Latest news with #TheCraftBar
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Tiny but cosy pub in Scots village wins top award after nearly closing
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. 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. 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.' 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. 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. 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. 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.'
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
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.'
