uno Mas was crowned Best Late Night Venue. Neighbourhood favourite, Old Pal, picked up the top prize in the Best Restaurant Bar category, with team member Freya Kemp named Rising Star.
The Legend Award, recognising outstanding contribution to Scotland’s hospitality scene, was presented to Siân Buchan by Backs! Hospitality.
Speaking about the winners, David Smillie, co-founder of Backs! Hospitality and organiser of the Edinburgh Bar Awards and Bartenders’ Ball, said: “Last night was incredible, congratulations to all our winners, finalists and everyone who came out to celebrate the Capital’s licensed trade.
“From iconic venues to rising stars, the winners represent the best of the best, the people and places that make this scene truly world-class.”
The second Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball brought together over 300 of the city’s hospitality community for a night of complimentary drinks, food, and entertainment, celebrating a city that continues to set the standard for hospitality on the global stage.
2025 Edinburgh Bar Awards Winners
Best Bar (sponsored by Schweppes)
Winner – Panda & Sons Highly Commended – Hey Palu
Best Pub Winner – Nauticus Highly Commended – The Mother Superior
Best Restaurant Bar (sponsored by Liberty Wines) Winner – Old Pal Highly Commended – Little Capo
Best Bar Team (sponsored by Monkey Shoulder) Winner – Panda & Sons Highly Commended – The Cocktail Geeks
Best Late Night Venue (sponsored by Red Bull) Winner – Uno Mas Highly Commended – Nightcap
Unsung Hero (sponsored by Jubel) Winner – Cam Chittleborough Highly Commended – Sam Baxendale
Rising Star (sponsored by Bacardi) Winner – Freya Kemp – Old Pal Highly Commended – Emily Weston – The Cocktail Geeks
Best Shake (sponsored by Royal Mile Trade) Winner – Logan Pope Highly Commended – Saul Lavelle
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.
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.
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2025
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.
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2025
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.
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
