It’s the season to coorie in and keep snug. And there’s no better place to indulge and keep cosy that in some of Scotland’s best winter appropriate pubs. Thankfully there’s plenty to choose from…
Cask Smugglers
Inspired by Scotland’s thrilling smuggling past, Cask Smugglers assemble classic cocktails and smuggle them straight to your table. Specialising in high-quality small-batch spirits, you are welcomed to relax with friends and great music at the smuggler’s hideaway on the Waverley rooftop. Or why not book one of the spectacular Secret Domes for a totally unique experience.
Cask Smugglers are proud to present the brand-new secret domes, which boast some of the best views in Edinburgh. From the rooftop of Waverley station, watch in awe as the hazy winter sun descends over the magnificent city skyline, transforming to starry night.
Cask Smugglers has partnered with the best in Edinburgh’s food and drink scene to assemble luxurious curated packages. Elegant afternoon teas, charcuterie boards, and fine cheese selections accompany delectable drinks and cocktails.
As soon as you enter your dome, the party begins. Fill your dome with music of your choice or choose from one of the venue’s bespoke playlists. Want to see the menu or order more drinks? Simply ring the doorbell and one of the servers will be happy to cater to your needs. The domes are a heated retreat from the cold bite of winter kitted out with cosy Nordic rugs and throws.
www.casksmugglers.com/thesecretdomes
www.facebook.com/casksmugglers
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The Winter Garden at Festival Village
As we delve into the season of woolly hats, shopping and cocktails, Glasgow welcomes new food and drinks venue The Winter Garden. Located in the stylish Merchant City, the Winter Garden offers captivating cocktails, warming hot drinks, and delicious street food from local vendors. The Winter Gin’s cinnamon notes perfectly with Christmassy spiced apple.
The venue is fully heated and sheltered from the elements, and is even family and dog-friendly!
The Winter Garden offers plenty of space for large groups, secluded function areas available to hire, heaters on every table, food, music and great atmosphere in the centre of Glasgow.
It’s open 11am--10pm Thursday-Sunday in Candleriggs Square, Merchant City.
www.facebook.com/FestivalVillageMerchantCity
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Malones Glasgow
Malone's is instantly recognisable as an Irish bar.
The dark wood fixtures, whisky barrel motifs and traditional bric-a-brac all announce the character of this cosy spot. Add in a warm welcome from the staff and there's the promise of good times from a formula repeated the world over.
What makes Malone's stand out is an admirable commitment to serving up quality comfort food. While most probably visit here to watch football matches, or catch a live band with friends, the menu here is also worth a mention.
Their wraps and sandwiches include burritos, chicken salad, pulled pork and halloumi grilled veg ensuring something for everyone.
Included in their lunch time offering is all time classic burgers including BBQ, cajun chicken and even a hot dog, with their dirty fries ranging from garlic to beef chilli cheese, to pulled pork and sriracha.
Malones do also offer a small plates option at three for £10 including six wings, mac and cheese bites, falafel bites, haggis balls and chicken tenders.
The drinks menu completes the offerings with a massive range of gin and whisky including their very own brands.
www.malonesbarglasgow.com
www.facebook.com/malonesbarglasgow
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The Criterion Bar
The Criterion Bar, a multi award-winning bar, was established in 1874 and is one of the last few remaining traditional pubs in St Andrews that is a family-run business. Located in South Street, the venue is a high street pub with a community feel, welcoming everyone the same whether they be regulars, students or tourists. The Criterion Bar takes pride on being the friendliest establishment in town and making the customer feel at home –including any canine buddies as well.
The Criterion Bar has a range of over 160 malt whisky, 90 gins, 30 rums, 10 tequilas, six Cask Handpulls (one with cask cider), an extensive wine range and barista coffee… and even a beer for dogs.
They pack a lot into the tiny footprint of The Criterion, on brighter days you can watch the world go by on the Beer Terrace. The walls are adorned with photographs and maps dating back to the 1900’s and pictures of how the pub has evolved through the decades.
The pub source all their food locally and it is all produced on site (in their tiny kitchen) and they have a worldwide following for their famous Cri Pies that are served from opening to closing time. From 10am you can enjoy coffee and a bacon roll or a pint of beer and a Cri Pie every day of the week as they are licensed from 10am.
Working closely with local suppliers they always offer the best of St Andrews through St Andrews Brewing Co, Eden Mill Brewery & Distillery, Kingsbarns Distillery, Minicks Butchers, Buffalo Farm and Fisher & Donaldson bakery they actively promote local products and local businesses to help the community.
They have also created their own tartan, The Criterion Tartan was created with colours from the bar, they have used it in the fixed seating upholstery and have created ties to sell as merchandise.
The Criterion is a pub where you are a regular no matter where you come from and how often you visit and a place you can expect always get a warm Scottish welcome.
Instagram - www.instagram.com/criterionstandrews
Facebook – www.facebook.com/thecriterionbar
Website – www.criterionstandrews.co.uk
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The George Hotel
The Clark family have presided over proceedings at The George since 1860. It is the longest continuously owned hotel in Scotland.
They also own the First House built in new Inveraray – finished in 1751. The family influence is evident when you enter The George. The building has been well cared for over the last 250 years. The interior boasts stunning original exposed walls, flagstone floors and antique furniture.
The George also has four open fireplaces on the ground floor. The Cocktail bar is a fabulous mix of Olde World charm with the demands of a modern var. It offers three real ales, a well-priced wine list and award-winning cocktails and food. The two classically trained French chefs offer simple, desirable Scottish meals as well as more challenging dishes exhibiting their culinary skills that have won them many awards over the years.
The Hotels most recent accolades are Sunday Mail Pub of 2019 & Dram Hotel Bar of 2019, following from the previous Scottish Hotel Awards Town Hotel 2018 and Bar and Dining 2018 2014 Dram Award for best family run pub.
But The George is more than a pub – they have some of the most interesting, individual and quirky bedrooms in Scotland. Some have cosy fireplaces, other have Whirlpool baths and some even have stand alone Victorian baths.
The George offers unbeatable quality at affordable value for all its guests. They also have their own boat, Rhiannon, that fishes for local seafood including langoustine, squat lobster and crab.
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