Scottish Street Food Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced

We’re excited to reveal the shortlisted finalists for the Scottish Street Food Awards 2026, returning to The Pitt this year. All eleven will be serving up at The Pitt from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd May.

The Champions award will be judged by a team of foodie experts, with the People’s Choice chosen by the public over the course of the weekend. The winners will be announced at 3pm on Sunday, 3 May, and will go on to compete in the British Street Food Awards later in the year.

This year’s line-up is a celebration of creativity, culture and craft – a group of traders bringing personal stories, bold ideas and serious flavour to Scotland’s street food scene. 

Meet the finalists:

Brocail is a food trailer focused on reimagined, seasonal dishes using local Scottish and UK produce. Born from a community allotment project and seasonal supper clubs, their menu continues to celebrate fresh, nutritious food with a low-impact ethos. For the awards, they’ll showcase homemade paneer using Jersey cow milk from The Wee Dairy in Perthshire, with dishes like Paneer Kofta highlighting both the quality of the produce and creative use of its whey by-product. Follow on instagram.

D & N Sushi: A family-run business based in Moray, D&N Sushi is reimagining what sushi can be in a street food setting. Their signature Sushi-Dog swaps out the traditional bun for crispy panko-coated sushi rice, filled with bold ingredients like salmon, prawn, crab or chicken and finished with their own sauces. It’s creative, unexpected and designed to surprise – a fresh take on Japanese-inspired street food that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Follow on instagram.

Eat Ko:te is built on a simple philosophy: fire, smoke, salt and time create the richest flavours. Inspired by traditional charcoal cooking, the business operates with a rare combination of a Josper oven and Kasai grill – a setup almost unheard of in a street food trailer. From smoky grilled meats to scallops cooked over intense heat with garlic butter and crispy panko, every dish reflects both technical skill and a deep personal connection to the ingredients. Follow on instagram.

Ember: Based in Fife, Ember is a premium live-fire food concept built around a custom 20ft container kitchen designed specifically for wood and charcoal cooking. Their approach bridges the gap between restaurant-quality dining and street food accessibility, with a menu centred on panuozzo, premium burgers and grilled meats and vegetables. Every dish is driven by fire – creating bold, smoky flavours that showcase both technique and high-quality produce. Follow on instagram.

Far Out Bao: is a deeply personal concept rooted in Filipino heritage and inspired by the bold, balanced flavours of Hawaii. Created from a love of comforting, expressive food, the menu centres around soft, pillowy bao buns filled with sweet, salty, tangy and smoky elements. It’s a concept that blends cultural influence with storytelling – bringing a taste of the Pacific to Scotland’s street food scene in a way that feels both joyful and unexpected. Follow on instagram.

Hungarian Chimney Cake (Tekerch): Bringing a taste of Hungarian tradition to Edinburgh, Tekerch Chimney Cake combines food and theatre in equal measure. Each chimney cake is rolled, baked and caramelised fresh in front of customers, creating a sensory experience that’s as memorable as the taste itself. Crisp on the outside, soft within and finished with a range of sweet toppings, their offering blends nostalgia, craftsmanship and visual appeal – a true street food experience. Follow on instagram.

Jamie’s Backyard Slice: Rooted in Scottish food culture and personal memory, Jamie’s Backyard Slice takes the classic pizza crunch and elevates it with quality ingredients and attention to detail. Using a quarter pizza, dipped in Tennent’s lager batter and deep fried, each portion is finished with parmesan, oregano and hot honey. It’s a dish that taps into nostalgia – from school lunches to late-night chippy runs – while delivering something bigger, bolder and more refined. Follow on instagram.

Naughty Boi Smashburgers: Born from years spent working in food trucks across Scotland, Naughty Boi is the result of a shared obsession with doing smash burgers properly. After countless test runs (with friends as willing guinea pigs), the team launched their own concept – focused on quality Scottish beef, locally sourced buns and flavours that don’t get lost. Still relatively new, but backed by serious experience, Naughty Boi delivers crispy-edged, flavour-packed burgers that reflect both craft and personality. Follow on instagram.

The Peruvian brings bold, authentic flavours straight from Peru, serving the dishes the founder grew up eating – big, vibrant and unapologetically full of flavour. From classics like Lomo Saltado to tequeños, wings and salchipapas, it’s proper hands-on street food. Now evolving beyond the classics, the menu is expanding to include rotisserie chicken, smoked meats, arroz chaufa and a range of traditional sauces – from aji amarillo to rocoto – putting real Peruvian food front and centre. Follow on instagram.

Pinko’s Korean Street Food: Travelling across Scotland from market to market, Pinko’s Korean Street Food has built its reputation on bold, authentic flavours and a clear passion for sharing Korean food culture. Cooking everything fresh on-site, their menu spans crispy Korean fried chicken, corndogs, tteokbokki and award-winning kimchi. At the heart of it all is their signature Seoul Combo Cupbap – a flavour-packed rice bowl combining double-fried chicken, Aberdeen Angus beef bulgogi and punchy pickles. It’s street food rooted in tradition, delivered with energy and precision. Follow on instagram.

