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Visit Scotland Tourism - Scottish Thistle - Best Bar/Pub Lothians & Borders 2019/20

For over 25 years the Scottish Thistle Awards have been honouring individuals, businesses, partnerships and events for their innovation, excellence and success in the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector, as well as recognising and celebrating excellence in Scottish Tourism. Recognising and celebrating excellence in Scottish Tourism
Rutherfords were honoured to be named as Winner of Best Bar/Pub Lothians and Borders, and look forward to attending the Scottish Final in March. Link to all the winners here.

Link to newspaper article here

'Rutherfords Micropub of Kelso were awarded the Best Bar/Pub in the region, with judges praising the smallest pub in Scotland for finding new and innovative ways to grow the business.
Owners, Debbie and Simon Rutherford, told us: "We are absolutely thrilled to win this prestigious award, and would like to thank our staff who work so hard to offer a really personalised experience. Customers are welcome to 'try before you buy' and experience some drinks you definitely won't get anywhere else."
Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel and VisitScotland Board member, added: "On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate all our regional winners. The Scottish Thistle Awards give businesses and individuals working within tourism in Scotland the opportunity to earn the recognition and appreciation they deserve from their own industry peers.
"They celebrate those people and businesses throughout the country responsible for offering the warmest of welcomes that Scotland is famous for.
"Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. These awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry.
"I would like to wish all our regional winners the very best for the next stage of the competition."

Southern Reporter November 19

'The efforts of four Borders businesses working hard to ensure the region is a hot spot for tourism has been recognised.

The quartet struck gold at the Scottish Thistle Awards regional final for Lothian and Borders which took place on November 14th at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh.

The awards, now in their 27th year, help shine ye spotlight on individuals and businesses going above and beyond to create a destination and visitor experience worth talking about amongst our valuable tourism industry.

This year saw almost 600 entries submitted, including more than 1,000 nominations from the public.
Rutherfords Micropub in Kelso was awarded the Best Bar/Pub accolade, sponsored by J Thomson Colour Printers, The smallest bar in Scotland opened in 2015, serving real ale and bespoke gin, and concentrating on the lost art of conversation.
Since then it has concocted the world's first Haggis Gin and organised the first Classic American car show in the town. The judges commended the owners of continually demonstrating innovation and different ideas to grow the business.

Scottish Bar & Brew Awards - Pub of the Year 2019 South East Scotland

Rutherfords was named south east pub of the year 2019 at the inaugural awards ceremony in Glasgow last night.

The Kelso bar, Scotland’s only micropub selling real ale, was opened in the Square four years ago by husband-and-wife team Simon and Debbie Rutherford.

The couple didn’t attend this week’s ceremony, sending along instead their bar host, Audrey Anderson.

Debbie said: “Audrey is such a great asset to the pub, so we invited her to attend on our behalf as a treat, and the cherry on the cake was that we won. She had a great night.

“I think the award recognises that we are something different. It was a risk setting up a bar which is so different, with no TV screens or sport showing, but people seem to love it.

“It’s a place where you can go along for a chat and drink something a little bit different.”

Link to Southern Reporter article

Nominated Best Business in Scotland

May 2019

CAMRA Borders Pub of the Year 2018

Simon and Debbie Rutherford, owners of Rutherfords in Kelso, being presented with a certificate by Camra branch chairman Pat Hanson after being named as the region's pub of the year. Photo: Neil Johnson.

Only pub of its kind in country named as best in Borders

A little wonder of a pub is making a big impression on Borders beer buffs. Rutherfords in Kelso has been named as the region’s pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale’s Edinburgh and south east Scotland branch. Simon and Debbie Rutherford, co-owners of the bar, in the Square, were presented with a certificate marking that achievement on Sunday by branch chairman Pat Hanson. Simon, 50, of Chirnside, was delighted by that accolade, saying: “It’s fantastic. We are really, really proud. “We didn’t even know we were in the running to win this until relatively recently. “It’s a fantastic feeling, and credit has to go to our staff here too, David Lowther and Rachael McIntosh, as they’ve put a lot of effort into getting us to where we are now.”

