Scotland has lost 350 pubs and bars since 2016 and 650 since 2010 “Unwanted shops” filling the void with nearly 1,900 more barbers, nail salons and other beauty outlets appearing since 2010 New inquiry launched into “repairing Britain’s broken high streets”
For every extra local tobacco and vape shop since 2016, ten pubs have disappeared, new research shows.
The last decade saw Scotland lose 350 pubs and bars, while the number of vape and tobacco shop rose by 35 to 210 in total, according to analysis of official figures by cross-party think tank the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
Analysis of business counts of registered businesses in Scotland showed a 10 per cent rise in the number of barbers, nail salons and other beauty outlets appearing since 2016 – rising to 85 per cent when compared to 2010.
Launching a new Broken High Streets inquiry, the CSJ warns that valued community assets like pubs are being replaced by a wave of “dodgy shops” that do not reflect real consumer demand.
Polling conducted by Ipsos found that almost seven in ten people (68 per cent) say there are too many vape shops on the high street, while 58 per cent say there are too many barber shops, and 50 per cent say there are too many nail bars.
Given the existence of three million estimated unregistered businesses, the true rise of “dodgy shops” is likely to be even higher than the official count. The Local Data Company, which carries out detailed surveys of all retail areas, found 3,573 specialist vape shops in the UK in 2023, 1,393 more than official estimates across the UK as a whole.
Publicans and shopkeepers are under renewed pressure from rate increases, years of high inflation, duty, and VAT. At the same time, legitimate businesses risk being pushed off the high street by businesses operating as fronts for money laundering, illegal working and organised crime.
One recent investigation found that 3,624 shops had illegal goods seized from them in 2024-25, with HMRC and Border Force seizing 1.2 billion illegal cigarettes in the same period.
In October last year, the National Crime Agency destroyed over £2.7 million of criminal tobacco, vapes and drugs being sold off the high street.
The illicit tobacco trade is estimated to cost taxpayers £1.8 billion, nine times the amount the UK government has invested in neighbourhood policing, worth the equivalent of recruiting over 26,000 new police officers to make our high streets safer.
Connor Naismith MP, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: “Dodgy vape shops, mini-marts and fake barbers are a front for exploitation and organised crime, pushing people out of our high streets and making a mockery of the law.
“Stronger powers for trading standards to shut down these criminal enterprises are urgently needed and are vital for any successful policy aimed at renewing our high streets and town centres.”
Naismith made his remarks as the CSJ launches a call for evidence to “repair Britain’s broken high streets”, warning that social breakdown across town and city centres is undermining the pillars of community life.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2033536529742627001
The think tank has also created an interactive tool called Oi! Mind Your Buainess! which lets people see which shops and businesses are thriving or declining in their community.
The CSJ warn that a toxic cocktail of organised crime, illegal trading, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are compounding long-term economic challenges facing high-streets, and that local authorities are woefully underequipped to tackle the breakdown in law and order.
— The Centre for Social Justice (@csjthinktank) March 15, 2026
Josh Nicholson, Head of Housing and Communities at the Centre for Social Justice, said: “Scotland’s high streets are changing and not for the better.
“The explosion of ‘dodgy shops’, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour across town and city centres points to a breakdown in community life that must urgently be addressed.
“With national elections later this year, it is critical that political parties have a plan to clean up the social breakdown wrecking Scottish communities.”
Please respond to the CSJ’s call for evidence here.
Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform, recognising the challenges they face and important role they play in local communities.
Pubs will get a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, as well as a review into the method used to value them for business rates. This is on top of support announced at Budget.
Government also announces a new High Street Strategy to help ensure retail, leisure and hospitality businesses can thrive, as the bedrock of strong communities.
The Chancellor is backing British pubs with the announcement of a major support package, as the government recognises the challenges facing the industry and the vital role they play in building strong local communities.
Pubs have faced significant pressure as their numbers have fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010, a roughly 15% reduction and amongst the highest across hospitality overall. The sector has also raised concerns around the way they are valued for business rates purposes.
Recognising the value they bring and the challenges they face, the government is introducing a support package to save the average pub an additional £1,650 in 2026/27. Around 75% of pubs will see their bills fall or stay flat over the same year with the pub sector as a whole paying 8% less in business rates in 2029 than they do currently.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “If we’re going to restore the pride in our communities, we need our pubs and our high streets to thrive.
“We’re backing British pubs with additional support, and our new High Streets Strategy will help tackle the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have faced. Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering.”
Other sectors continue to benefit from the £4.3 billion support package and from permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties.
