Tag: hospitality

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

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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 2nd 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. 

Eat Out Edinburgh announces 2025 venue lineup and exclusive supper clubs

Special offers revealed for over 50 city-centre restaurants, cafes and bars taking part in the festival

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Eat Out Edinburgh, the highly anticipated city-centre restaurant festival run by Essential Edinburgh, today reveals the full list of incredible dining offers running throughout March.

This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of over 50 top restaurants, cafes and bars, featuring exclusive deals, curated set menus, and the introduction of a brand-new supper club series as a first for this year’s festival.

Diners can now explore the special offers live online at www.eatoutedinburgh.com, with deals from some of Edinburgh’s best-loved venues from Princes Street and Charlotte Square to St James Quarter – all designed to showcase the city centre’s vibrant hospitality scene.

With a wave of exciting new restaurant openings in the capital, this year’s Eat Out Edinburgh welcomes several first-time participants, bringing fresh flavours and experiences to the festival, including:

  • Dishoom: Enjoy a special Bombay-inspired menu for £29 per person, including dishes like Tandoori Chaat, Goan Monkfish Curry, and Makhmali Paneer.
  • Roxy Lanes: Perfect for a midweek catch-up, offering 20% off food Sunday through Thursday – grab a bite and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
  • The Botanist: Whether you’re in the mood for two courses (£20) or three (£25), The Botanist offers an incredible deal Monday to Thursday throughout March.
  • Manahatta: Bringing the big city buzz to Edinburgh, the NYC inspired venue is offering two courses for £15 or three for £20, valid Monday – Friday throughout March.
  • The Court: In the heart of The Caledonian Edinburgh, discover a seasonally-inspired selection of dishes with a delicious three course lunch menu, showcasing the best of local, Scottish produce for just £29.
  • SUSHISAMBA: The Samba Express menu brings together the bold and vibrant flavours of Japan, Brazil, and Peru for an unforgettable dining journey, offering two courses for just £25 or three courses for £30.
  • Le Petit Beefbar: Offering Eat Out Edinburgh diners an exclusive 20% off, a set-lunch menu is available Monday to Thursday featuring everything from their famous rock corn to the classic steak frites. Now we’re offering Eat Out Edinburgh guests an exclusive 20% off.

Returning favourites such as Chaophraya, Lady Libertine, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, Duck & Waffle, and BABA among many others have also unveiled exclusive menus and special offers available to book now, ensuring there’s something for every taste, budget and occasion throughout the month.

This year introduces a new highlight: a series of intimate supper clubs bookending the festival offering food lovers a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive dining experiences in a social setting, hosted by hot-ticket venues Hawksmoor and Dean Banks at the Pompadour.

Kickstarting the festival on the 6th of March, Hawksmoor Edinburgh will host a special evening celebrating British seasonal produce, featuring a three-course sharing menu with wine, set within the stunning McLellan Room.

Guests will be welcomed with a Portobello Road Gin cocktail before indulging in a showcase of the Hawksmoor classics served family style – including a selection of their signature prime meats – and walk away with a box of the restaurant’s ‘Tributes’ salted caramel chocolates, as a sweet reminder of the evening. Tickets are available to book now at just £75 per person.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Bringing the festival to a spectacular close, Dean Banks at The Pompadour will offer their own supper club with an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu on 27th March, available at an incredible 50% discount for just £65 per person.

Hosted in the venue’s stunning private room within the Caledonian Edinburgh, Chef Banks himself will walk guests through each course, celebrating Scotland’s best produce of the season.

Tickets are available to book now. Guests are encouraged to book their spot for both events soon through the Eat Out Edinburgh website, as spots are limited to these exclusive evenings.

Following the success of Eat Out Edinburgh 2024, which saw a 9.2% increase in hospitality sales and over 18,700 bookings for city centre venues, this year’s campaign is set to be even bigger. The initiative encourages locals, visitors, and city centre workers to explore and support Edinburgh’s dynamic food and drink scene.

