
Aberdeenshire bar boss reveals secrets to success after winning Pub of the Year
Pitmedden's only pub has been recognised with a national award, seven years after it was saved by a local councillor.
Paul Johnston took over The Craft Bar in Pitmedden seven years ago, after the village's only pub had closed.
The Craft Bar has been awarded Pub of the Year for Aberdeen, Grampian and Northern Isles.
The award was presented by CAMRA, a consumer organisation which recognises pubs for providing high-quality drinks.
Although Paul had worked in bars in his youth, he had never owned a pub before.
Paul said: 'When we took over the pub was in a very poor state and had severe problems.
'While it was challenging, as a councillor saving a pub in my ward felt like the right thing to do.'
Paul was initially inspired to take over the village pub following the success of his friend Duncan Borrowman.
Duncan, also a local councillor in Shropshire, had bought The Bailey Head pub in his local village of Oswestry.
The pub has also received recognition by CAMRA, winning their overall Pub of the Year Award.
Paul runs the bar with his wife Roseanne and has always valued providing a variety of high-quality drinks.
After taking over the pub, Paul was keen to expand its drink options and get people to try something new.
The Craft Bar is home to more than 300 wines, 80 gins and a variety of craft beers.
Paul said: 'One of the big assets of the north east is how good our brewing and drinks industry is.
'We use Fierce from Dyce, Six Degrees North from Stonehaven and beers from Speyside.
Because of the wide variety of drinks offered, the pub has become a real community hotspot, with Pitmedden locals and visitors coming by to try new weekly beers and wines.
He added: '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.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
European shares stable as markets eye Sino-US trade talks
June 10 (Reuters) - European stocks were steady on Tuesday, shrugging off modest losses from the previous session, as investors stayed on edge awaiting fresh signals from the second day of tense U.S.-China trade negotiations. The continent-wide STOXX 600 (.STOXX), opens new tab held its ground at 553.12 points, as of 0703 GMT. The spotlight remains on the talks in London between the world's two biggest economies, as investors eagerly watch for any signs of progress or a thaw in relations. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday put a positive spin on the talks, without divulging any details on how the trade war, that has threatened to disrupt global supply chains, could de-escalate. Gains in automakers (.SXAP), opens new tab, which rose 1%, were offset by financial services (.SXFP), opens new tab and industrial (.SXNP), opens new tab shares, which fell 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively. Among stocks, Novo Nordisk gained nearly 2% after a report said activist hedge fund Parvus Asset Management is building a stake in the drugmaker. Bellway (BWY.L), opens new tab gained 4% after the British homebuilder raised its forecast for full-year volume production. Shares of Aberdeen (ABDN.L), opens new tab gained 5% after upgraded the fund manager's stock to "overweight" from "neutral".


Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Deloitte promotes five Glasgow staff to partner level
Deloitte has announced seven new partners in Scotland, including five Glasgow-based staff members, as part of a nationwide round of 60 partner promotions in 2025. Glasgow's newly promoted partners are Jennifer Donnachie, Laura MacDougall, Lyndsay MacGregor, Marc McNulty, and Paul Cowley. Deloitte said the team brings a "wealth of experience" to their new roles, with Mr Cowley marking 28 years at the firm. Ms Donnachie and Ms MacGregor started their careers at the firm as graduates in the Tax team, while Ms MacDougall and Mr Cowley followed the Audit & Assurance route. Read more: Major London contract gives jobs boost for Glasgow engineering firm Across Scotland, Patrick Werner in Edinburgh and Sarah McGavin in Aberdeen have also been promoted. The promotions span a number of areas, including Deloitte's Tax & Legal, Audit & Assurance, and Technology & Transformation businesses. Overall, 495 people have been promoted within Deloitte's Scottish practice this year, including 13 who have been appointed to director. New Deloitte partners Sarah McGavin, Laura MacDougall, and Patrick Werner with Angela Mitchel - practice senior partner for Scotland and Northern Ireland, (Image: Supplied) Read more: Viral Glasgow food stall 'expecting' as team set to open exciting new restaurant Angela Mitchell, practice senior partner for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: "I'd like to extend my congratulations to this year's partners on their well-earned promotions. "These appointments reflect their expertise, commitment, and leadership, and it is particularly encouraging to see so many of our new partners have started their careers as graduates, highlighting the firm's focus on developing talent from within. "I'd also like to acknowledge all of our people who have been promoted across our Scottish offices this year, including those who have stepped up to director. "Their achievements reflect the depth of talent we are proud to nurture across the business. "As we continue to grow our presence across Scotland, we remain focused on developing the talent and leadership that will shape the future of our business." The announcement follows the recent appointments of Hazel Gray and David Mitchell as senior partners for Aberdeen and Glasgow respectively.

Leader Live
3 hours ago
- Leader Live
Gorsedd: Druid Inn voted one of UK's best-looking pubs
A FLINTSHIRE venue has officially been ranked as one of the 'best-looking' pubs in the UK. After closing down in June 2023, it was announced a month later that Jerry Brunning had purchased the historic Druid Inn, at Gorsedd near Holywell, for his Pubs Ltd group. General manager Ray Faulder-Jones then stepped in to the role early last year before the pub - rumoured to date back to the 12th century - re-opened during in March 2024. Now, one year on, the venue has become a vital community hub offering plenty of events and great food for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. And that popularity has been cemented once more as the pub has this week been announced as the winner in the 'refurbishment' category of CAMRA's Pub Design Awards 2025. The competition celebrates some of the most visually stunning, historically significant and lovingly restored pubs across the UK. Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, the awards highlight both the importance and vulnerability of pub architecture, from ornate Victorian gin palaces to imaginative contemporary spaces. The Refurbishment category rewards the best refurbishment of an existing pub building, ranging from a complete gutting to enhancing the design of what was originally in the pub. Judges praised this extensive, but thoughtful, refurbishment noting the pub's cosy nooks and crannies, a welcoming central bar, comfortable seating, quirky artwork, soft lighting, roaring fireplaces and a private dining room. TOP STORIES TODAY Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: 'The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation. "From inviting streetcorner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded. "I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings." Click on the gallery above to see pictures of the Druid Inn.