The bar, opened in a disused former knitwear shop unit in 2015, remains Scotland’s only micropub selling cask ales, and it has between four and eight, sourced from far and wide, on offer at any one time, all served from gravity stillage. “We get beers from all over – Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, the Highlands and locally, and all points in between,” said Simon.

“We’re not the kind of place that always has the same four beers on, though we always try to have at least one darker one and two pale ones on at any one time so there’s something for everyone.” It also serves its own DeliQuescent range of gins and spirits, as well as cocktails. Runner-up for the title of pub of the year this time round was 2017’s winner, the Bridge Inn at Peebles, with the Plough Inn at Leitholm taking third place. Rutherfords is one of two Kelso pubs to make it into the 2018 Camra Good Beer Guide, edited by Roger Protz, the other being the Cobbles. Kelso is one of only three towns in the region to boast more than one entry in the latest guide, the others being Peebles, with the Bridge Inn and Cross Keys, and Coldstream, with the Besom and Castle Hotel.

Southern Reporter (May 2018) Link here

Scotlands Business Award - Best Kelso Business 2018

At a glittering Awards Ceremony at Peebles Hydro in October 2018, Rutherfords won Best Kelso Business 2018.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to the town for taking our tiny pub to their hearts" said Debbie

"Thank you, too, to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to keep Rutherfords delivering the best"

Scotland's Business Award - Best Innovation in Scotland 2018

The prestigious Scotland's Business Awards were held on Sunday 3rd June at The Marriott Hotel in Glasgow, where the cream of Scottish businesses were in attendance.

The finalists came from all over Scotland to compete in several categories and the Borders town of Kelso scooped the very first two awards of the night.

Best New Business in Scotland went to Wayne and Jane of The Cream Chimneys, a unique and welcoming coffee and gift shop set on the square.

The Best Innovation in Scotland went to Debbie and Simon Rutherford of Rutherfords Micropub - still the only one of its' kind in the country. The Innovation award was in recognition for their brave new ideas, including their own uniquely flavoured gins from DeliQuescent. The bar, opened in 2015, remains Scotland’s only micropub selling cask ales. And late last year it added another feather to its cap with the launch of specialist microbatch spirits, DeliQuescent. Gin range highlights include rhubarb and elderflower, cherry bakewell gin liqueuer, and even a parma violet shimmering gin.

"It's a great night for Kelso" said Debbie. “We were overwhelmed to win the best innovation in Scotland award, but I suppose it is quite bold to have a pub in Scotland that doesn’t sell lager or show sport.”

See Southern Reporter link here.

Best Licenced Premises
and
Innovation Award 2017

We were thrilled to be awarded not one, but TWO awards at Scotland's Business Awards in August 2017.

Best Licenced Premises recognises businesses who strive to maintain the highest of standards in the licenced trade, and The Innovation award goes to companies who 'break the mould' when it comes to ideas and creativity.

"Rutherfords Micro Pub in Kelso (the first in Scotland) picked up two awards on the night in a double win. They won the Borders Retail Business Award for Innovation 2017 and then went on to win for Best Licensed Premises 2017 based on public votes and mystery shopper tests."

Trust us... Rutherfords has lots more in store for you all...

Double win for Rutherfords.

We are delighted to have been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017, 2018 and 2019! Thanks you so much to you all!

"Founded in 2010, the Certificate of Excellence honours hospitality businesses that deliver consistently great service. This designation is given to establishments that have consistently achieved great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Establishments earning the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and have continually delivered superior customer experience."

Trip Advisor

2017

The Times (May 2017)

Rutherfords are delighted to have come 5th in Top 10 Micropubs in the UK as named in The Times Newspaper.
With approximately 500 micropubs now being on the map, this is a great honour.

