A collection of outstanding venues from across Tayside, Fife, and Stirling have recently been celebrated at the 30th annual Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, highlighting the vibrant and high-quality hospitality scene in our neighbouring regions. The ceremony, a beacon for excellence in Scotland’s drinks and dining industry, took place at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow, acknowledging the dedication and innovation of over a hundred shortlisted finalists.
For residents of Perth and Kinross, these accolades are a welcome sign of the thriving leisure opportunities available just a short journey away. Whether it’s a day trip to Dundee, a coastal excursion to St Andrews, or a visit to historic Stirling, the recognition of these establishments reinforces the exceptional standards of food and drink on offer across central Scotland. Celebrating Local Champions: Notable Award Winners
Among the celebrated establishments was The Phoenix, a popular Dundee pub located on Nethergate. Having recently undergone new stewardship under Andy Robertson in August 2024, The Phoenix earned the coveted Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality. This recognition speaks volumes about the establishment’s commitment to delivering an exceptional patron experience, setting a high benchmark for service and atmosphere within the bustling Tayside city centre. A heartfelt message shared on social media by The Phoenix team expressed profound gratitude to their entire staff for their role in achieving this significant honour.
St Andrews, a gem in Fife often frequented by Perthshire visitors, also saw one of its distinguished venues honoured. The Criterion, a well-regarded bar, secured the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering award. This prize underscores its dedication to curating an impressive and diverse selection of beverages, catering to discerning palates and enhancing the town’s renowned hospitality landscape.
Dundee continued its winning streak with Draffens taking home the De Kuyper Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues award, a testament to its innovative mixology and inviting local atmosphere. Furthermore, the expansive Apex Hotels group was recognised as the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year, highlighting its exemplary commitment to employee welfare and best practices within the industry – a standard that resonates across all its regional operations, including those within Tayside. Recognising Diverse Excellence Across the Region
Other notable winners contributing to the regional celebration included Hugos Bar & Pavilion in Dalgety Bay, Fife, which proudly received the SPBA Best Beer Garden award for its inviting outdoor space. In Stirling, The Birds and Bees was distinguished as the Jump Ship Brewing Gastro Pub of the Year, acknowledging its commitment to culinary excellence within a relaxed pub setting. The rapidly expanding Bucks Bar Group, which recently opened an outlet in St Andrews, also garnered recognition with the Favela Independent Multiple Operator Award, signalling its dynamic growth and innovative approach within the hospitality sector.
Susan Young, a prominent voice in the hospitality sector and editor of a leading industry publication, spoke of the immense pride felt in witnessing so many deserving establishments receive accolades this year. She emphasised that the awards serve as a powerful celebration of the individuals and teams who tirelessly contribute to the success and sterling reputation of the Scottish hospitality industry. The exceptional calibre of this year’s entries, she noted, truly demonstrated the outstanding venues operating throughout the country, making every finalist worthy of considerable commendation for their achievements.
These awards not only spotlight individual successes but also collectively elevate the entire Tayside, Fife, and Stirling regions as premier destinations for high-quality dining, refreshing drinks, and memorable social experiences. For those in Perth and Kinross, this means even more reasons to explore the diverse and award-winning hospitality offerings just beyond their doorstep, enriching the overall cultural and leisure tapestry of central Scotland.
For residents of Perth and Kinross, these accolades are a welcome sign of the thriving leisure opportunities available just a short journey away. Whether it’s a day trip to Dundee, a coastal excursion to St Andrews, or a visit to historic Stirling, the recognition of these establishments reinforces the exceptional standards of food and drink on offer across central Scotland. Celebrating Local Champions: Notable Award Winners
Among the celebrated establishments was The Phoenix, a popular Dundee pub located on Nethergate. Having recently undergone new stewardship under Andy Robertson in August 2024, The Phoenix earned the coveted Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality. This recognition speaks volumes about the establishment’s commitment to delivering an exceptional patron experience, setting a high benchmark for service and atmosphere within the bustling Tayside city centre. A heartfelt message shared on social media by The Phoenix team expressed profound gratitude to their entire staff for their role in achieving this significant honour.
St Andrews, a gem in Fife often frequented by Perthshire visitors, also saw one of its distinguished venues honoured. The Criterion, a well-regarded bar, secured the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering award. This prize underscores its dedication to curating an impressive and diverse selection of beverages, catering to discerning palates and enhancing the town’s renowned hospitality landscape.
Dundee continued its winning streak with Draffens taking home the De Kuyper Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues award, a testament to its innovative mixology and inviting local atmosphere. Furthermore, the expansive Apex Hotels group was recognised as the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year, highlighting its exemplary commitment to employee welfare and best practices within the industry – a standard that resonates across all its regional operations, including those within Tayside. Recognising Diverse Excellence Across the Region
Other notable winners contributing to the regional celebration included Hugos Bar & Pavilion in Dalgety Bay, Fife, which proudly received the SPBA Best Beer Garden award for its inviting outdoor space. In Stirling, The Birds and Bees was distinguished as the Jump Ship Brewing Gastro Pub of the Year, acknowledging its commitment to culinary excellence within a relaxed pub setting. The rapidly expanding Bucks Bar Group, which recently opened an outlet in St Andrews, also garnered recognition with the Favela Independent Multiple Operator Award, signalling its dynamic growth and innovative approach within the hospitality sector.
Susan Young, a prominent voice in the hospitality sector and editor of a leading industry publication, spoke of the immense pride felt in witnessing so many deserving establishments receive accolades this year. She emphasised that the awards serve as a powerful celebration of the individuals and teams who tirelessly contribute to the success and sterling reputation of the Scottish hospitality industry. The exceptional calibre of this year’s entries, she noted, truly demonstrated the outstanding venues operating throughout the country, making every finalist worthy of considerable commendation for their achievements.
These awards not only spotlight individual successes but also collectively elevate the entire Tayside, Fife, and Stirling regions as premier destinations for high-quality dining, refreshing drinks, and memorable social experiences. For those in Perth and Kinross, this means even more reasons to explore the diverse and award-winning hospitality offerings just beyond their doorstep, enriching the overall cultural and leisure tapestry of central Scotland.