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Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Hidden gem theme park revealed as Scotland's best family day out
Scroll down to see the winners in your area SCOTLAND'S best family day out has been revealed at a glittering ceremony. The country's most-loved bars, restaurants and fun spots have been honoured at this year's Entertainment and Hospitality Awards. Advertisement 3 The hidden gem theme park came out on top 3 There's load of thrilling rides including the Dead Man's Drop And a hidden gem theme park has scooped top spot for Best Day Out in the country. Codona's, in Aberdeen, beat stiff competition to win the category. The park is packed full of thrilling rides, from the Galleon Pirate Ship and Dead Man's Drop Tower to the Grampian Big Eye Ferris wheel and three-level karting. Meanwhile, there's bowling, laser tag and adventure gold courses as well as an arcade and plenty of food and drink options. Bev Anderson, duty manager at the park, said: "We are all immensely proud of winning 'Best Day Out' in the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards but most of all we are very proud of the team that have made this possible and extremely thankful to our amazing customers who voted for us. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL SHORE THING Hidden gem Scots caravan park with a pool that's just 10 steps from the beach "We cannot thank our team and our customers enough for their continued support." The lavish event at Glasgow's Doubletree By Hilton flew in global stars The Vengaboys for an exclusive live show, to the surprise of the packed room, along with a performance from current Britain's Got Talent viral finalist Vinnie McKee. The awards are decided by a combination of public nomination and voting along with visits by judges so a win is an endorsement first and foremost by customers. Bev said: "People enjoy a day out with us because there is something for everyone. Advertisement "We have a wide variety of activities and attractions from Bowling to Amusement Park rides, Smugglers Cove Adventure Play to Indoor and Outdoor golf, as well as an arcade with everything you need to keep you entertained for hours." Codonas has a number of great deals on over the summer and Bev and the team can't wait to welcome visitors. The holiday park that's been called an affordable Centre Parcs She said: "We are at the heart of Aberdeen beach and are very much looking forward to showcasing what we do to visitors from afar throughout the Tall Ships which are coming this July." Awards Director Warren Paul said it is a tough time for everyone right now and it's key to celebrate Scotland's brilliant entertainment scene. Advertisement He said: "We need to socialise, we need that break and to let off steam, escape all the day to day worries – and that's what our friends in hospitality provide. 'With many closures and difficulties, it's important to recognise those who go above and beyond to give the public that chance to zone out, relax and de-stress. RUNNERS UP THERE were four more venues that were highly recommended in the Best Day Out category: Five Sisters Zoo, West Calder M&D'S - Scotland's Theme Park, Motherwell The Quay, Glasgow Top Golf, Rutherglen 'That's what these awards are for – it's a nod and a thank you from the public to the place and people they appreciate, those who do it better than the rest or just offer something really special. 'So while we have big names performing here tonight, the real stars are the award winners from all over Scotland, venues and businesses who stand out every single day and night. Advertisement 'Thank you to every winner, every highly recommended and every business who perhaps hasn't won tonight but is out there working hard every day to support us all – sadly there can be only one winner in each category and some are very close.' The awards also celebrated bars with the best pub in Scotland and the best sports bar among the winners.
