Historic 400-year-old pub and favourite haunt of Robert Burns named ‘best eating experience’ in Scotland

Historic 400-year-old pub and favourite haunt of Robert Burns named ‘best eating experience’ in Scotland

Dumfries and Galloway celebrated a double success at the Scottish Thistle Awards, the tourism industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. The Globe Inn on Dumfries High Street was honoured as the best eating experience, while the Wigtown Book Festival was recognised as the outstanding cultural event. These two winners emerged victorious at the national finals in Glasgow after excelling at the South of Scotland event.

Established in 1610, The Globe Inn is renowned as a beloved spot frequented by Robert Burns. It now offers a modern dining experience highlighting fresh, local ingredients and innovative Scottish cuisine. Impressively, the judges praised the restaurant for its storytelling approach that melds seamlessly with food to deliver a unique experience. The Globe Inn’s collaboration with local activity providers, tour operators, and food suppliers was also commended for showcasing the area’s history and food provenance.

Head of cuisine at The Globe Inn, Jonathan Brett, expressed his elation at the award, citing the team’s dedication to creating a special dining experience rooted in fresh ingredients and passionate service. Meanwhile, the Wigtown Book Festival clinched the outstanding cultural event prize for its high-quality literary programme, sustainability efforts, adaptive nature, and deep community roots.

Cathy Agnew, Chair of Wigtown Festival Company, expressed delight at the festival’s recognition, emphasising its significant contribution to Galloway’s cultural tourism landscape. The Scottish Thistle Awards, hosted by VisitScotland and sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin, have been honouring excellence in the tourism industry for over thirty years.

Steven Walker, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Award industry panel, commended both The Globe Inn and Wigtown Book Festival for their remarkable achievements, underscoring the positive impact of Scotland’s tourism and events industry. Winning a Scottish Thistle Award is a prestigious accomplishment that not only elevates the region but also opens doors to new opportunities for the deserving winners.

In conclusion, the accolades bestowed upon The Globe Inn and Wigtown Book Festival spotlight the outstanding tourism offerings in Dumfries and Galloway. These wins signify not only local excellence but also contribute to Scotland’s rich cultural tapestry, reinforcing the region’s significance in the country’s vibrant tourism sector.