Pub landlords across Perth have been cracking open the champagne to celebrate being crowned the best Scottish watering holes.
Three bars in and around the city, as well as one in Pitlochry, were commended by a panel of veteran pubgoers at the Scottish Bar and Brew Awards 2019.
The Venue was crowned the country’s Best Cocktail Bar, while the Pitcairngreen Inn just outside the city was names the nation’s Country Pub of the Year.
The Moulin Hotel in Pitlochry was awarded the title of Scotland’s Hotel Bar of the Year, but it was the Twa Tams which scooped the top gong, winning the Bar of the Year title for the central region and for the overall Scotland category.
Despite Perth losing out on its Purple Flag status which promotes nightlife in the city, the award-winning business owners believe that the Fair City’s evening economy is thriving.
Sandy Stirton, took over the Twa Tams in April with Chris Woods, was shocked just to be nominated.
“We were put forward by the public and it was entirely a shock for us. We are so delighted and it’s down to the staff,” he said.
“We offer quality live music seven days a week and fresh food. We were brought up here, saw the changes and have brought it back to its core values of fun, food and music.
“I’m absolutely terrified as to how we’ll maintain this level, but its a big boost to our motivation to continue.”
Frank Burger-Seed, who runs The Venue, says the high number of awards is a reflection on Perth’s booming pub scene.
He added: “Perth has done very well out of these awards. There’s a very high standard of passionate, independently owned bars and restaurants in Perth to be proud of.
“There’s some extremely good competition here from the likes of Edinburgh and Glasgow.”
Outside the city centre, Pitcairngreen Inn owners Calum MacLeod and Sam O’Brien believe it is the same set of skills that generate an award-winning atmosphere.
“For three completely different pubs to win shows the variety on offer in Perth. It’s massive for us to take the award for the whole of Scotland.
“Getting the basics right is important, and it has a lot to do with it.”
Elsewhere in Courier Country, The Otter’s Head in Glenrothes won Best Food Establishment and The Royal Arch Bar was named as Dundee’s best taproom.
