Edinburgh’s Top Bars and Pubs revealed as Bar Awards Finalists Announced

Edinburgh’s bartending community has cast its verdict. The inaugural Edinburgh Bar Awards has concluded its voting process, with thousands of ballots submitted to determine the cream of the city’s thriving bar scene. The top contenders were announced on Tuesday, 3 September.

The grand finale of this exciting event is set for Monday, 16 September, at the first-ever Edinburgh Bartenders Ball.

This new celebration aims to showcase the capital’s dynamic hospitality industry and bar culture.

The awards encompass 10 diverse categories, including accolades for Best Bar, Best Pub, Best Drink, Best Shake, and Rising Star.

The competition was fierce, with 150 venues and individuals vying for recognition. Following an intensive voting period, the top five finalists in each category have been unveiled, representing a wide spectrum of establishments from across the city.

From iconic spots like Bramble and The Athletic Arms (The Diggers) to Leith’s popular pubs Nauticus and Mother Superior, and the indulgent restaurant bar at The Hawksmoor, Edinburgh’s finest venues will compete for the prestigious titles supported by Halewood, Base Spirits Collective, X Muse Vodka, Born Irish Whiskey and Heverlee.

The fiercely contested Cutty Sark Best Bar category showcases a variety of venues known for their exceptional atmosphere and service.

The bars vying for this title include award-winning cocktail haunts, Bramble and Hey Palu, the stylish Raging Bull, late night spot Starbar, and the themed Cocktail Geeks.

For the Pintail Best Pub award, finalists include the classic Edinburgh pub, The Diggers (The Athletic Arms), community-focussed Polwarth Tavern and Malones Haymarket, as well as independent whisky bars, Mother Superior, and Nauticus.

The Royal Mile Whiskies Best Bar Team  finalists include Nauticus, Bramble, Raging Bull, Starbar, and Cocktail Geeks, which all  secured additional recognition for outstanding teamwork.  

The Best Restaurant Bar category finalists include family-run, Eleanore, Italian-inspired Tipo, split-level contemporary cocktail bar, Old Pal, British brasserie, Dine, and the striking Hawksmoor steakhouse.

Edinburgh cocktail lovers have also chosen the city’s top serves in the Schweppes Best Drink category. Top creations include the ‘Cranachan Manhattan’ from the romantic Commons Club at Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, the classic ‘Gimlet’ from the team at Hawksmoor, a ‘Porridge Colada’ hailing from Nauticus, the fresh ‘Yuzu Margarita’ at Hey Palu, and a ‘Coconut Daiquiri’ at secret speakeasy, Panda & Sons.

The much-discussed Best Shake category has received thousands of votes with Leon Wilkes Black at Commons Club, Sian Buchan at Uno Mas, Fowwaz Ansari at Bittersweet, Jake Harris at Hawksmoor, and Sam Milne at Panda & Sons shaking up the biggest storm on socials!

The Edinburgh Bar Awards will take place at the atmospheric Caves on Monday, 16 September, during the Bartenders Ball.

Previous events at the Glasgow equivalent ball have featured a wine bottle bucking bronco, a Sailor Jerry arm wrestling competition, DJ sets from Shaka Loves You, live performances from a nine-piece New Orleans brass band, Al and the Bad Decision, and more.

David Smillie, co-founder and organiser of the Bar Awards and Bartender’s Ball said: “We are overwhelmed with the response from the Edinburgh Bar Awards and the thousands of votes which were cast by Edinburgh’s hospitality scene. 

“Join us this September to raise a glass to Edinburgh’s finest in a post-Fringe celebration to remember!”

“The first of its kind in Edinburgh, the Bartenders Ball will be supported by Halewood, Base Spirits Collective, X Muse Vodka, Born Irish Whiskey and Heverlee.

“These partners will provide samples during the event as part of the ticket price, and their support has made the whole thing possible!”

Guaranteed to sell out, tickets to the Bartenders Ball cost £30 with tickets on sale now.

The ticket includes drinks from premium brands, delicious street food, smoked barbecue classics like hog roast buns with vegan and gluten free options available.

Alongside live music, entertainment, the Edinburgh Bar Awards, and many high-octane surprises.

Organised by Backs! Hospitality –  a community interest company created by David Smillie and Alex Riches, anyone who works across the hospitality industry is invited to attend – from brand ambassadors to bartenders.

Funds raised from the £30 ticket sales go towards nurturing the next wave of bartending talent and frontline hospitality staff through various initiatives like events, networking, mentoring, and training.

For more information, stay updated: 

The Edinburgh Bar Awards take place at The Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball at The Caves on Monday, 16 September 2024. Tickets include complimentary food and drink, entertainment and cost £30 Buy tickets from here.