Best Pubs & Bars in Edinburgh Announced at Inaugural Bar Awards
The inaugural Edinburgh Bar Awards officially crowned the capital’s top talent in hospitality last night at the glittering Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball, hosted at The Caves.
Article Source: Issued by Atomic10 for Backs! Hospitality
Last Updated: 17 September 2024 11:29
17th September 2024
Marking its debut in Edinburgh after three successful years in Glasgow, the event celebrated creativity, dedication, and passion of the city’s hospitality professionals. Over 250 of Edinburgh’s bars, pubs, and industry leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening of recognition, celebration and entertainment.
Guests at the Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball enjoyed music from Al and the Bad Decisions, tasty BBQ and performances from the Enticing Ecdysiasts Burlesque.
The Edinburgh Bar Awards, which are entirely peer-nominated, shone a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in the capital’s vibrant hospitality scene. Spanning 10 categories, including Best Bar, Best Pub, Best Drink, Best Shake, and Rising Star, 150 venues were nominated for prestigious awards. The event was supported by Halewood, Base Spirits Collective, X Muse Vodka, Born Irish Whiskey, Heverlee, Royal Mile Whiskies, Schweppes, Atomic10 and Cutty Sark Whisky.
Highlights of the night include Raging Bull winning Best Bar, and Nauticus taking the title of Best Pub. A surprise Legend Award sponsored by Backs! Hospitality was presented to Johanna Cole in recognition of her lasting impact on Edinburgh’s bar scene and her exceptional contributions to the industry.
David Smillie, co-founder and organiser of the Edinburgh Bar Awards and Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball, said:
"Bringing the Bartenders Ball to Edinburgh for the first time has been epic. Tonight’s winners reflect the incredible talent we have working in Edinburgh’s hospitality industry, and it’s been fantastic to celebrate their hard work and passion with such a supportive community. Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended finalists —this is just the beginning of what will become a yearly celebration of Edinburgh’s best!”
Organised by Backs! Hospitality - a community organisation established in Glasgow by dedicated hospitality industry veterans. As a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), its mission is to elevate and sustain the standards of hospitality across Scotland and beyond.
The 2024 Edinburgh Bar Award WINNERS and Highly Commended Finalists:
TOP 5 x BEST BAR - sponsored by Cutty Sark (alphabetical order)
• Bramble
• Cocktail Geeks
• Hey Palu
• Raging Bull - Winner Known for its energetic atmosphere and signature espresso martinis, Raging Bull has become a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers in Edinburgh.
• Star Bar - Highly Commended Finalist A neighbourhood favourite, Star Bar is loved for its warm hospitality and inventive drinks.
TOP 5 x BEST PUB - sponsored by Pintail - Purveyors of precious wines and spirits (alphabetical order)
• Diggers (The Athletic Arms)
• Malones - Haymarket
• Nauticus - Winner A Leith-based gem, Nauticus focuses on celebrating Scottish produce and ingredients, offering a thoughtfully curated drinks menu with local flair.
• Polwarth Tavern - Highly Commended Finalist A charming pub known for great drinks and a friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
• The Mother Superior
TOP 5 x BEST BAR TEAM - sponsored by Royal Mile Whiskies (alphabetical order)
• Bramble - Highly Commended Finalist One of Edinburgh’s most iconic cocktail bars, Bramble’s talented team continues to set the standard for craftsmanship and hospitality in the city.
• Cocktail Geeks - Winner Famed for its geek culture-inspired drinks, the team at Cocktail Geeks delivers not only excellent cocktails but an unforgettable themed experience with every visit.
• Nauticus
• Raging Bull
• Star Bar
TOP 5 x BEST RESTAURANT BAR - sponsored by Whisky and Cynicism (alphabetical order)
• Dine
• Eleanore
• Hawksmoor - Highly Commended Finalist Known for its exquisite steaks and even better drinks, Hawksmoor offers an exceptional bar experience that perfectly complements its food offerings.
• Old Pal - Winner A cosy yet sophisticated bar within a restaurant setting, Old Pal has earned a reputation for its expertly curated drinks list and inviting atmosphere.
• Tipo
TOP 5 x BEST DRINK sponsored by Schweppes (alphabetical order)
• Coconut Daiquiri - Panda & Sons
• Cranachan Manhattan - Commons Club - Winner
• Gimlet - Hawksmoor
• Porridge Colada - Nauticus
• Yuzu Margarita - Hey Palu - Highly Commended Finalist - A refreshing and zesty take on a classic margarita, the Yuzu Marg has become a crowd favourite for its vibrant citrus flavours.
