Edinburgh’s Bridge Inn pub is ‘best in Scotland’

The Bridge Inn has been named the best pub in Scotland. Jackie Smith, one of the bar staff, is pictured. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The Bridge Inn in Ratho has been named Scotland’s Pub of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards. The honour is presented to an establishment that “stands out as a truly excellent all-round pub or inn.”

This is the pub’s second top gong in as many weeks after it was also named Best Food Pub 2014 in the Yorkshire, North East & Scotland category at the Great British Pub Awards.

Owner of the four star inn, Graham Bucknall said: “It’s been four years since we took over The Bridge Inn and this award is a terrific recognition of everything we and all the staff here have achieved. We’ve worked hard to create a friendly pub with the kind of atmosphere and food that means that we’re a destination venue as well as a favourite for locals. Coming on the back of our win in the food category at the Great British Food Awards, we’re somewhat in shock.”

The Bridge Inn has been named the best pub in Scotland. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Located on the Union Canal, the pub also incorporates a restaurant, four luxury bedrooms, has two restaurant barges and has its own walled garden which supplies vegetables and pork for the menu.

The AA Hospitality Awards, held in London, recognises those who successfully combine the provision of enjoyable food, a great pub atmosphere and a warm welcome with a high standard of management.

Simon Numphud Head of AA Hotel Services said: “We are delighted to recognise the Bridge Inn. A super location, with great focus on seasonal home grown local produce combined by friendly and helpful management and staff makes this an excellent AA Pub of the Year for Scotland.”

The Bridge Inn’s accolades do not just end there though it has also been given an AA Rosette, as well as being short-listed for the CIS Pub Excellence Award 2014 and earlier this year the inn also won the Dram Dog Friendly Pub of the Year 2014.