The Scottish coastal pub with beer garden that was crowned 'best in Scotland'
Scotland features countless pubs across its many cities, towns, and villages. From cosy inns to trendy bars, there are watering holes to suit every taste.
Everyone will have their own preferences when it comes to choosing a place for a drink. However, one venue was recently named the best in the country.
As reported by the Daily Record, the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025 were held last week in Glasgow. Among the winners was The Brig & Barrel in Belhaven, which was named 'Pub/Inn Of The Year'.
The freehouse pub is family and dog-friendly, and features a cosy interior with a fireplace. It serves up a wide selection of beer and wine, as well as a variety of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Brig & Barrel also offers food, including daily fish and vegan specials. Among the dishes customers can enjoy are beer battered fish and chips, smoked haddock, and a range of burgers.
The pub benefits from a beer garden to enjoy drinks outside over the summer. It features covered booths with heaters so that customers can have a pint even amidst Scotland's famously unpredictable weather.
The Brig & Barrel is only a short walk from Belhaven Bay, which is a scenic beach situated within the John Muir Country Park. The bay is ideal for walking, picnics, and sunbathing, and offers spectacular views out over the Forth Estuary.
Posting on Facebook in response to the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025 win, The Brig & Barrel wrote: "Wow, my team did amazing and they all deserve this massively. Well done guys, we love ya to bits.
"I've had a few wee health issues this year and not been able to do my usual graft. But they have totally stepped upto the task and have done me proud.
"The award will sit very nicely on the fireplace with a few of the other ones! Reading all the comments, seeing the support from our locals and Dunbar visitors alike is what makes me smile. Unbelievable."
In addition to being named the Pub/Inn Of The Year, The Brig & Barrel has also received very positive feedback from customers. It currently has an average rating of 4.7 out of five on Google based on 511 reviews.
One happy visitor wrote: "Had dinner here one night and drinks a second night. Loved this wee pub. Sat in garden area both times. Even when raining as it's covered.
"Dog friendly. Great service. Great food. Thoroughly recommend. Hope to be back next time visiting the area."
A second echoed: "Sunshine outdoors but lovely cool interior with cozy wood pub style.
"Food was ace. Philly cheese steak was the best I have ever had. Service was ace. Will return."
Elsewhere, The Keys Bar in St Andrews was named 'Best Bar' at the Scottish Hospitality Awards.
The independent-run venue features more than 300 whiskies and 150 gins to choose from, and also benefits from outdoor seating.
For more information, visit The Brig & Barrel website. The full list of winners at the Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025 can be found on the Oceanic Awards website.
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