The government is also launching a review into how they are valued. The review will be carried out by the government alongside businesses and their representatives as well as valuation experts, ensuring that any decisions that follow will be implemented for the 2029 revaluation.
Over the last decade, changing consumer habits, increasingly working from home and shopping online, combined with the pandemic and the increase in energy costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on all high street business.
Recognising this, the government is also announcing a High Streets Strategy to reinvigorate Britain’s communities. Working alongside businesses and representatives, this cross-government strategy will be published later this year and will look at what more the government can do to support our high streets.
This government is committed to supporting pubs build sustainable business models over the long-term. In the spring, the government will consult on further loosening planning rules to benefit pubs, helping them add new guest rooms or expand their main room without local planning applications. We will continue to engage with the sector to ensure other retail, leisure, and hospitality premises also have sufficient planning flexibilities.
The Chancellor also announced £10 million of funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years – upped from £1.5 million for one year announced last April – to support pubs across the UK.
The additional funding aims to help over 1,000 pubs provide extra services for local communities, including creating community cafes, village stores and play areas to help pubs bring locals and families together and boost their footfall. It will also support people who are furthest from the labour market to move into jobs in hospitality.
As part of further licencing reforms, pubs and other licensed venues will be able to open after midnight for Home Nations’ games in the later stages of this summer’s Men’s FIFA World Cup, meaning more time for fans at the pub while boosting takings behind the bar and supporting jobs in hospitality. The government is also bringing forward a consultation to allow them to open late for other big events such as Eurovision.
The government will legislate later this year to increase the number of temporary events pubs and other hospitality venues can hold to help screen other World Cup games or host community and cultural events.
This support comes on top of the £4.3 billion package the Chancellor announced at Budget 2025. This includes capping business rate bill rises by 15% for most businesses from April, or £800 for the smallest, next year as pandemic-era reliefs end and new revaluations take effect.
This government is committed to reforming the business rates system and has already begun the work. At Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced a permanent 5p cut in the business rates multiplier for over 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties, funded by a higher tax rate for the most expensive 1% of properties.
Stakeholders react to pubs support package:
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are pleased the government has listened to our concerns, and those of publicans, consumers and MPs who rallied to defend our locals.
“This pub specific package will stave off the immediate financial threat posed by accelerating business costs and will help keep the doors open for many.
“This additional support will provide certainty for tens of thousands of pubs, with many seeing their bills frozen or falling and there will be a sigh of relief from landlords across the country.
“We will now work closely with government to establish a transformative long-term plan that works for all pubs through permanent business rates reform to ensure they remain at the heart of communities.”
Heineken / star pubs: “Although we will need to fully digest the detail, this announcement is a huge boost for pubs and will ease the immediate concerns of publicans up and down the country.
“I am pleased that the Chancellor has clearly listened to the many Star Pubs licensees who expressed their objections to the plans published at the Budget. This support is a welcome acknowledgement of the pub as the cornerstone of British society, and we are committed to working with the Treasury in the coming weeks and months.
“This support means publicans and their staff are able to focus on the day job – running great pubs at the hearts of their communities.”
Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “The Institute of Directors welcomes today’s decision by the government to provide targeted business rates relief for pubs, recognising the intense pressures facing this sector. This support will offer much-needed breathing space for businesses grappling with rising costs and tight margins.
“More broadly, the business rates system remains in urgent need of reform to address the disincentives to investment embedded in the current framework, and we welcome the government’s commitment to take action in this area.
“That said, stronger policy design at an earlier stage would deliver greater benefits for business confidence, planning and costs. We reiterate our call for more detailed, sector-by-sector analysis of the impacts of tax changes to be undertaken alongside each Budget. This would allow concerns to surface earlier in the process, enabling risks to be identified and addressed before they crystallise.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO & Founder, Small Business Britain: “It is good to see the Government widen the business rates support available to pubs and music venues – many small, independent establishments will undoubtedly welcome this additional headroom.
“We also look forward to supporting the work of the newly announced High Street Strategy to ensure retail, leisure and hospitality businesses can thrive. Given the crucial role these sectors play at the heart of local communities it is vital small businesses are given as much support as possible and that we see swift action taken to address existing issues.
“The long-overdue work to reform the business rates system, which the government has already committed to and reaffirmed today, will be especially key.”
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said: “We welcome the recognition by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the scale of the challenges facing the hospitality sector. They have listened to us about the acute cost challenges facing businesses, all of which is impacting business viability, jobs and consumer prices.
“The rising cost of doing business and business rates increases is a hospitality-wide problem that needs a hospitality-wide solution. The Government’s immediate review of hospitality valuations going forward is clear recognition of this.
