Tag: hotels

Former Macdonald Holyrood Hotel relaunches as Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood after £10M refurbishment

The former established Holyrood Hotel has relaunched today as Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, marking the completion of an extensive £10m refurbishment. 

The hotel, which has been a long-standing fixture in Edinburgh’s historic old town as a Macdonald Hotels’ property, has been seamlessly integrated into Marriott’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, the hotel, under new ownership, has been brought up to Marriott Hotel standards with an extensive refurbishment. Marriott’s signature style is found throughout all facets of the property and guests can now enjoy an enriched experience with modern, inviting spaces. 

With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality and the new look Holyrood property is synonymous with Marriott’s commitment to delivering enriching experiences, modern design, heartfelt service and timeless hospitality. 

The guest journey begins with a heartfelt welcome into the new Greatroom lobby, known as the pulse of every Marriott Hotel. With space to connect, work, or unwind, this is a key feature of the refurbishment, a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle space, bar, dining area and welcoming lobby.

Perfect for guests and local residents alike to catch up over coffee or cocktails or dine from a carefully curated, locally sourced lunch and dinner menu as well as grazing and sharing platters. Afternoon tea is also served in the Greatroom. 

The hotel’s Spa and Fitness Centre, with its 14m-heated pool, infrared Sauna, and fully equipped state-of-the-art gym has also been fully renovated and upgraded for guests and members to enjoy. 

The 160 sophisticated and inviting guest bedrooms include Junior Suites, Deluxe and King Rooms with sleek wooden floors, and drench walk-in showers amongst other facilities. All rooms boast spacious en-suites, comfortable beds, cosy armchairs and 55-inch wall mounted flat screen TVs as standard.  

The city’s vibrant arts scene is reflected in the art on display and carpet designs throughout; inspired by the late Scottish artist, Edinburgh-born Sir Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi CBE RA, known for his sculpture and graphic work and widely considered to be one of the pioneers of pop art.  

The local influence combines with Marriott’s modern design aesthetics, with interiors based on a cool neutral palette featuring intricate multidimensional patterns and layered textures of natural materials such as marble, sand, onyx and water with rich patterns, an intriguing design tension that provides visual interest and invites reflection.  

Media and event spaces have been redesigned and fully equipped to offer excellent new meeting facilities in the city.  Marriott’s renowned M Club Lounge also adds a new dimension to the hotel and is designed to recognise and reward Marriott Bonvoy’s Elite members.

Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite status members are able to enjoy 24/7 complimentary access to a private and exclusive space for every stay. Located on the first floor, the space is light and modern with an air of relaxed formality designed to facilitate productivity, relaxation and creativity. 

Michael Falla, General Manager of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, commented:  “The relaunch of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is an exciting development for the City and the Marriott brand.

“It is incredible to see the refurbishment nearing completion; bringing the aesthetic of the property and quality of service up to Marriott standards is testament to the hotel team’s hard work and commitment to take the Hotel on the next stage of its journey.

“Edinburgh is such a vibrant city bursting with history and culture, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new and returning guests to enjoy an elevated and enriched Marriott experience with all that the city has to offer.” 

Enjoying a prime location in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is situated directly opposite the Scottish Parliament building, Dynamic Earth and Royal Holyroodhouse, the official residency of the monarchy in Scotland.  

Holyrood is not only a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley, it’s minutes from the historic Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park so the ideal place to enjoy all that the City has to offer from its world-class visitor attractions to great shopping, walking and cycling routes in and around Edinburgh. 

Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International.

The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

To enroll for free or for more information about the programme, visit:

marriottbonvoy.com. 

Standard rooms at Marriott Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood start from £209. The Holyrood Spa & Leisure membership is priced from £35.00 pp per month. 

For more information visit  www.marriott.com/edimh

Kimpton Charlotte Square celebrates Earth Day with Plant Pal programme

Kimpton Charlotte Square is honouring the annual World Earth Day (22 April) with a new ‘Plant Pals’ initiative. 

The five-star hotel will offer locally sourced plants for guests to enjoy in-room upon request. The complimentary offering is available for all guests and can be arranged at any point prior or during the stay, simply book via the website or request from the front of house team at the hotel.

With the plants named after Scottish philanthropist, Mary Erskpine (Erskine) and one of the first women to graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Flora Philip, guests are invited to immerse in nature and bask in the atmosphere of female empowerment.