Rutherfords Runners-Up in CAMRA Pub of the Year 2016 AND 2017

We were honoured to have placed as runners-up in Pub of the Year 2016 - only seven short months after opening the doors to Scotland's first micropub.

But we even MORE delighted to have been awarded it again in 2017!

Every year members of the Edinburgh and SE Scotland Branch of CAMRA vote to select Pubs of the Year for Edinburgh City, Lothian and the Borders. To initially qualify for consideration the pub must consistently sell real ale in good condition. The competition is then judged on the quality of the pub with service, welcome, atmosphere, style, decor, value for money and community focus being considered in addition to the quality of the real ale.

2016

BEST BAR NONE Silver award - January 2016

Rutherfords awarded the prestigious National silver award Best Bar None. The award shows the venue and its staff have met a level of standards that assures members of the public they will be able to enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

2015

Rutherfords win TWO prestigious CAMRA awards in the first 7 months of opening

We are delighted to announce that we are the CAMRA Borders winner Real Ale Quality Award.

Debbie Rutherford said; "We are really honoured to have won this after less than 5 months trading. To have the recognition from CAMRA of serving the best pint in The Borders is something we are delighted about! We look forward to always striving to serve the best ales in a friendly environment."

Scottish Borders Food and Drink - The best in The Borders - December 2015
Link to video - featuring us!

December 2015
Rutherfords nominated as Best Pub/Bar in the Born in the Borders Food and Drink awards 2015

FINALIST - Scotland's Best Independent Bar

BEST BAR NONE - GOLD AWARD - 2017

Real Ale Quality Accreditation 2019/20

The quality of Real Ale in pubs is assessed over the year by CAMRA, with members providing scores throughout the National Beer Scoring Scheme (NBSS)

We are delighted that we scored highly enough to be awarded the accreditation.

Cheers!

Finalists in Major Tourism Award

The Scottish Thistle Awards are considered to be the oscars of the tourism industry

See newspaper article here

THE best tourism businesses in the Borders are in the running for top honours.
A total of nine leading companies from across the region have been revealed as regional finalists for this year's coveted Scottish Thistle Awards.
The VisitScotland awards aim to shine a spotlight on individuals and businesses going above and beyond to leave a lasting impression.
The shortlisted entries range from a luxury self-catering accommodation within a 16th-century Scottish castle to the first Micropub in the country.
Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, told us: “Once again, the Scottish Thistle Awards, have attracted entries from right across the country, with the regional winners earning their place at the prestigious national final in March, where they will join the country’s tourism elite to be honoured with the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector.
“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all shortlisted entrants and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals.”
Among the local businesses that are up for honours is the Thirlestane Castle Trust in Lauder for Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience.
Kingsmuir House in Peebles is also short-listed for Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House.
Provender in Melrose is also a finalist for Best Restaurant Experience, while Rutherfords Micropub in Kelso is in the running for regional Best Bar/Pub.

Good Beer Guide 2020

We are delighted to announce that Rutherfords Micropub will, again, be listed in The Good Beer Guide.

Now in its 47th edition, the beer-lovers’ bible is fully revised and updated each year to feature recommended pubs across the United Kingdom that serve the best real ale.

Thank you to CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale, the consumer's champion CAMRA Edinburgh & South East Scotland and all our loyal, beer-loving customers.

Top Ten Best Micropubs in the UK

'Tried and Supplied' have listed Rutherfords Micropub in the Top Ten UK Micropubs.

The eccentric guide for people who take food and drink seriously – everything from seasonal recipes to expert knowledge, cultural discoveries, and industry trends.
Written in connection with Tried and Supplied, the specialist food and drink supplier search for food service buyers looking for quality British produce.

Rutherfords has been given an array of awards, including a ‘Best innovation in Scotland award’, and it is easy to see why! The first micropub to be established in Scotland, they have an eye for the bizarre. Their house gin, for example, is served on tap through a microscope, and they offer a range of snacks from their own own Applewood smoked cheese to local game pies. Owners Debbie and Simon have also created their own haggis gin!

