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THE BONNIE BADGER CROWNED EAST LOTHIAN PUB & BAR OF THE YEAR AT THE NATIONAL PUB & BAR AWARDS 2024
9th April 2024
Today, (Monday 8th April) The National Pub & Bar Awards announced that Broc Bar at The Bonnie Badger in Gullane has officially been named East Lothian Pub & Bar of the Year 2024.
Broc Bar at The Bonnie Badger scooped the title, which it has held onto for the third year in a row, as it continues to champion East Lothian and its enviable food and drink offering.
The Bonnie Badger was recognised by the judges for demonstrating excellence across a number of elements that affect the customer journey from its food and drink offering, a commitment to local sourcing, standards of service excellence, a creative interior, its dedication to team training, support and engagement, and a proactive approach to sustainability.
Set in the heart of East Lothian's coastal village of Gullane, The Bonnie Badger opened in 2018 and is the first ‘restaurant with rooms’ from husband-and-wife team Tom and Michaela Kitchin. The Bonnie Badger is a gourmet bolthole, renowned for its gastropub offering at Broc Bar. A proud holder of a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand since 2019, The Bonnie Badger offers quality Scottish gastropub dishes, in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
Commenting on the recognition, The Bonnie Badger Chef Owner Tom Kitchin said; “It has been an incredibly busy year at The Bonnie Badger as we celebrated five years since opening. From partnerships with The Genesis Scottish Open, Seedlip Alcohol-free Spirits and Sam Heughan’s Sassenach Spirits, to fundraising events with sporting legends such as Graeme Souness and supporting the next generation of footballing talent at Gullane Athletic FC – it has been an exciting year for our visitors, our local community, and indeed our team.
“For us, East Lothian is a really special place. We feel incredibly lucky that The Bonnie Badger is located in the heart of the enviable coastline, giving us access to some of the best produce in the world.”
“We truly appreciate the support and recognition from The National Pub & Bar Awards and congratulate all of the other winners from across the UK who are flying the flag for their own area’s food and drink.”
When Tom and Michaela Kitchin opened Broc Bar at The Bonnie Badger in 2018, they set out to create a special place – a place that put great pub food front and centre, while creating a warm and welcoming space for the local community to enjoy. Today, Broc Bar continues to set itself apart as a destination where the local community comes together with golfers, gourmands and East Lothian explorers. The venue offers a creative gastropub menu, a wide range of carefully sourced drinks and a calendar of immersive events, giving guests the opportunity to learn about food, drink, locality and seasonality.
At the very heart of the venue, is a deep-rooted commitment to local sourcing and the Scottish seasons. The philosophy is evident in the menus that showcase modern Scottish pub classics alongside ever-changing seasonal specials, as well as in the respect and care for the local area, local producers and across the events and experiences on offer.
The National Pub & Bar Awards aims to showcase the UK’s finest pubs and bars on a national scale, celebrating the best venues within 94 counties across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.