Edinburgh Bars Celebrate

Three Edinburgh bars are celebrating after winning plaudits at this year’s Scottish Licensed Trade Awards.

The Balmoral Bar, Cabaret Voltaire and Monteiths all walked away with awards from the ceremony held on Monday night (30^th June).

The Balmoral Bar was named Asahi New Bar of the Year, whilst Monteiths was crowned Repertoire Cocktail Bar of the Year. Cabaret Voltaire picked up two awards – employee Rachel Gregson was chosen as Kopparberg Bar Personality of the Year, whilst the club itself was named Vodkapom Nightclub of the Year.

The Balmoral Bar (formerly NBs) reopened at the end of last year following an extensive refurbishment.The judges of the category praised the bar’s service saying, “The service at this bar is impeccable, from the meet and greet, to the delivery of the drinks. Classical surroundings, and a genuine customer focus make this an hangout for the good and the great.” Asahi New Bar of the Year  award was presented by Graeme Craig, Sales and Marketing Manager, Shepherd Neame to Fredrik Laseen of the Balmoral Bar.

Monteiths is also a relative newcomer to the Edinburgh bar scene, having opened on the High Street at the end of last summer. Said the judges, “This bar is small, but impressive. And the cocktails offered were to die for. Unusual and very tasty, they were perfectly served and garnished. The staff were efficient too, no sooner were the cocktails on order than they were served.”

Repertoire Cocktail Bar of the Year award was  presented by Gemma Scott to Stevie Kish of Monteiths.

Cabaret Voltaire was also praised with Rachel Gregson described as “bubbly, enthusiastic, customer focused, and a real support to her boss” whilst judges commented about the club, “When other club owners are telling you that it is the best club around, you know that it’s a winner!”

VodkaPom Nightclub of the Year  award was presented by Carlo Citti to Sarah David of Cabaret Voltaire (Rachel Gregson was also named Kopparberg Bar Personality of the Year)

Maxxium Bar Apprentice of the Year was  presented by Huw Pennel, Managing Director of Maxxium UK to Terri Brotherton of the Voodoo Rooms

Elsewhere, Terri Brotherton of Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms was named as Maxxium Bar Apprentice of the Year whilst Nic Wood of Signature Pubs – behind the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Rutland Hotel – was crowned Brown-Forman Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The winners were crowned at a Prohibition themed ceremony at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow, attended by over 500 people.

Photographer is Andrew Cawley.