They host a range of events from Halloween parties to classic Scottish Burns night celebrations. Rutherfords can be found in Kelso, a town in The Scottish Borders.

Link here.

Southern Reporter June 2019

Listed in Stagweb's UKs Top Craft Beer Pubs Guide

Rutherfords micropub might be one of the smallest pubs on our list but it’s among the mightiest when it comes to the welcome and the knowledge. As well as their own excellent brew they also serve whisky, gin, cider and ‘rarities’. No gimmicks, no nonsense, this is a proper pub for proper drinkers and easily one of the UK’s top craft beer pubs. See link here.

Rutherfords launch the World's First Haggis Gin

In celebration of Burns Night 2109, Debbie and Simon worked tirelessly to come up with the perfect Haggis Gin! However, they can guarantee that no Haggis, or other animal, were harmed in the making. This delicious, naturally amber coloured gin is totally meat free and Vegan!

Links to publicity here:
Southern Reporter
The Scotsman
The Scottish Sun
The Daily Record
Scotsman Food & Drink
Border Telegraph
Veg News
No 1 Magazine

Available to buy from DeliQuescent or Amazon

Named by Trip Advisor as the second best bar in Scotland

Keeping some incredible company! Not bad for Scotland's smallest pub!

Foodful - DeliQuescent Christmas Launch (2018)

What values are at the heart of your business?

"Fun! DeliQuescent is a real passion for Simon and me, and we love working together. We’ve run our own businesses together for 18 years now, and we still love coming up with new ideas and plans together. In everything we do, we want quality and style to be at the forefront. Sometimes it’s difficult to hold the ideas back, but we are driven by our own enthusiasm and know that we are the best team when we work together."

Full article here.

Rutherfords featuring in the Lonely Planet Guide again

We were thrilled to announce in November 2018, that Rutherfords feature in the Lonely Planet guide again.

"This enchanting small bar prioritises conversation and has no TV or music. It's a charming place with gin on tap poured through a microscope, carefully selected craft beers and spirits, and a warm, convivial atmosphere. Unusual and excellent."

We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/scotland/kelso/nightlife/rutherfords/a/poi-dri/1540470/1004663

Rutherfords in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2019

Rutherfords is thrilled to be featured alongside some great other pubs.

Rutherfords, in the Square, was named as the Edinburgh and south east Scotland branch of Camra’s Borders pub of the year in February, with the Bridge Inn coming second and the Plough Inn third.

Opening Hours Extended

We are delighted to announce that, due to demand from customers and the support of the licencing board, we have now extended our opening hours to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10pm all other days.

We look forward to seeing more of you all!

Rutherfords launch Deliquescent

The Quintessential Seasonal Sprit is ONLY available from Rutherfords Micropub. Full details here.

Pop in to Rutherfords for a pint and some local information!

October 2017
Rutherfords join the iKnow Scotland campaign in partnership with Visit Scotland.

Information comes from a wide range of people and places and the VisitScotland Information Partner (VIP) programme aims to ensure that all tourism providers can be local ambassadors and help provide information, assistance and advice on all there is to see and do here.

Kelso businesses hope to fill gap left by tourist office closing

VisitScotland regional director Paula Ward with traders in the frame to put visitors to Kelso in the picture about its attractions. With her are, back from left, Tina Newton, Ian Hird, Wayne and Jane Box, Anne Scott and James Walker, plus, front, Sue Beck and Simon Rutherford.

Southern Reporter link here.

GQ Magazine (August 2017)

"Simon and Debbie Rutherford operate the small space like custodians of a louche house party, with local ales from the barrel alongside a gin dispenser made out of a microscope donated by a veterinary college. There's even bottles for you to take your favourite ales home in."