“The devil will be in the detail, but we need to see pace and urgency to deliver the reform desperately needed to reduce hospitality’s tax burden, drive demand, and protect jobs and growth. We will work with the Government over the next six months to hold their feet to the fire to deliver this.
“This emergency announcement to provide additional funding is helpful to address an acute challenge facing pubs.
“The reality remains that we still have restaurants and hotels facing severe challenges from successive Budgets. They need to see substantive solutions that genuinely reduce their costs.
“Without that clear action, they will face increasingly tough decisions on business viability, jobs and prices for consumers. Those are costs borne by us all, and I hope the Government delivers on its promise to support the whole hospitality sector.”
Independent brewing and blending duo unveil citywide collaboration
A MODERN twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing have joined forces to launch a new partnership rooted in shared values of independence, craftsmanship and community.
To celebrate the launch, the two brands have revived the iconic half and half serve – a dram of whisky served with a half pint of beer – with curated pairings across a hand-picked selection of the capital’s most beloved pubs.
The initial rollout sees the Edinburgh-based firms partnership activate in 10 venues citywide, with plans already in place for further expansion into the New Year.
Wemyss Family Spirits was established by siblings Isabella and William Wemyss in 2005 and has since carved out a reputation for exceptional single malts and blended whiskies. Stewart Brewing, founded by Steve and Jo Stewart in 2004, has grown from a small operation in Loanhead into one of Scotland’s most recognisable craft breweries, while remaining fiercely independent.
Both businesses have proudly remained family-run, rooted in local communities and guided by a deep passion for quality and innovation.
William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “This partnership is about more than just great drinks – it’s about celebrating Edinburgh’s independent spirit and reviving a uniquely Scottish tradition in a way that fits modern tastes.
“The half and half is steeped in pub culture, traditionally served as a quarter gill measure of whisky alongside a half pint of beer. It’s about slowing down and savouring each sip – something worth championing, especially during the festive season.
“Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing were built on strong family foundations, and that shared ethos shines through in everything from how we work to what we pour.
“Our half and half drinks pairings reflect the diversity of both our ranges and of the city’s venues.”
The new pairings are available now across 11 local venues:
The Black Cat, Rose Street
The Auld Hundred, Rose Street
Whighams Wine Cellars, Hope Street
The Cambridge Bar, Young Street
The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant, Rose Street
The Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
56 North, West Crosscauseway
Teuchters, William Street
O’Connors, Broughton Road
Athletic Arms (Diggers), Angle Park Terrace
The Bow Bar, Victoria Street
A recommended combination includes Stewart Brewing’s 80/- ale alongside Wemyss’ Spice King blended malt. Another popular match sees the rich Edinburgh Black Stout paired with the smoky Peat Chimney.
Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “Both our businesses have grown from the same foundations – family values and flavour-first products.
“By combining the flavour-pairings of Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing, we’re giving Edinburgh’s clientele the opportunity to mix and match their favourite combinations while showcasing two of Scotland’s best-loved drinks.
“It’s a celebration of the city’s pubs and their staff, who play a huge role in making these pairings come to life.”
With the initiative already generating interest among customers and trade partners, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are planning further activation for 2026, including tasting events, influencer campaigns and potential online product launches.
The duo hopes that this first wave of festive and New Year pairings will lay the foundation for a longer-term programme that celebrates independent businesses, sustainable practices and Scotland’s vibrant pub culture.
The competition to be CAMRA’s cream of the crop in the prestigious National Pub of the Year 2025 competition is hotting up and Staggs in Musselburgh, a previous title holder, has once again reached the final stages.
The Scottish pub has already won the title before in 1998 and was a worthy runner-up in 2018.
Staggs is a superb pub run by the same family since 1858 with a traditional bar and snug, wooden floors, wood panelling and mirrors from now closed local breweries. The pub’s interior is of historic interest with an attractive Victorian era gantry topped with old spirit caskbarrels. It has a range of regularly changing cask beers and has recently featured in the hit Netflix series Department Q.
After months of rigorous judging, just four pubs remain in the competition. They will now battle it out to claim the National Pub of the Year title, the Campaign’s biggest award and one of the highest accolades a UK pub can win.
All the super regional finalists have proved to be exceptional. The final round of judging is now underway with the winner set to be revealed at the start of 2026.
Beating thousands of entries and showcasing their commitment to quality and their communities, the pubs have been judged on their atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.
While this is fantastic news, CAMRA is warning pubs need specific support as they continue to face their toughest year yet.
The consumer group is calling on the Scottish Government to radically reform the unfair business rates system which unfairly penalises pubs, and wants the UK Government to take action on VAT, energy bills, employer national insurance costs and duty served on beer and cider served in pubs.