Spoon Me: Spoon Me is Scotland’s first banana pudding parlour – and a business built on both nostalgia and innovation. Inspired by classic American recipes but reimagined to be entirely gluten- and dairy-free, everything is made from scratch, right down to the wafers.

From the original vanilla pudding to their standout caramelised banana tiramisu, Spoon Me has developed a cult following, with customers (including visiting Americans) claiming it rivals – or even beats – the original. It’s comfort food with a modern, inclusive twist. Follow on instagram.

Get the dates in your diary and head down to The Pitt and sample the best Scotland has to offer!

Massive May Day Parties at The Pitt

We’ve gone massive for May – not one, not two, but FOUR epic day parties.

House, electronica, techno, fusion… even a bit of Dolly Parton… whatever you’re into, we’ve got you covered!

The Pitt & Box Energy Present:

Auntie Flo LIVE

Sun 3 May, 4pm-10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: 18+

Get ready for an electrifying night as we bring you the genre-defying sound of Auntie Flo’s full live band! Known for fusing global rhythms with experimental electronica, Auntie Flo will be bringing his captivating live set to our inclusive and welcoming space.

Northern Rodeo Country Festival

Sat 16 May, 4pm – 10pm

From £15.00

Suitability: all welcome until 8pm, then 16+

Northern Rodeo is riding back into The Pitt for another boot-stompin’, line-dancin’, bronco-buckin’ night of country fun! So round-up your crew and come join the fun at Northern Rodeo – where the North meets Nashville.

Musika presents Skyline feat.
Hernan Cattaneo 5hr set

Sun 24 May, 2pm-midnight

From £45.00

Suitability: 18+

A huge Bank Holiday All-Dayer as Musika presents Skyline’s last ever Scottish show celebrating 4 years of the crème de la crème of progressive artists. Joining Hernan, Kamilo Sanclemente makes his long-awaited Edinburgh debut. Support comes from both families — Alan Dobson, Jamie McKenzie and Twilo — carrying the Musika x Skyline sound from day into night.

DAYS

Sat 30 May, 1pm-10:30pm  

From £55.00

Suitability: 18+

DAYS returns to the Granton waterfront taking over the warehouse and yard for our best party to date.

With Daniel Avery, DJ Seinfeld, and Helena Hauff, while Sweely brings his signature live energy. Rounding things out are Papa Nugs and MarcelDune, two selectors currently at the top of their game.

The Pitt: Open this weekend

Folks, have a reminder of our festive opening hours for the rest of the month and January.

We are open as normal on Saturday and Sunday, and again next Friday-Sunday (only until 5pm – we’ll still be hungover from Hogmanay and need our beds).

We’ve had a wee break, but we’re back open on 27 and 28 December with normal hours. Then we’ll be open on 31 December as usual ’til 4pm, before closing for a quick spruce-up and flinging the doors back open at 6pm for:

Hogmanay Party at The Pitt: ticketed (last few remaining), 16+.
Wee Hogmanay: free ticketed, suitable for all ages.

Come down, wrap up warm, and see out the year with us – your favourite pint and street food combo will be waiting.

We’ll be closing for most of January for a wee bit of winter hibernation, but don’t worry! The Pitt will be defrosted and back in February to kick-start our spring calendar. Try not to miss us too much! ❄️

Granton Community Festive Gathering

It’s almost a year since The Pitt reopened its doors on the Granton Prom, opening up a huge and much-needed community space in North Edinburgh.

We just want to take a moment to say thank you — to everyone who’s stopped by for a quick pint, come along to one of our events, or supported us in any way.

Every visit, every dance, every bite, and every cheer helps us keep building something special here. You’re helping us grow a space that’s not just about great food and live music, but about connection, creativity, and community.

And this winter, we have a Festive Programme with something for EVERYONE – from Santa’s Grotto to Night Markets.

Granton Community Festive Gathering

Friday, 27 November, 5:30pm
Free – all welcome

Come along to The Pitt for a Christmas lights switch-on and festive gathering, accompanied by live music from talented local artists, carol singing, free seasonal treats and hot drinks.

And, as always, The Pitt’s street food market and bar, huge indoor seating area with pool table and table tennis and an under 5s play area.

Edinburgh Blue Balls launch first Annual – A bold celebration of men, mental health and community

Edinburgh Blue Balls, known for its cold-water dips and open conversations, launches its first Edinburgh Blue Balls Annual.

The coffee table–style publication is a bold and raw collection of portraits and personal stories told by men, for all to read.

The Annual is free of charge and distributed across independent cafés, bookshops and workplaces. A launch event will take place on 14 November at The Pitt, Granton, where everyone is welcome to see the portraits and meet the men behind the stories featured in the Annual.

Founded in 2021 by photographer Marc Millar, what began as a handful of strangers meeting for cold-water dips at Portobello Beach, has grown into a supportive community. Around 40 men now gather every Sunday and mid-week for dips, to connect, and talk openly about mental health.

Edinburgh Blue Balls exists to keep the conversation around men’s wellbeing alive. No membership, no expectations, just men showing up, sharing, and finding strength in connection.