Rutherfords in CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2018

The Inn Sceptre Pubs and Real Ale article - "Running a micropub in Scotland can provide it's own set of challenges. So it's just as well there is a trailblazer who not only has given it a go, but also trains those keen to follow their lead. Here, Rutherfords of Kelso - the 1st micropub to establish itself north of the border - is placed under the InnSpectre's spotlight. - January 2107

The Scotsman - September 2016 - Scotland's First -and only- micropub named in Good Beer Guide

Southern Reporter - September 2016 - 'Little Wonder is making big impression on Beer Buffs in The Borders'

The Scotsman, September 2016

Rutherfords enter CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2017

The Eastern Magazine In-Flight Magazine (Summer 2016)

Front Page News in CAMRA Pints of View Magazine (Winter 2015)

The Green News - April 2016 (above)

Southern Reporter
"Local premises show they are Best Bar None February 2016.

"These premises join an elite group of around 400 that are accredited to the scheme in Scotland, supported by a wide range of partners including the Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland.
The premises demonstrated to an independent assessor that they met a number of criteria covering the five key elements of the Licensing Scotland Act 2005, including protecting public safety, preventing public nuisance and promoting public health."

DRAM Magazine
Rutherfords feature in the December 2015 issue

link here to some great professional images taken by Mike Schofield, photographer.

November 2015
The Scotsman - article written by CAMRA National Chairman, Colin Valentine

Rutherfords feature on ITV

Click here to watch Rutherfords feature on ITV Borders in October 2015

10th July 2015 - OPENING NIGHT - ITV BORDERS
ITV Borders
The tiny drinking venue is modelled on similar businesses in England, but will be a first for Scotland.
The emphasis is on having an old-fashioned, community feel, with friendly service and a variety of locally produced ales and craft gins.
It won't have a TV - the micropub shuns technology, in favour of simple conversation, and owner Debbie Rutherford says that should be a key selling point

LINK to video

And a lovely blog, from an unexpected source....

July 2015
UK Micropubs article.

Despite the attention-grabbing headline, we have never banned mobile phones! We actually WANT you to 'check-in' and share tour experiences! We offer FREE WIFI! Just don't get caught playing Candy Crush in the corner... And there's NO Pokemon in our pub!

25th April 2015
View interview online with Simon and J Mark Dodds - the Peoples Pub Partnership Pub Persuader

24th April 2015
Border Telegraph article.

23rd April 2015
The Southern article following the Licensing hearing.

17th April 2015
The National article

10th April 2015
Radio Borders feature an article and interview with Rutherfords, the first Micropub in Scotland, on every news bulletin all day.

April 2015
link to Article in BQ (Business Quarter) Magazine

Entrepreneurs Simon and Debbie Rutherford are behind Rutherfords micropub which aims to capitalise on the growing popularity of micropubs across the UK.

A Micropub is based on a very different model to regular pubs, and their shunning of the modern world has been welcomed by many. Televisions, music, gaming machines and pool tables are strictly off the menu and, rather than offering hot food, micropubs only offer cold snacks.

The couple are looking to keep it local, sourcing locally produced charcuterie, cheeses and hand-raised pork pies, as well as quality ales from Scottish microbreweries, craft gins and whiskies.

Simon Rutherford, said: “We see Rutherfords as offering something very different, and a real antidote to modern life. Micropubs are really focussed on the experience, and the size and layout encourages conversation – even amongst strangers.

“As part of my research, I visited a few micropubs and every single one of them was a real pleasure, with a warm welcome and great chat. Some micropubs actually ban mobile phones – one of them even nails them to the wall if you’re caught using one! We won’t be as strict as that, but you certainly won’t be able to buy a gassy lager or an alcopop in Rutherfords.”

The very first Micropub, and the movement that followed, is credited to Martyn Hillier who opened The Butchers Arms in Kent in 2005, following a change in the licensing law in 2003 which made it easier to open a small, independent public house. There are now 100 micropubs in England, with new venues popping up every week.

Simon added: “The hours will be shorter than a regular pub, and the décor is going to be quite unique too. We have a few surprises up our sleeves!”