What’s more, for every Plant Pal request at the hotel, Kimpton Charlotte Square will in return plant a tree on behalf of the guest through its rewilding charity partner, Trees for Life – as part of its commitment to protect nature against climate change.

Studies have shown that plants have the ability to boost your mood and increase productivity, so this is the perfect in-room addition for those celebrating a special occasion, visiting for work, or touring the city. 

Kimpton Charlotte Square also invites non-hotel guests to try remote working in The Garden, an indoor courtyard space, where they can feel a sense of calm among the greenery and natural light as they utilise the space for a ‘WFH’ day.

Plant Pals joins a host of other thoughtful programs and wellness perks at Kimpton Charlotte Square, including yoga mats available in every room and complimentary Kimpton bikes to explore the city. Guests can also relax and recharge in the hotel’s luxurious spa.

Guests looking for the ultimate relaxing spring escape can enjoy the hotel’s All You Can Suite package, which includes an eclectic dining experience at the hotel’s destination restaurant, BABA, and a night stay in a signature suites, alongside complimentary bath salts & invigorating body oil from Scottish skincare brand, Ishga.

To book Plant Pals or add it to the All You Can Suite package, visit kimptoncharlottesquare.com. Standard Double rooms start from £220.

Find out more: https://www.kimptoncharlottesquare.com/plant-pals

City hotel checks in on climate action

Guests invest in good causes with every stay at Ten Hill Place

GUESTS at a forward-thinking Scottish hotel will have the chance to make a meaningful contribution towards improving the environment, simply by forgoing housekeeping visits mid-stay.

Ten Hill Place Hotel in Edinburgh will contribute towards ecological initiatives every time a guest opts out of room cleaning during a two-or-more night stay.

Contributions made by the hotel, which is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, when guests abstain from housekeeping will offset half a tonne of CO₂e a night.


The new collaboration with Ecologi has already resulted in 100 tonnes of CO₂e offset through a verified carbon avoidance project in Thailand, generating electricity from wind. 100 tonnes of CO₂e is roughly equivalent to 55 round-trip flights from London to New York.

The next project set to receive support will be a small-scale onshore wind power project in Sri Lanka – with projects set to change every four months.

The new initiative follows a major carbon audit on every aspect of the hotel’s operations by Carbon Futures Ltd and Business Energy Scotland which has already resulted in rolling out daylight sensors and set the plans for plant equipment upgrades that would help the Old Town hotel introduce its own energy sources. 

Mark McKenzie, General Manager at Surgeons Quarter which operates the 129-bedroom hotel, said: “It’s very important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment and ensure this is at the heart of all of our operations – while also actively encouraging guests to minimise their effects on the environment. 

“Ten Hill Place Hotel is a good choice for conscious consumers as we are committed to doing our bit for the planet. With more and more people looking to live a greener life at home –it makes sense to stay at a hotel with similar ambitions.

“However, we’re still mindful of the effects that travel and the tourism industry have on our planet which has been reflected into how we fulfil all our green commitments and continue the highest standards possible.”

A doorhanger has been designed for all guest rooms explaining the initiative with a QR code linking to the venue’s Ecologi profile so guests can learn about the various projects supported to date.

Linda Adams, Head of Partnerships at Ecologi, said: “When businesses put sustainability in their plans, the list of wins really does go on and on. It is great to be working with Surgeons Quarter and see organisations stepping up and taking climate action to make a positive difference.” 

The venue’s commitment to sustainability has been ongoing for many years. In 2019 the hotel joined a Scottish Water campaign and removed single use bottles of water in the 129 bedrooms to reduce plastic waste. This has already saved around 80,000 plastic bottles  and £22k per year.

Six electric EV points are available for use by guests staying at Ten Hill Place, with more than £20,000 invested into the Garo charging ports with an ambition that the Hill Place hotel car park will, in the near future, only be accessible to electric vehicles. 

Surgeons Quarter Brand ambassador, Sandra Carruthers, added: “Working in partnership with Ecologi has enabled us to identify creative ways to be more sustainable while positively influencing and adhering to legislation at local and national levels.”

The 129-bedroom hotel is operated by Surgeons Quarter– the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – with profits put back into advancing surgical standards and improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Surgeons Quarter has also retained Gold Green Tourism Award since 2008 for the efforts to minimise its impact on the planet.

