The Cocktail Festival In Scotland To Have On Your Radar
Scotch, With A Modern Twist
Scotland Served is all about showing how versatile Scotch can be. Rather than sticking to the traditional dram, participating venues will be creating whisky-based cocktails ranging from refreshing highballs to flavourful sours, with Johnnie Walker and The Singleton at the heart of the festival.
It’s also a good excuse to explore Scotland’s bar scene, whether you’re planning a weekend in Edinburgh, a city break in Glasgow or a longer trip around the country. With everything from colourful highballs to flavourful sours on the menu, it’s a chance to discover a more modern side of Scotch while exploring some of Scotland’s best bars.
Iain McPherson, bartender and owner of award-winning cocktail bar, Panda & Sons, says: “Edinburgh has an incredible cocktail scene and Scotland Served is a brilliant opportunity to put that on the map while celebrating the people behind the bars. We will be creating even more memorable experiences for our guests during the festival and showing just how versatile Scotch can be. It’s exciting to see venues across Scotland coming together for a celebration like this and we’re looking forward to welcoming people through our doors and serving up something a little unexpected.”
The Scotland Served Highlights…
EDINBURGH
Panda & Sons
Hidden behind a vintage barbershop façade, Panda & Sons is a cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel, known for creative drinks and an emphasis on flavour. It’s one to add to your Edinburgh list if you like discovering bars that feel a little bit different.
Visit PANDAANDSONS.COM
Hey Palu
Inspired by Italian aperitivo culture, Hey Palu brings together cocktails, small plates and a relaxed atmosphere on Bread Street. It will also welcome Maura Millia from London’s Rosewood Chancery for a special guest shift on Wednesday 21st October.
Visit HEYPALU.COM
Bramble
A fixture on Edinburgh’s cocktail scene, Bramble on Queen Street is known for its extensive cocktail menu and intimate atmosphere. A good option for a more relaxed evening.
Visit BRAMBLEBAR.CO.UK
1820 Rooftop Bar
Located within the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street, 1820 Rooftop Bar combines cocktails with panoramic views across Edinburgh, including Edinburgh Castle. It’s a particularly good choice if you want to pair your drinks with a city view.
Follow @1820ROOFTOPBAR
GLASGOW
Kelvingrove Café
Set in Glasgow’s West End, Kelvingrove Café serves great cocktails in a lively atmosphere. On Saturday 17th October, it will host a guest shift from Hong Kong bartender Lorenzo Antinori as part of the festival.
Visit KELVINGROVECAFE.COM
The Pot Still
For those who love whisky, The Pot Still is a Glasgow institution with a particularly strong focus on Scotch. During Scotland Served, it offers another way to explore the spirit beyond the traditional dram.
Visit THEPOTSTILL.CO.UK
Blue Dog
A cocktail bar on West George Street, Blue Dog combines classic and contemporary cocktails with live jazz.
Visit BLUEDOGGLASGOW.CO.UK
The Gate
A modern Scottish pub near the Barrowland Ballroom, The Gate has more than 160 whiskies alongside cocktails, craft beer and its signature toasties. On Sunday 18th October, Singaporean bartender Bannie Kang will take over the bar for a special guest shift.
Visit THEGATEGLASGOW.COM
PLUS, THERE’S PLENTY GOING ON ELSEWHERE…
Scotland Served stretches well beyond the country’s two biggest cities. In Aberdeen, both Ninety-Nine and The Tippling House are taking part, while Draffens in Dundee offers cocktails in a hidden, Prohibition-style setting. Near Inverness, The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery Bar is a chance to experience whisky closer to where it’s made, with cocktails and locally sourced food on offer.
There’s also a particularly special guest shift at Gleneagles’ American Bar, where Ago Perrone of London’s Connaught Bar and Erik Lorincz of KWANT Mayfair will take over the bar on Saturday 17th October. Both are also judges at this year’s World Class Global Finals, which brings more than 50 of the world’s top bartenders to Scotland. In fact, the judging panel is welcoming plenty of home-grown Scottish talent this year, including Iain McPherson of Edinburgh's award-winning Panda & Sons; Andy Gemmell, owner of The Gate pub in Glasgow; and Kaitlin Wilkes, co-founder of The Ada Coleman Project.
Scotland Served runs from 14th October to 1st November. Visit the festival hub to discover participating venues & start planning your next night out.
Visit MALTS.COM
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