Tiny but cosy pub in Scots village wins top award after nearly closing

Daily Record

22-05-2025

The bar was named the Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)
A small bar in a remote village has won a top pub honour despite almost closing in recent years. The Craft Bar in Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, faced an uncertain future as it fell into disrepair.
But the cosy one-room pub was taken over by local councillor Paul Johnston, who has turned around its fortunes. And the drinking hole has pulled off a remarkable feat by being named Pub of the Year for the Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles region by CAMRA.
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CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, represent those who enjoy a beer across the UK and they dished out gong thanks to The Craft Bar's impressive turnaround.
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While Johnston had worked behind the bar in his youth, he had never owned a pub, but felt driven to act when Pitmedden looked like it would be left without a local.
'When we took over the pub was in a very poor state and had severe problems,' he said. 'While it was challenging, as a councillor, saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do.'
Johnston was inspired by a close friend, fellow councillor Duncan Borrowman, who had turned around The Bailey Head pub in Oswestry, Shropshire, a venue that has since earned CAMRA's national Pub of the Year accolade.
With the help of his wife Roseanne, Paul transformed The Craft Bar into a haven for drink connoisseurs. Today, the bar boasts over 300 wines, 80 gins, and a regularly rotating selection of craft beers sourced from across the north east.
'One of the big assets of the north east is how good our brewing and drinks industry is,' Paul said. 'We use Fierce from Dyce, Six Degrees North from Stonehaven, and beers from Speyside.'
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Two handpumps at the bar serve cask ales from a variety of breweries, supported by a wide-ranging selection of live key-keg beers from across the UK.
The lager lineup changes regularly, often featuring crisp German and Czech pilsners, while cider lovers can enjoy a classic pour from Aspall in Suffolk.
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For those keen to sample more, a well-stocked fridge holds a comprehensive array of bottled and canned beers.
And with a staggering 400 beers and wines available for takeaway or to enjoy in-house for a small fee, the choice is nothing short of impressive.
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That range, along with a clear commitment to quality, has made The Craft Bar a local gem, a place where Pitmedden residents and curious visitors gather to sample weekly selections and unwind in good company.
'I believe that well-run pubs have a great effect on the community. We help people come together and get things done – and there's no better thing than having a nice pint of beer to do it with,' he added.
CAMRA praised the bar's inviting layout and thoughtful design: 'A one-roomed corner pub opened in November 2017 and run by an enthusiastic local CAMRA member.
"Old church pews provide seating for some of the tables around the walls, whilst other tables are served by bench seating. Has mainly wooden flooring with tiling around the bar, which has a foot rail.'