Surgeons Quarter’s Ecologi profile can be found here:  https://ecologi.com/surgeonsquarter

For more information on how the organisation is operating sustainably please visit:

https://www.tenhillplace.com/media/1965/sustainability-policy-2022-july-6.pdf

Finalists revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022

Bumper year for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 as more than 3500 people have had their say in naming Scotland’s most loved pubs, with thousands of votes cast online over the last few months. 

Now in their 27th year, The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards – dubbed the hospitality Oscars, celebrate Scotland’s licensed trade and shine a spotlight on all aspects of the hospitality industry, featuring standout pubs up and down the country in more than 24 categories.

These include Antos Dog Friendly Pub of The Year; Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue; The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year and Kopparberg New Bar of the Year.

Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed including Glasgow’s stylish Moskito and the eclectic Bourbon in Edinburgh for the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue. 

Seeking out the nation’s most creative drinks, trailblazing whisky and cocktail bar, The Gate, and the adventurous Absent Ear are up for the Busker Cocktail bar, alongside the Cocktail Mafia in Edinburgh and Lido in Troon. 

The inaugural Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year will see Broughty Ferry’s The Fort, Dundee’s Jute Café bar, Inverness-based Scotch & Rye and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café battle it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bar. 

Independent Operators are the driving force for hospitality. Up for the DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year award for 2022 are Buzzworks Holdings in Ayrshire which has an award-winning portfolio of bars and restaurants in Scotland including Vic’s & The Vine, Scotts, The Mill House, Lido, The Duke and The Bridge Inn to name a few.

Also in the running are Bread Meats Bread, which has six eponymous venues serving up award-winning burgers and cocktails, and the Bruce group, which focus on drinks-led retailing with an inherent added value experience in Edinburgh and Fife. Their multi-venue portfolio includes Stramash, The Mash House, Opium, Dusk and the Royal Mile Tavern. 

Scotland’s longest-running licensed trade awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community-led initiatives and give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy. 

Every finalist has been voted for by the public and people in the trade and will have been visited by mystery shoppers. Winners will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree Glasgow Central, in Glasgow.

Organiser, Susan Young said: “The votes are in and verified and the time is nearly here to celebrate the best of the best at The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.

“The licensed trade needs our support more than ever and Scottish hospitality has never been better. Congratulations to all the finalists – your recognition is very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies at this year’s awards.”

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 will announce all category winners at a glitzy award ceremony on August 30th, where guests will also be able to enjoy entertainment from Abba MANIA. 

For more information, head to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com   or to book a ticket for the event, email accounts@mediaworldltd.com 

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 finalists. *Note that the awards are alphabetical and in no particular order. 

CategoryFinalist
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearBlack Ivy, Edinburgh
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearThe Forth Inn, Aberfoyle
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearInndeep, Glasgow
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearThe White Stag, Callander
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the YearBrewhemia, Edinburgh
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Coach House, Bridge of Weir
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Fox & Willow, Ayr
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardThe Huxley, Edinburgh
Aro Procurement Customer Service AwardLittle Soho, Jordanhill
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Albananch, Edinburgh
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearArtisan, Wishaw
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Malt Room, Inverness
Benromach Whisky Bar of the YearThe Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
Deanston Guru of the YearGillian Kirkland /The Piper’s Whisky Bar
Deanston Guru of the YearDerek Mather/Artisan
Deanston Guru of the YearMatt McPherson/ The Malt Room
Deanston Guru of the YearAlastair Shaw/The Gate
Deanston Guru of the YearSimon Smith/ Whisky & Cynicism
DRAM Community PubClippens Inn, Linwood
DRAM Community PubGranny Gibbs, Whiteinch
DRAM Community PubSilver Wing, Edinburgh
DRAM Community PubThe Weston Tavern, Kilmaurs
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueBox Bar & Club, Glasgow
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueHarley’s, Ayr
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueMacSorley’s, Glasgow
Hi Spirits Best Live Music VenueSt Luke’s & The Winged Ox, Glasgow

HOSPO Manager of the year		Nicola Armstrong – Macgochans, Mull
HOSPO Manager of the yearMatt Colligan – Bier Hall
HOSPO Manager of the yearLee Little – Lido, Troon
HOSPO Manager of the yearConnor  Smith – Hamilton Palace, Hamilton
HOSPO Manager of the yearKeir Beckwith, Gaucho

Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year		The Dome, Edinburgh 
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearGa Ga Kitchen & Bar, Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearKyloe, Edinburgh 
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearRalph & Finns , Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the YearThe Ubiquitous Chip , Glasgow
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearThe Albyn, Aberdeen
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearThe Fox, Troon
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearGiddy Goose, Perth
Kopparberg New Bar of the YearJimmy Badgers, Inverness
Molinari Casual Dining AwardAllegria Eatery, Largs
Molinari Casual Dining AwardCaffe Parma, Glasgow
Molinari Casual Dining AwardBoar’s Head, Auchtermuchty
Molinari Casual Dining AwardMediterraneo, Glasgow
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearThe Fort, Broughty Ferry 
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearJute Cafe Bar, Dundee
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearScotch & Rye, Inverness
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the YearKelvingrove Café, Glasgow
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year18, Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearThe American Bar, Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearVirgin Hotels, The Commons Club, Edinburgh
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the YearThe Lounge Bar, Fonab Castle, Pitlochry
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueBourbon, Edinburgh
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueCharlie’s Loft, Glasgow
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueMoskito, Glasgow
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue Pernod Ricard Best Late Night VenueNox, AberdeenWhy Not Nightclub Edinburgh
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Contini’s Scottish Restaurant, Edinburgh
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Eusebi, Glasgow
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…Gaucho, Glasgow
Stoli Sustainability Award – Heather Suttie…SWG3, Glasgow 
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Absent Ear, Glasgow
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Cocktail Mafia, Edinburgh
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Gate, Glasgow
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the YearThe Lido, Troon
Independent Operator of the Year                              Bread Meets Bread (BMB), Glasgow
Independent Operator of the YearThe Bruce Group, Edinburgh
Independent Operator of the YearBuzzworks, Ayrshire
Independent Operator of the YearScoop Restaurants
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARHabbies, Kilbarchan
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Palais, Glasgow
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Station Bar, Glasgow
SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEARThe Waverley, Wishaw 

On the night there will be various other awards including an

Award for SuccessThe Lifetime Achievement AwardAnd an Inspirational Woman Award

Follow online:

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

Cash boost for millions of workers as government backs new law to ensure all staff keep their tips

UK Government backs new reforms making it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff

  • New legislation to make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff
  • it means customers will know for certain that all tips will go to hard-working employees, who will take home more money
  • the Tipping Bill will benefit more than 2 million workers and, for the first time, will give them the right to see an employer’s tipping record

Millions of UK workers will be able take home more of their hard-earned cash under new legislation, backed by the government yesterday, banning employers from withholding tips from their staff.

Despite most hospitality workers – many of whom are earning the National Minimum Wage – relying on tips to top up their pay, there are still sadly too many businesses who shamefully fail to pass on service charges from customers to their staff.

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill, introduced by Dean Russell MP and backed by the government, will ensure that all tips go to staff by making it unlawful for businesses to hold back well-earned service charges from their employees.

This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors – who tend to reply on tips the most – and will help to ease pressures caused by global inflation and an increase to the cost of living.

Business Minister Jane Hunt said: “At a time when people are feeling the squeeze with rising costs, it is simply not right that employers are withholding tips from their hard-working employees.

“Whether you are pulling pints or greeting guests, today’s reforms will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it.

“I particularly want to tip my hat to the work of Dean Russell MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality.”

Through the Bill, a new statutory Code of Practice will be developed to provide businesses and staff with advice on how tips should be distributed. On top of this, workers will receive a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping record, enabling them to bring forward a credible claim to an employment tribunal.

Dean Russell, Conservative MP for Watford, said: “I am delighted that my Tips Bill has passed second reading in Parliament. It is fantastic that we are on track to securing a fair deal for millions of people working in hospitality across the country.

“It has always felt wrong that some employers have retained tips intended for their staff. This new legislation will halt this practice, particularly given the current challenges around the cost of living. I would like to thank all of the businesses and stakeholders that have got in touch to voice their support.”

The move towards a cashless society has exacerbated the problem of companies keeping card tip payments for themselves, and today’s measures, once in law, will ban that practice.

UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, said: “Tips and service charges provide a significant and welcome boost to hospitality employees’ take-home cash. So we’re delighted to see this proposed legislation recommend that employers can set a fair distribution policy for staff, meaning they all benefit.

“This should also reassure prospective hospitality sector workers at a time when the industry is seeking to fill vacancies.”

The reforms follow a range of UK Government action to support people with the cost of living and help those on lower incomes keep more of what they earn.

Most notably, earlier this year the government increased the National Living Wage to £9.50 per hour – equivalent to an extra £1,000 a year for a full-time worker – with a full campaign which encouraged workers to check their pay.

In addition, the government recently announced a widening of the ban on exclusivity clauses, giving the lowest paid workers flexibility to top up their pay and work multiple jobs if they wish.

The government helpfully adds: ‘reforms come at a time when there are more employees on payrolls than ever before – and unemployment has reached an all-time low’.

Last Orders! Nominate your favourite in Scottish Bar & Pub Awards

Does your favourite bar go above and beyond for the community? Does it have a gin-credible drinks selection? Or has it shaken up an innovative cocktail? Well, you only have until the end of TODAY to share their successes and help crown them top of the Scots. 

It is your last chance to enter Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards – dubbed the ‘hospitality Oscars’ – the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.

Back bigger and better this year, the prestigious annual event is looking for establishments from John O’Groats to the Mull of Galloway who deserve to be recognised for their offerings.  

Have you been wowed by the views from a special rooftop bar? Has a brand-new chic lounge caressed your tastebuds with a cocktail offering? Or have the charming surroundings of your local welcomed both you and your pooch through the door? Well now is your chance to shout about it!

At the 27th annual event, category sponsors are looking to hear from staff, customers and community members who would like to see their much-loved establishment take home a coveted accolade across one of the nineteen specialised categories.

Nominations are open until 30 June and establishments have the chance to be shortlisted for recognition as Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, the Molinari Casual Dining Award or the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue. 

Stolichnaya are on the hunt for a bar, restaurant or hotel that operates with a sustainable business model – from recycled bottles to reducing plastic waste. If that is you, they want to hear from you.

Meanwhile, Hungrrr are looking for an establishment that is forward-thinking and has embraced technology to keep their business driving forward.

Antos are also looking to find the best Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, The Busker is seeking out the Innovative Cocktail Bar of the Year and Hi-Spirits want to find the Best Live Music Venue.

The prestigious awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community-minded establishments and overall give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy. 

New for 2022, The Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the year award will look to recognise operators that offer something special for their locals or are full of exceptional teams that make the industry so vibrant and fresh. 

Organiser, Susan Young said: “Scotland has the best people and our awards are here to commend those charismatic individuals and their incredible venues that make up Scotland’s unparalleled hospitality landscape.  But they need your help to vote for them. Reward the efforts of your favourite pub or bar and vote now on The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards website.”

To enter your local bar into this year’s awards, simply vote online to cast your nomination. Every vote counts as the ten competitors with the most votes from each category will receive a visit from ‘mystery shoppers’ before the finalists are revealed.

Following a judging process, the winners will then be announced at a glittering award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central.

Nominations are now open across Scotland for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022. Voting closes on the 30th June 2022. 

For more information, head to https://scottishbarandpubawards.com

Follow online:

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

CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA

Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year 

Obviously a pub that welcomes dogs… with great facilities and perhaps even treats for their four-legged customers. 

ARO Procurement Customer Service Award
Judges will be looking for a pub, restaurant or hotel which fully embraces the customer service ethos.

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Gordon & MacPhail, one of Scotland’s premiere whisky companies, is looking for a whisky bar that excels and has a great range.

Buzzworks and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Buzzworks and Montpeliers, two of Scotland’s premiere hospitality businesses, are seeking an up and coming entrepreneur. The prize is a year’s mentoring…

Deanston Whisky Guru of the Year
This category is for people who not only have a great knowledge of whisky.

DRAM Community Pub of the Year
Judges here will be looking for a special pub, which is not only part of the community but supports it too.

DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year
The DRAM is on the look-out for Scotland’s top Independent Pub Group.

Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue 2022
Live music is very much part of a vibrant night life, aand judes are looking for Scotland’s best.

Hungrrr Technology Adopter of The Year
Hospitality operators that embrace technology to keep their business on track and driving them forward.

Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year
A memorable meal in a memorable restaurant – where have you been that has impressed?

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
Is there a great new bar near you that deserves an award?  

Molinari Casual Dining Award 2022
Recongised relaxed atmosphere venues that  serve good value quality food.

Molson Coors Scottish Bar Of The Year
This inaugural award is seeking out Scotland’s best bars that have been around for more than a year.

Old Tom Gin 1821 Hotel Bar of the Year
Do you have a hotel that you love to go to relax and enjoy the great outdoors that also has a great bar?

Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue
Pernod Ricard, the brand owners with Havana Club, Beefeater, and Chivas in its portfolio, is looking for a late night venue that exemplifies what is good and great about late night socialising.

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
This year the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year Award will go to the most voted for pub in Scotland at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

Stolichnaya Award for Sustainability

This award is aimed at bars, restaurants or hotels that operate with an effective and sustainability agenda, from reducing plastic waste to conserving energy – it all matters. 

The Busker Innovative Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Busker is an innovative ‘new to the world’ Irish Whiskey which is seeking out Scotland’s most innovative Cocktail Bar. It is looking for a bar which marries traditions with a contemporary look and which empowers bartenders to go beyond their limitations and create flavour-curious (great) cocktails.

William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice of the Year 2022
The Bar Apprentice is back for with a bespoke programme for this year’s apprentices – an experience you can’t buy!

Rebrand for Edinburgh First

The University of Edinburgh’s first-class hospitality and events portfolio, previously known as Edinburgh First, has ‘transitioned to a new identity closely aligned to the strong, globally recognised University brand’. 

The rebrand includes the relaunch of the brand’s enviable accommodation offering. The new Hospitality and Events Collection now includes The Scott Hotel, a boutique hotel with 36 stunning suites and spacious bedrooms, perfectly positioned to appeal to those business and leisure travellers who are looking for a five star luxury experience.

The hotels rebrand also includes KM Hotel & Apartments in Edinburgh’s old town, a mix of stylish, modern bedrooms and apartments and, finally, The Scholar Hotel, located in the beautiful grounds of the Pollock estate. This hotel now has a contemporary bar and restaurant, as well as rooms that have been designed to ensure maximum comfort and the best possible night’s sleep.   

The conference and events portfolio has always been a core part of The University of Edinburgh’s Hospitality and Events Collection, and the rebrand will further strengthen this connection to the University.

The University’s conference venues have always helped to attract global conferences and events with large delegate cohorts to the City of Edinburgh, and the team will work closely with academics and researchers to ensure that this grows even further. 

The rebrand represents the growth of the University of Edinburgh’s commercial arm and further positions The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection as a major player in the hospitality and business tourism industry.  

Carina Svensen, Director, Accommodation, Catering and Events at The University of Edinburgh said: “The rebrand has been years in the making and our expert team has spent a lot of time analysing the market and exploring changing customer demands. Our transition has been expertly executed at every level to reflect the new hospitality, conference, and events landscape.  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests old and new into our hotels, apartments, and unique event spaces.” 

For more information, please visit: www.uoecollection.com

Edinburgh aparthotel Native giving away 222 free rooms across 2022

Native giving away 222 free rooms across 2022

Native Places – a leading UK lifestyle aparthotel brand providing stylish, spacious, and original accommodation in exciting neighbourhoods across the UK – has announced details of a year-long room giveaway in addition to 20% off room discounts and 50% off food.

Launching tomorrow (Tuesday, 22nd February) lucky Edinburgh locals can get their hands on a host of prizes as Native is giving away 22 rooms in February with more free rooms up for grabs throughout the year to celebrate momentous occasions like the Queen’s Jubilee in May when 70 free rooms will be on offer to commemorate the 70th anniversary.

The 22/2/2022 promotion will reward those ‘becoming a Native’ by signing up for the special offer on its website. Quirky games will unlock the prizes and discounts, valid on stays at all the Native aparthotels in the UK and on dining at Native Manchester.

There are six Native aparthotels throughout the UK, in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.  Breathing new life into the restoration and refurbishment of historic city centre buildings, aparthotels are housed within converted tea warehouses, historical estate buildings and the former home of the Anchor Line shipping company, complete with original 1906 features. 