Copyright – Grant Anderson / www.grantanderson.me / @grantandersondotme

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at Essential Edinburgh, said: “With so many exciting new venues opening in the city centre, this year’s Eat Out Edinburgh is set to be our most diverse and engaging yet.

“The addition of supper clubs will bring a whole new level of exclusivity and experience for diners. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite spot or revisiting a beloved classic, March is the perfect time to celebrate Edinburgh’s incredible hospitality scene.”

A full list of participating venues and offers is available at

www.eatoutedinburgh.com,

where diners can browse menus and book experiences.

Edinburgh brewery raises funds for Motor Neurone Disease

Brewing Legacy: How Cold Town Beer is honouring Doddie Weir with the support of APC Edinburgh and The APC Network

When Cold Town Beer was founded in Edinburgh in 2017, its vision was to combine tradition and innovation, crafting small-batch artisan beers that honour Scotland’s rich brewing heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern brewing.

Named after Edinburgh’s Calton Hill – historically known as “Caltoun” or “Cold Town” – this brewery quickly became a local favourite, celebrated for its commitment to quality, sustainability and community.

Today, Cold Town Beer continues to create a meaningful impact, not only with its craft beer but also through initiatives such as Doddie Beir.

Honouring Doddie Weir with Doddie Beir

Doddie Beir is more than just a limited-edition lager. It’s a tribute to George Wilson “Doddie Weir” OBE, the rugby legend, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. With its smooth and crisp flavour, Doddie Beir aims to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, which he founded in 2017 to advance MND research and provide support to individuals affected by the disease.

Every pint of Doddie Beir sold supports the foundation, helping to fund vital research into finding a cure for MND. Since its launch in 2020, Doddie Beir has enabled Cold Town Beer to donate over £15,000 to the foundation, with a commitment to contribute at least £11,000 more over the next two years.

A beer made with Doddie’s touch

“Doddie Beir is deeply personal to us,” explains Louise Maclean, Business Development Director at Signature Pub Group Ltd. “It was born out of a close friendship with Doddie and Nic Wood, owner of Signature Pub Group Ltd. We wanted to create a beer that felt true to him- light-hearted, fun and well-loved, just like Doddie himself.”

Doddie was actively involved in the beer’s development, ensuring it reflected his personal taste. “In 2019, we had the privilege of brewing this lager with Doddie himself. He wanted a beer that was less sweet, a little more bitter and crisp like a classic Pilsner,” Louise adds. “His fingerprints are all over Doddie Beir, and we’re proud to share it with rugby fans everywhere.”

Partnering with APC Edinburgh for seamless deliveries

In 2020, Cold Town Beer partnered with APC Edinburgh and The APC network to support the growing business and manage the increasing demand for reliable, secure deliveries of fragile, liquid products. This partnership has also been instrumental in the success of the Doddie Beir project, ensuring the beer is delivered in peak condition across Scotland and beyond. 

“The APC and APC Edinburgh’s local approach and reliable overnight delivery service have been game changers for us,” Ben Wallace, Sales Consultant at Cold Town, shares.

“As a craft brewery rooted in our community, we trust APC Edinburgh to handle our deliveries with care. Their local depot team has been incredibly supportive, ensuring every delivery arrives in perfect condition.”

Looking ahead

With Doddie Beir, Cold Town Beer is ready to make an even greater impact during the Six Nations tournament and beyond. “We’re excited to share this special beer with rugby fans across the UK and to continue supporting the incredible work of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” Louise says.

Ailsa Hamilton, Sales Manager at APC Edinburgh said: “Partnering with Cold Town Beer on this meaningful project has been a privilege.

“We’re proud to support their mission and play a role in their efforts to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It’s inspiring to work alongside a company so committed to making a positive impact and we look forward to continuing this partnership as they grow and achieve even greater things.”

Find out more about Cold Town Beer here: https://coldtownbeer.com/

and APC Edinburgh here: https://www.apcedinburgh.com/