The launch of the Annual marks the start of a growing body of creative work highlighting the lived experiences of men, from resilience and recovery to laughter and loss.

Featuring stories from men across Scotland and portraits by photographers Marc Millar and Graham Williams, the publication captures the unfiltered reality of men’s mental health.

The Annual also includes contributions from comedian Greg Hemphill and footballer Zander Murray, exploring masculinity, vulnerability, and visibility in sport and society.

Marc Millar, founder of Edinburgh Blue Ballssaid: “We spend too much time scrolling past things that deserve to stop us in our tracks.

“I wanted people to sit with these stories, to hold them, feel them, and connect. It’s not about likes or followers; it’s about being human, together.

“Everyday pressures continue to impact men’s mental health and wellbeing, something I’ve seen first-hand, and the stigma and shame that still exists.

“The stories in the Annual are honest, sometimes heavy, but full of hope. They show that even in the darkest moments, when men connect, talk, and support each other, things start to change.”

The Annual was supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and will be launched on the 14 November at The Pitt Market, Granton.

For more information please contact info@edinburghblueballs.co.uk

Pitt Christmas: Hunt is on for Festive Musicians

  • Are you a band with an eclectic collection of funky Xmas tunes?
  • Are you part of a choir or singing group who’s renditions of Christmas carols and pop hits leaves audiences dabbing at their eyes?
  • Are you a guitar-toting independent artist who is just dying to put their own twist on Christmas classics?

We want YOUUUU for our Christmas celebrations at The Pitt (Pittmas?) We will be having various musical performances and opportunities to play across the festive season, starting from late November.

We are in particular looking for groups and choirs from across North Edinburgh, but if you are from a bit further afield, please get in touch anyway!

Contact granton@thepitt.co.uk with more information about what you’re offering.

Yule Love This! Christmas Night Market at The Pitt

Friday 28th November | 4 – 11pm

✨Yule love this!

Step into a merry mash-up of mistletoe, music and mulled wine as The Pitt transforms into a festive playground of flavour, fun and fashionable market picks. On top of our usual weekend antics of piping hot international street food and cold frothy pints, our Christmas Night Market kicks off our festive calendar with a bang, bringing together over 40+ local makers, artists and traders offering everything from:

– Unique and thoughtful gifts

– Funky fashion

– Artisan homeware

– Cheeses, chutneys, olives and sweet treats heaven

– Festive decor

– Stocking fillers

– Handcrafted artwork

What’s On:

– Santa’s Grotto: say hello to the boy himself

– Workshops & crafts: wreath-making, face-painting, and make-your-own gifts for wee and big kids alike

– Seasonal sips: mulled wine and local brewskis for the grown-ups, plus fruity mocktails and soft drinks for the wains and drivers

– International street food: piping hot and perfect for keeping you fuelled

– Live DJs: bangers spinning late into the night

– Cosy wee nooks: for toasting, tasting, checking the bank account…

Join us for a night of festive magic, market mayhem, mistletoe and wine etc etc, and soak up our signature blend of industrial charm, cosy vibes and boozy cheer. Shop til you drop on homeware to spice up your gaff or gifts to make your pals laugh. Tear up the dance floor. Gorge yourself silly on truffle fries and momo dumplings. It’s all to play for at our Christmas Night Market!

– Free entry

– All night

– 4-11PM

– The Pitt, 20 West Shore Road

#christmasmarket

#edinburghchristmas

#edinburghchristmasmarket

The Pitt: Open Mic Night

FRIDAY 24th OCTOBER 6 – 9pm

Is there a songbird in there, just begging to burst free? Do you know a few chords on the guitar, or keep a beat with a bongo?

Get yerself down to our Open Mic Night on Friday 24th of October, hosted by the marvellous Majik Mojo.

Musicians, singers and groups all welcome.

6-9PM in our indoor market area, be there or be square!

Free entry, NO TICKETS REQUIRED.

Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes investment in community solar projects in Edinburgh North and Leith

Tracy Gilbert MP has welcomed significant UK-wide investment in community renewable energy projects, which will deliver tangible benefits for local communities in Scotland.

The Great British Energy initiative is backing a total of £4 million into the UK’s community energy sector, supporting 48 community energy projects across Scotland, including two major developments in Edinburgh North and Leith.

  • Granton Project CIC – Harnessing solar power for community growth, receiving £70,043.
  • Edinburgh Community Solar Co-op (Phase 3) – Developing local solar capacity, awarded £484,500.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “These investments demonstrate the UK Government’s commitment to renewable energy and to supporting communities across the country. I am pleased that two of these are in my constituency in Edinburgh North and Leith, which is becoming a true renewables hub.

“The projects will not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities with long-term benefits. Initiatives like these are helping to build a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.”

The Great British Energy investment is part of a wider effort to drive community energy generation growth across Scotland and the UK, ensuring that local areas can take an active role in the renewable energy transition.

Edinburgh Community Solar Co-opEdinburgh Solar Co-op phase 3£484,500
Granton Project CICHarnessing solar power for community growth£70,043