Edinburgh Bar Show will return for its third edition from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th April 2026, cementing its position as one of the UK’s most exciting and progressive trade events for the global bar and drinks community. Free trade passes are available now via the EBS website www.edinburghbarshow.co.uk.
Now firmly established on the international industry calendar, Edinburgh Bar Show 2026 (EBS26) will once again bring together leading bars, drinks brands and hospitality professionals for three days of expert-led seminars, bar takeovers, brand experiences and trade-focused events all of which are completely free to attend.
Building on the momentum and success of its first two years, EBS26 will continue to shine a spotlight on Edinburgh’s renowned bar scene and world-class drinks producers, while welcoming influential international bars, brands and prominent industry voices to the Scottish Capital all delivered in the spirit of collaboration, creativity and a whole lot of fun.
Founded by Iain McPherson (Panda & Sons) alongside Gary Anderson and Jamie Faulds (Edinburgh Cocktail Week), Edinburgh Bar Show was created with a clear mission: to educate, inspire, celebrate and connect the global bar community through an accessible, inclusive and bartender-first event, remaining FREE to attend for trade professionals.
EBS26 will deliver another exciting expanded programme of high-profile bar takeovers, seminars from leading industry figures, immersive brand activations and collaborative events, designed to encourage knowledge-sharing, meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
Iain McPherson says; “Scotland and Edinburgh has such an incredible and mature bar community. We are always so proud to host the bar show in Scotland’s capital, and I can’t believe it is year 3 already. Every year we are seeing more and more international bartender visitors and the calibre of seminars is getting more and more exciting each year.”
Early Highlights Confirmed for 2026
While the full programme will be announced in early March, Edinburgh Bar Show 2026 has already confirmed a number of standout activations and collaborations, including:
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Lounge at the Johnnie Walker Experience
Hosted by Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan) alongside Johnnie Walker Brand Ambassador Adam Hussain, guests will be immersed in the world of Johnnie Walker, experiencing the venue while exploring the depth and character of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby. Ryan will lead a flavour-led creative workshop and open Q&A, delving into storytelling, flavour innovation and elevated serve design. The Black Ruby Lounge will culminate in an exclusive bar takeover at Bramble, marking the venue’s 20th anniversary and celebrating two decades of influence on Scotland’s bar scene.
‘Pitch It’ with Disaronno Group (DIUK)
Designed to spotlight emerging talent, the ‘Pitch It’ programme invites bartenders from across the UK to submit an original seminar concept, with the winning idea brought to life at EBS26 on Tuesday 14th April. Focused on creativity, education and peer-to-peer mentorship, the initiative forms part of DIUK’s advocacy platform, @1525barsociety, supporting professional development within the hospitality community.
Hendrick’s Gin Global Launch Party
Hendrick’s Gin will host the inaugural evening of their brand new “Just Another Takeover Series”, refreshing the takeover space with something new and exciting for the trade. Here you will experience both Hendrick’s Original and a brand new permanent spirit in contrasting experiences, with 2 top trade partners representing each liquid in different ways, plus a very lucky few will be able to experience a secret takeover within the takeover somewhere inside!
Bacardi Returns with Multi-Brand Takeover at Monday Night Wrap Party Bacardi returns to Edinburgh Bar Show with a programme of activity across brands, including another one of their legendary, not-to-be-missed Monday night wrap parties. Aberfeldy, St Germain and Patron will transform Old Pal for what will be a memorable evening where guests can circulate between a cosy whisky snug, an airy spritz bar, through to an extravagant Hacienda DJ experience.
Brugal Rum x Source Coffee x Lucky Liquor Collaboration
A cross-category collaboration blending rum, coffee and bar culture, this partnership will deliver both a seminar and a bar takeover, exploring flavour, craftsmanship and innovation across disciplines.
The Ada Coleman Project
The Ada Coleman Project will return to EBS with a programme of seminars focused on representation, mentorship and industry progression, featuring an array of guest speakers including Rachel Palumbo (Hey Palu) and Claire Warner (Founder of Positive Drinking and Co-Chair of Futures for Tales of the Cocktail). The initiative will also host a SIP Social guest shift at The Caley Bar, continuing its mission to create inclusive and meaningful industry spaces.
Further international bar takeovers, visiting bartenders and seminar speakers will be revealed when the full programme is published in early March.
The Voodoo Rooms will once again act as the official EBS Hub, hosting the core seminar programme, tastings, networking and daytime activations, while bars and venues across the city will host takeovers and bespoke events throughout the three days.
Jamie adds; “Our core principle to support and encourage the bar community with an event that is totally free to attend seems more relevant than ever in what is a challenging time for the hospitality industry. So, to see Edinburgh Bar Show attract bigger numbers and offer a wider, more diverse and engaging programme each year is brilliant to see.”
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The momentum behind Edinburgh Bar Show continues to build. In 2025, the event welcomed over 1,400 registered trade delegates, delivering 25 seminars, 26 bar takeovers and a packed programme of brand-led events, with visitors attending from across Scotland, the wider UK and internationally. The show also generated significant trade visibility, with strong digital engagement and extensive on-the-ground industry participation throughout the city.
Gary adds; “One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Edinburgh Bar Show is being able to provide a platform for the bar community to make new connections, and then see those connections organically become friendships and collaborations in the months following the show. It’s this openness to collaboration within our community that has helped power Edinburgh to become and remain the world-class drinks destination that it is.”
