EatScotland

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About EatScotland

EatScotland - How to join downloads 

EAT Scotland LogoEatScotland is a quality assurance "where to eat" scheme from VisitScotland and a website promoting all positive aspects of food and drink in Scotland.

EatScotland has two main objectives. Firstly it helps the residents and visitors to Scotland find great places to eat, not just the well-established places but also the many unsung and sometimes relatively undiscovered places within Scotland that are providing good food, but who may not have managed to get into the glossy printed guides.

The second aim is to raise the profile of Scottish food as an important part of tourism, giving credit to those who are achieving high standards and encouraging others to aspire to that standard. Good examples in the industry, no matter what type of business, will be acknowledged for their achievements.

The Scheme itself is not intended to enforce a straightjacket of formal upmarket standards or particular style on participating establishments. Research into the formation of the scheme found that consumers wanted a wide-ranging guide, incorporating a clear indication of ‘standard bearers’ in the industry – that is, businesses offering excellence and quality within their sector of the market.

"Mystery Customer" type assessments take into account the standards and expectations appropriate to the type of eating establishment. The standard covers quality, service, and hygiene. Using a team of experienced assessors, VisitScotland carries out assessments of participating businesses and operates a simple pass or fail system allied to constructive feedback should the applicant not be initially successful.

From a diner’s point of view, the scheme will help ensure that high standards are the norm, from takeaways and tearooms to restaurants, coffee houses to fish and chip shops.

Benefits to participants include the opportunity to participate in VisitScotland marketing or promotional publications. There may well also be special "one off" promotions available.

Once accepted into the scheme, the participant receives a Scheme window sticker plus certificate. A Scheme logo is also provided for use in promotions activity. All approved participants are featured on the EatScotland website. 


Scotland's Best Bars logo
Scotland's Best Bars is a new quality assurance scheme from VisitScotland which aims to ensure that visitors can enjoy true Scottish hospitality in pubs, bars and inns across the country.

Like the EatScotland scheme, Scotland's Best Bars has two main objectives.  Firstly, the scheme helps visitors and Scottish residents discover the country's remarkable diversity of fantastic pubs, bars and inns - from renowned establishments to hidden gems and from rustic local pubs steeped in history to elegant style bars.
Visitors will know from the scheme logo outside the establishment that they can find first rate and speciality beverages, friendly, efficient service, a warm and welcoming ambience and the highest standards.

Best Bars Categories


Traditional Bar - a traditionally styled town bar or pub, or perhaps a country inn; these may be characterful local bars, or historic city pubs; some may well specialise in draught beers from Scottish breweries, others may offer a wide range of malt whiskies. In all cases you should expect a friendly welcome and cheerful service.

Contemporary Bar - a more modern style of bar or pub, more likely to be located in a town or city, and offering a range of draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits. Some may provide regular live music, or may be the place to watch the big football or rugby match; others may be a quiet lounge bar in an hotel. However the common factor, whatever the type of bar, will be the quality of service and customer care.

Style Bar - likely to be a sophisticated fashion bar, more often in a town or city location; there may well be a focus on wines and cocktails, in addition to beers and spirits. The emphasis here will be more on smart style and sophistication, with high quality service to match.

How to Join

To receive any of the information below:

Registration and Scheme Participation:

A scheme assessor will visit your business anonymously and a full report of the assessment will be sent to you. Scheme participation benefits include:

Scheme Participation Fees

Category 1 :

Coffee shops, tearooms, sandwich shops & takeaways without seats or with limited seating.
(up to 15 covers).

£131 + VAT = £157.20

Category 2 :

Restaurants, Pub Food, Bar food, Bistros, Cafés, and Self Service Restaurants and any other
businesses with more than 15 covers.  

£205 + VAT = £246.00

EatScotland Food Quality Assurance Participation runs for 12 months from date of payment.

You will be eligible for a 20% discount on the above fees if:

Large groups or chains should contact EatScotland to discuss other discount opportunities.

 

Scotland's Best Bars Scheme Participation Fees

Scotland's Best Bars Quality Assurance Scheme 2012/13 - £205 + VAT per annum = £246

Scotland's Best Bars Quality Assurance Participation runs for 12 months from date of payment.

Successful bar establishments also receive an enhanced web listing on www.eatscotland.com which can include up to ten photographs, 150 words of text plus sample drinks menus. The site is promoted through all UK and Ireland Marketing campaigns where food and drink feature - an excellent route to promote your business to bar enthusiasts.

Establishments also benefit from an annual visit from a bar Quality Advisor, who will carry out the assessment and offer advice and guidance, allowing you to identify where your business is working well and where further improvements can be made.

Joint Scheme Participation Fees

Scotland's Best Bars and EatScotland Quality Assurance Scheme 2012/13 - £225 + VAT per annum = £270

In addition to the Scotland's Best Bars scheme, bars that serve food can also choose to join VisitScotland’s EatScotland Quality Assurance scheme for a discounted rate.

Establishments also benefit from an annual visit from a bar Quality Advisor, who will carry out the assessment and offer advice and guidance, allowing you to identify where your business is working well and where further improvements can be made.

 

How to Join | Downloads

Prospective and Current Members:

Please contact your Quality and Tourism Advisor via your nearest network office for full details of joining the scheme.

EatScotland Critieria:
Scotland's Best Bars Criteria:

Please note that Adobe Reader will be needed to view and print these documents which can be downloaded here.