The UK's National Pub & Bar Awards has just named its four top bars for Edinburgh and the Lothians. The bars are part of the awards' County Winners list which has seen 94 winners highlighted from across the length and breadth of the UK.
The annual event names the venues as the best in their respective counties, aiming to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.
The selected pub and bar operators were informed of their achievements and given something to toast this Easter weekend, ahead of the grand final awards ceremony, which takes place in London on 28 June.
There, Platform 3 from West Lothian, The Bonnie Badger from East Lothian, The Bridge Inn at Ratho from Midlothian and The Scran & Scallie from Edinburgh will discover which of the 94 finalists will be taking home a Regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best.
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“We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year,” says Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards. “It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector. With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.
"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”
Popular for their cask ale and whisky selection, Platform 3 in Linlithgow won the award for West Lothian, Tom Kitchin's popular pub with rooms in Gullane, The Bonnie Badger, took the title for East Lothian.
The Bridge Inn at Ratho, known for its picturesque setting, stunning food and warm welcome, came top in Midlothian, while in the capital, it was a double for Tom Kitchin as his top gastropub, the Scran and Scallie was picked as best in the city of Edinburgh.
Elsewhere, the Bridge Inn in Peebles took the accolade for the Borders, while the family-run favourite, The Criterion was named the best in Fife.
At the grand final, other awards will be handed out, including the Pub Brand of the Year, Bar Brand of the Year, Pub Chef of the Year and Sustainable Pub & Bar of the Year.
The 15 Regional Winners will then be announced ahead of the esteemed National Pub & Bar of the Year award, which in 2022 was won by The Frogmill in Cheltenham.
The Edinburgh and Lothians (plus Fife and the Borders) winners:
West Lothian – Platform 3
East Lothian – The Bonnie Badger
The Borders – The Bridge Inn
Midlothian – The Bridge Inn at Ratho
City of Edinburgh – The Scran & Scallie
Fife – The Criterion
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