Speaking from Staggs, Katie McKenzie, a co-owner of the pub, said:“Nigel, Hayley and I are absolutely delighted to be in the final four of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year competition.
“It is a testament to our hard-working staff, the breweries who supply us with fantastic beer and the community who drink and socialise with us. Staggs is a special place to many and we are grateful to everyone who plays a part in making us a community and more than just a pub.”
Stuart McMahon, Director of CAMRA Scotland, said:“Staggs is a fantastic historic pub tucked away in a quiet corner of Musselburgh and has been run by the same family for almost 170 years.
“Nigel Finlay, owner, assisted by his two daughters, is passionate about the quality of the cask beers they serve and customers are always guaranteed a warm welcome, enjoying their beers whilst viewing the many historic mirrors and previous CAMRA awards that are on display.”
To celebrate its proud partnership with Scottish Rugby, Scottish Gas is providing several pubs across Edinburgh and its surrounding areas with half price electricity, during the Guinness Men’s Six Nations tournament.
Scottish Gas will be rewarding seven of its business customer pubs including The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven and The Magnum on Albany Street in the city centre, with half-price electricity between 12pm and 6pm during Scotland’s three home fixtures at Murrayfield Stadium on:
Saturday 1st February: Scotland vs Italy
Sunday 9th February: Scotland vs Ireland
Saturday 8th March: Scotland vs Wales
The offer is part of Scottish Gas’ long term commitment to helping the rugby community in Scotland to cut energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint.
Over 130 rugby clubs across the country are poised to benefit from the partnership through a £2million Club & Community Net Zero Fund to help give clubs a lift with energy bills and reduce energy consumption by over 50 per cent.
Scottish Gas will also be offering rugby fans the chance of winning tickets to the Scotland vs Wales game on Saturday 8th March.
Matt Wood, director at Scottish Gas Business Energy, said: “We are committed to supporting our business customers, especially pubs and those in the hospitality industry, to better manage their energy consumption and identify ways to save money on their bills.
“As the Six Nations fever takes a hold of fans across the country, what better way to celebrate the sport by providing half-price electricity as they cheer for Scotland throughout the Six Nations.”
The pubs have been specially selected by Scottish Gas due to their proximity to the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and ability to provide the energy supplier with real-time insights about their energy consumption.
Following five years of nationwide success, The Piper’s Rest in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is celebrating its fifth birthday on Burns weekend by inviting their loyal fans for a night of live music, and the chance to win Scottish-themed prizes including a VIP day at the Six Nations plus a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
Edinburgh pub-lovers rejoice as The Piper’s Rest celebrate their fifth year in business by hosting a huge party to say thank you to their loyal customers.
Located just off the Royal Mile, the pub opened just before the global pandemic, and has maintained a devoted fan base throughout the last five years by championing traditional Scottish produce and supporting local live music.
Over the last five years The Piper’s Rest’s welcoming reputation and high-quality service has earned the pub one of the top-rated spots on Trip Advisor’s ‘Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh’ and even caught the eye of the Come Dine With Me: The Professionalsproducers where the pub not only starred but was victorious in Season 2 Episode 20.
Friday 24th January will be an open-to-all night of traditional Scottish celebration as customers will toast to Burns weekend and raise a glass to an outstanding five years for The Piper’s Rest.
Lucky locals will have the chance to win two platinum Six Nations tickets to see Scotland host Wales at Murrayfield, including breakfast at Piper’s, transport to the game, and then dinner and a party back at Piper’s afterwards.
The night will also see a tasting from Scottish moonshine brand Highland Moon and a prize-draw to win a whole keg of Tennent’s Lager.
An advocate for Edinburgh’s live music scene, The Piper’s Rest is one of the only pubs in the city to host different local artists 7-nights-a-week. Regular appearances from cult favourites such as Acoustic David and Ted Christopher have made the venue a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Commenting on the fifth birthday, Frazer Henderson, General Manager at The Piper’s Rest, said: “When we opened Piper’s, we had the vision to utilise the best Scottish produce available, the best local live music out there, and serve customers with a smile on our face.
“Five years on, the welcoming, warming nature of the pub is what makes us proud. We can’t thank our loyal locals enough for making The Piper’s Rest what it is. Here’s to the next five years!”
Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Most recently the bar and restaurant group took over Gordon’s Trattoria after a 43-year ownership as the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella, which plans to continue serving authentic Italian cuisine for now in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
The Piper’s Rest is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a menu consisting entirely of Scottish favourites, using recipes passed down from parents & grandparents, with a modern twist – “Hearty, warming, traditional and comforting.”