TOP 5 x BEST SHAKE (alphabetical order)
• Fowwaz Ansari - Bittersweet - Winner
• Jake Harris - Hawksmoor
• Leon Wilkes Black - Commons Club
• Sam Milne - Panda & Sons - Highly Commended Finalist
• Sian Buchan - Uno Mas
TOP 5 x UNSUNG HEROES - sponsored by Holyrood Distillery (alphabetical order)
• Ben Leslie - Raging Bull - Highly Commended Finalist
• Jane Ross - Mother Superior - Winner
• Max Swift - Wildcat
• Niall Mcmillan - Hawksmoor
• Rachael Carpenter - Cocktail Geeks
TOP 5 x RISING STARS - sponsored by X Muse Scottish Barley Vodka (alphabetical order)
• Alessia Impedovo - Cocktail Geeks - Winner Alessia’s passion for mixology and innovative drink creations have earned her a spot among the city's brightest up-and-comers.
• Alex Moore - Nauticus - Highly Commended Finalist With his dedication to sustainable practices and creative cocktail crafting, Alex is quickly becoming one of the most respected young bartenders in Edinburgh.
• Alfie Chisholm - Dine
• Cassius Haresign - Paradise Palms
• Sofie Gonzales - Old Pal
TOP 5 x SOCIAL STARS - sponsored by Atomic10 (alphabetical order)
• Carrie Smith - Hoot the Redeemer - Winner Carrie has captured the hearts of her followers with her engaging social media presence, showcasing the creativity and fun that Hoot the Redeemer is famous for.
• Chloe Yeung - Panda & Sons - Highly Commended Finalist Chloe Yeung @ Panda & Sons** – Chloe’s flair for visually stunning cocktails and her engaging online persona have made her a rising star in the world of cocktail bars.
• Hazel Macleod - Woven / William Grant & Sons
• Iain McPherson - Panda & Sons
• Ryan Snedden - Indy
TOP 5 x FAR SIDE OF THE BAR - sponsored by Heads Up Hospitality (alphabetical order)
• Ashton Williamson - Monin
• Daniela Liverani - Sazerac - Highly Commended Finalist
• Ellie Raeside - Bacardi - Winner Ellie’s leadership and expertise make her a force to be reckoned with.
• Jody Buchan - Speciality Brands
• Ross Lawrie - Schweppes
LEGEND - awarded on night and sponsored by BACKS! Hospitality
• Johanna Elizabeth Cole - Winner
For more information, stay updated:
For more information visit BACKS! Hospitality here
Image - Raging Bull - Best Bar
Image credit: Cameron Brisbane
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Edinburgh shopper scoops hundreds of pounds for CHAS in ALDI Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh, and one lucky local winner has raised £726.77 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for herself.
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chefs take on ultimate kitchen cook off at food hall Bonnie & Wild
Some of Scotland’s best chefs are sharpening their knives for the ultimate kitchen cook-off at Scottish food hall Bonnie & Wild.
READ MORE
New spring season for a new look Capital Theatres
Capital Theatres’ spring season brings with it a new look, new shows and new extraordinary experiences.
READ MORE
Travel back in time to The World of King James VI and I
A special, one-off exhibition opens at the Portrait gallery in Edinburgh this Saturday (26 April), charting the remarkable reign of King James VI and I.
READ MORE
Music Venue Trust launch Annual Report in Scottish Parliament
Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs) launched its 2024 Annual Report in Scottish Parliament with a special event last night.
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show
Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Discover a Summer of Outdoor Adventure with Dynamic Earth
This summer, Dynamic Earth - Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium - is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Mussel and Steak Bar will revert back to 2005 menu pricing for week long birthday celebrations
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the world famous The Mussel & Steak Bar will be offering a 20% discount from Monday 5th May - Thursday 8th May.
READ MORE
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation
During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic.
READ MORE
Applications open for University of Edinburgh AI enhanced Accelerator Programme 2025
An initiative which helps innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused scaleup companies to maximise their full commercial potential is now open for 2025 applications.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Free beer as BrewDog is giving away 5,000 cans at Edinburgh Waverley this Thursday
Britain’s biggest independent brewer, BrewDog, is giving away 5,000 warm cans of Wingman at Edinburgh Waverley station on Thursday 17th April.
READ MORE
Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.
READ MORE
Edinburgh blockbuster burger joint back for another bite at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards
Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards and hopes to be crowned culinary champions for a second year.
READ MORE
Rosas Thai and Uber Eats team up to launch Songkran Supper Clubs in Edinburgh
Rosa's Thai and Uber Eats have launched the Songkran Supper Club – a limited-edition food experience inspired by Thai New Year, designed to spark meaningful conversations across generations.
READ MORE
Number One Restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with world renowned Maison Trimbach
On 16th June, Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry and the team at Number One in The Balmoral, Edinburgh will welcome Jean Trimbach, of world-renowned Maison Trimbach winery for an exclusive dinner.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Scottish Surfing Prodigy Ben Larg Joins Lost Shore Surf Resort as Ambassador
April 2025 - Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, has announced Scotland’s first professional surfer, Ben Larg (20 years) as its official ambassador.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active
This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links