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scotland's best pub named in prestigious hospitality awards
The Vengaboys and BGT star Vinnie McKee wowed guests with surprise performances at the awards ceremony in Glasgow Glasgow stole the spotlight at this year's Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, with venues across the city picking up top accolades in what has become one of Scotland's most prestigious celebrations of nightlife and dining. Among the standout winners were The Scallion in the city's West End, which was crowned Best Pub in Scotland, while the likes of BAaD, RED Sky Bar and Berlinkys also clinched key titles. It wasn't just a Glasgow affair though. Ayr's Spudbuds, Aberdeen's Codona's and The Craftsman Company, The Golf Inn in Ladybank and The Bawbee in Stirling also walked away with honours. The ceremony, held at Glasgow's DoubleTree by Hilton, brought in global pop icons The Vengaboys for a surprise live set, alongside a show-stopping performance from viral Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee. But the biggest applause of the night was reserved for hospitality legend Donald MacLeod, who received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long-standing impact on Scotland's entertainment scene. Warren Paul, Director of the Entertainment and Hospitality Awards and the force behind several of the country's major award platforms, said the event was a vital chance to show appreciation for an industry under pressure. 'Congratulations to all who have won or come close especially and of course to Donald who has done and continues to do so much for hospitality and entertainment in Scotland,' he said. 'It is a very tough time for everyone right now but it does seem the hospitality industry are really feeling the heat – people simply don't have the money to go out as often as they did, or they're scared to spend the money they do have. 'We need to socialise, we need that break and to let off steam, escape all the day to day worries, and that's what our friends in hospitality provide. 'With many closures and difficulties, it's important to recognise those who go above and beyond to give the public that chance to zone out, relax and de-stress. 'That's what these awards are for, it's a nod and a thank you from the public to the place and people they appreciate, those who do it better than the rest or just offer something really special. 'So while we have big names performing here tonight, the real stars are the award winners from all over Scotland, venues and businesses who stand out every single day and night. 'Thank you to every winner, every highly recommended and every business who perhaps hasn't won tonight but is out there working hard every day to support us all, sadly there can be only one winner in each category and some are very close.' Winners were determined through a mix of public voting and nominations, alongside visits from the judging panel, making each award a reflection of customer satisfaction and excellence. Other winners included Best Day Out for Codona's in Aberdeen, Best Casual Dining for Our Place in Annan, and Best Team for Tempura in Ayr. McGoldricks Pool & Sports Bar in Rutherglen took home Best Sports Bar, while Cheers Bar in Coatbridge was named Best Music Venue. BAaD, Barras Art and Design, was awarded Best Outdoor Space and newcomer Turkiye Efes in Uddingston won Best Newcomer. Charcoals was recognised for Best Social Responsibility, while Hollywood Bowl Glasgow at Springfield Quay scooped Best Eco Friendly Venue. Trattoria Roma was named Best Family Restaurant. Spudbuds in Ayr added another trophy to their growing collection by taking Best Takeaway, while CRU Hospitality was named Best Hospitality Employer. The Northern Way in Paisley won Best World Beer and Mini Grill Scottish Steakhouse was named Best Restaurant. Other winners included Berlinkys for Best Late Night Venue, The Vault at Angels for Best Events Venue, and RED Sky Bar at the Radisson for Best Hotel Bar. St Machar Bar took home Best Speciality Spirit Bar. Best Independent Bar awards went to The Craftsman Company in the North, Golf Inn Ladybank in the East, and The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill in the West. Warren added: 'We have winners, highly recommended and indeed entrants from every corner of the country, but it does appear Glasgow's hospitality sector has really delivered in the eyes of customers and voters this time around. 'Congratulations to everyone recognised by the public and therefore by our awards, these titles really do mean a lot, thank you everyone who voted, and really everyone who has helped support the industry in these difficult times. 'There are amazing places all over Scotland waiting to welcome you and help discover next year's winners, we look forward to hearing from you all.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Full List of Winners Best Day Out Codona's Aberdeen Best Casual Dining Our Place Annan Best Team Tempura, Ayr Best Sports Bar McGoldricks Pool & Sports Bar, Rutherglen Best Music Venue Cheers Bar, Coatbridge Best Outdoor Space BAaD - Barras Art and Design Best Newcomer Turkiye Efes Uddingston Best Social Responsibility Charcoals, Glasgow Best Eco Friendly Venue Hollywood Bowl Glasgow - Springfield Quay Best Family Restaurant Trattoria Roma, Johnston Best Takeaway Spudbuds, Ayr Best Hospitality Employer CRU Hospitality, Inverness Best World Beer The Northern Way Paisley Best Restaurant Mini Grill Scottish Steakhouse, Glasgow Best Late Night Venue Berlinkys Best Events Venue The Vault at Angels, Uddingston Best Independent Bar in the North The Craftsman Company, Aberdeen Best Independent Bar in the East Golf Inn @ Ladybank Best Independent Bar in the West The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill, Ayr Best Independent Bar in the Central Belt The Bawbee, Stirling Best Hotel Bar of the Year Radisson RED Sky Bar Best Pub The Scallion, Glasgow