The Rose Street Brewery, just a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle, officially reopened this Autumn following an extensive 3-week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look.
The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Changes include additional seating for guests including the installation of new booths for those that want a cozy and relaxed feel, an additional TV with high seating options for guests that want to watch the upcoming Autumn Tests at Murrayfield Stadium and some much needed awnings and heaters outside to keep guests dry and warm on those Dreich Scottish days.
Rose Street Brewery is renowned for brewing the famous beer, Auld Reekie, in the old Brewhouse upstairs (now the kitchen) from 1983-1994, with Rose Street itself being referred to as a drinking Oasis ever since.
The Rose Street Brewery is proud to be a part of these historical roots and continues to uphold this reputation today, welcoming guests from near and far to come and enjoy a drink in this historical landmark
Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, a chicken and ham pie, classic fish and chips and prime steak burgers, as well as a delectable range of Sunday roasts to delight discerning guests.
Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks’ menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and new to the menu – cocktails.
Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager Derek Meechan at Rose Street Brewery said: “Rose Street Brewery is an historic part of Rose Street, and it is fantastic that we are having a major refresh of the premises before a very busy time of the year.
“The works that are being completed will make it more efficient and also more appealing to our guests than it is now, which is a major achievement. Myself and my team can’t wait to open, and welcome back our guests into the new and improved Rose Street Brewery.”
Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, a number of new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests.
For more information about Rose Street Brewery please visit Nicholson’s Pub in Edinburgh | Rose Street Brewery (nicholsonspubs.co.uk)
Scotland’s beer and pub sector contributed more than £2.3 billion in GVA and generated more than £1.4 billion in tax, new British Beer and Pub Association research reveals
Despite huge contribution to country’s finances and communities, taxes and rising business costs mean pubs make just 12p a pint
Industry may have to bear yet more punishing burdens and restrictions
BBPA calls on the Government to be “business friendly” and support Great British beer and pubs to boost economic growth
Scotland’s beer and pub sector poured more than £2.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £1.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
As a whole, Britain’s beer and pub sector poured more than £34.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £17.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
Latest figures from 2024 Oxford Economics research show GVA contributions were up from the previous contribution of £1.7 billion.
These figures demonstrate the sector’s important economic contribution to both their region and the wider national economy, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.
But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.
Not only that, but the industry is also facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging costs and a potential beer garden smoking ban.
Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It warns the industry needs government support from the Budget to make sure the sector can continue to contribute to the economy and boost the country’s finances.
The BBPA wants to see a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and a pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The Scotland’s sector’s growth will underpin economic growth, which is why if the Government truly is business-friendly, it must recognise that pubs and brewers are shouldering multiple taxes and costs that are squashing growth and could lead to businesses failing.
“There is no more meat on the bone to cut, which is why it we are calling on the Government reduces the cost of doing business so we can continue to make a massive contribution to the public purse.
“It is imperative there is a reform in the business rates system which currently penalises bricks and mortar businesses like pubs which pay five times more than their share of turnover.
“Until then, the vital 75% business rates relief due must be maintained for pubs so that one of the core cost components of doing business can be controlled. In addition, we urgently need to see a cut in beer duty.
“Our industry is an economic bellwether and when pubs and brewers suffer, the economy suffers. If the Government wants to succeed in its growth mission, it needs to support our beer and pubs which play such a vital role in our communities.”
The sector is also facing potential eyewatering EPR recycling costs next year – set to be among the highest in Europe – plus increases in energy prices. The trade body has warned that this could lead some brewers to make heartbreaking decisions about whether they can keep making their beer.
Not only that, but a proposed smoking ban in beer gardens would have a devastating impact on many pubs and affect their viability as businesses. The BBPA is urging Government to reconsider this misguided restriction.
The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.
The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.
The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.
Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness!
There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade.
Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!
It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.
The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.
In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade.
Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.
The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award.
Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is.
“This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”
The full list of winners is below:
Lifetime Achievement Award
David & Ruth Wither
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow
Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh
Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Absent Ear – Glasgow
Campari Bar Apprentice 2024
Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry
Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year
Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow
Deanston Whisky Guru 2024
Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024
Tempura – Ayr
Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year
Cru Hospitality – Inverness
De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year
Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh
Favela Latin American Venue of the Year
Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Ship – Irvine
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Manorview Hotels – Howwood
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year
Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee
Unsung Hero Award
Jules Clark – Montpeliers
Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering
Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
Jameson Best Irish Bar
Malones – Aberdeen
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
The Stravaig – Ayr
Media World Best Outdoor Area
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year
Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
Schweppes Bartender of the Year
Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow
Scottish Hospitality GroupContribution To the Industry Award