For more information on Native Places and the 22/2/2022 promotion visit:

https://www.nativeplaces.com/benative/ 

Hotel bookings surge brings back optimism at Surgeons Quarter

A CHARITABLE hotel and events business tied to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) is rebounding, with strong occupancy at its hotel and forward projections well above expectations.

Surgeons Quarter, which operates the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, will host more than 2000 guests in May, including a range of surgical students sitting vital in-person exams.

It meant that throughout the month, occupancy exceeded 40%, which was 10% above the base level for the city according to data from Smith Travel Research [STR], the world leaders in data intelligence for the sector.

Data from STR also highlights that upcoming bookings at the 129-room Old Town hotel is more than 7% above the average of its 10 closest competitors, as it looks to recapture market share as the sector emerges from lockdown.

surgeons quarter headshot photography

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter, said: “We’re confident that we can emerge from the past 15 months in a very strong position. The number of bookings is very heartening and a good 25% above what we were anticipating given all the uncertainty.

“We’re already expecting close to 50% occupancy for June. While we’d expect more than 75% in a normal year, we appreciate that everything has changed – and we’re delighted to be operating at this level. It’s a credit to our team.

“Guests are responding very positively to the expertise of our team, many of whom served NHS workers throughout much of the first lockdown gaining extensive experience of operating in the current climate.”

At the outset of the pandemic Surgeons Quarter hosted more than 500 clinical and frontline workers, providing 2137 free room nights to staff working at nearby hospitals.

As well as the award-winning hotel, Surgeons Quarter typically operates one of the city’s busiest events and conference programmes, making use of the RCSEd’s impressive collection of buildings while they are not in medical use.

It is now advancing “blended” technologies, hosting the UK hub of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons annual scientific conference – featuring a mix of in-person and live streamed features and Q&As with Professor Jason Leitch and RCSEd President, Professor Michael Griffin.

It also opened a new outdoor venue, Drinks and Dining Al Fresco, with a vast clear roofed marquee enabling guests to enjoy food and drinks in a safe and socially distanced environment.

All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.

Handiscover: 2 in 3 disabled people in Scotland say hotels do not meet accessibility needs


New European-wide research by Handiscover indicates that almost two thirds (62%) of disabled people in Scotland say that Hotels in which they have stayed have not met their accessibility needs.

Handiscover, a leading accessibility and disability data organisation, is now calling on the Hotel industry to prepare for a travel restart post-Covid adapted to all travellers, by improving their accessibility or accessibility information, something which is much needed, according to the survey.

Moreover, over half (52%) of those surveyed said that they did not have all accessibility information before they visited.

It’s thought that more than 14 million people in the UK live with a long term illness or disability requiring specific accessibility needs, highlighting the importance of this research for the hotel and hospitality industry.

Handiscover believes that if accessibility, accessibility information and greater training was in place across the travel industry, the EU economy could benefit by up to 25% against current level – that’s almost 196 Billion Euros.

To help businesses, Handiscover has now developed and released an industry leading ‘Accessibility Standard’ for Hotels which it provides free of charge to help hotels start working on their accessibility on their own.

Businesses needing help to improve accessibility can sign up for Handiscover’s Accessibility Management Program. The program includes accessibility data management and assessment, marketing expertise to help communicate accessibility to customers, and Accessibility & Disability Education to help the hotel industry recover in a post COVID world.

Magnus Berglund, Accessibility Director at Handiscover. said: “Improving accessibility in the hotel industry is not just a ‘nice’ thing to do, it is the ‘right’ thing to do and can generate huge increases in revenue for properties!

“The Handiscover Accessibility Management Program exists to help hotels, and other businesses, work with and improve accessibility in an easy way to the benefit of the day-to-day lives of millions of people who live with a disability.”

Sebastien Archambeaud CEO Handiscover added: “Ever since we launched Handiscover, our aim has simply been to use accessibility data to make booking accommodation easier for those with disabilities.

“We now want to take the knowledge and experience we have working with those with accessibility needs and help hotels and accommodation providers improve accessibility and knowledge.

“We want to let businesses know that improving accessibility is not a cost burden, but a means to actually improve business by catering to more customers”.

The research from Handiscover.com also revealed that 58% of the disabled population who required assistance say that staff at Hotels were not as knowledgeable about accessibility needs as they could have been – thus demonstrating the importance of accessibility training and education among staff, not just at hotels, but across industries.