Summer food and drink experiences for 2026

Long, lovely days and fresh seasonal produce make summer the perfect time to explore Scotland’s fantastic food and drink scene. From hands-on cooking and distillery tours to immersive tastings in historic Scottish spaces, these trade-ready experiences offer your clients a true flavour of Scotland – with plenty of stories to savour.


Eden Mill Distillery Golf Simulator

Location: Fife
Contact: Eden Mill St Andrews

Whisky, gin, and golf come together in St Andrews.

What makes it special?

At this new visitor centre, guests can sip locally crafted spirits while enjoying a virtual round of golf on the famous St Andrews courses. A fun, immersive experience combining some of Scotland’s most iconic pastimes.

All the useful details:

  • New distillery visitor centre
  • Golf simulator sessions (1 hour, up to 4 players)
  • Gin and whisky tastings available

Larder on the Border

Location: Dumfries and Galloway
Contact: Gretna Green

A celebration of Scotland’s larder at one of its most famous gateways.

What makes it special?
This new retail and food option at Gretna Green showcases the best of local and seasonal produce, alongside artisanal goods and well-loved brands. A themed playpark adds appeal for family groups.

All the useful details:

  • Wide selection of Scottish produce
  • Family-friendly facilities
  • Located at Gretna Green

The Lost Close

Location: Edinburgh
Contact: The Lost Close

Step beneath the Royal Mile into a hidden world of flavour and history.

What makes it special?

Set within an atmospheric underground vault behind St Giles’ Cathedral, this unique venue pairs premium whisky and gin tastings with storytelling. Once an 18th-century bank vault that survived the Great Fire of 1824, it now offers two distinctive event spaces and an intimate whisky bar.

All the useful details:

  • Underground heritage venue
  • Whisky and gin tasting experiences
  • Multiple spaces for groups and private events

The Parliament Arms

Location: Edinburgh
Contact: The Parliament Arms

A lovely pub experience on the historic Royal Mile.

What makes it special?

Following a £170,000 refurbishment, this Scottish pub (previously the Kilderkin) celebrates the best of local food, drink, and hospitality. A wonderful stop in the heart of Edinburgh, blending traditional charm with a modern edge. A stone’s throw from Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.

All the useful details:

  • Central Royal Mile location
  • Newly refurbished
  • Scottish food and drink focus

Scholar Hotel – Abacus Restaurant & Bar

Location: Edinburgh
Contact: Scholar Hotel

Fresh new dining at The University of Edinburgh’s hospitality collection.

What makes it special?

Recently refurbished, Abacus offers a relaxed yet contemporary dining space serving breakfast and an all-day menu. Open daily, it’s got flexible options for groups, FITs, or pre/post-tour dining.

All the useful details:

  • Open 7 days a week
  • Breakfast plus all-day dining (12-9.30pm)
  • Recently refurbished venue

The Scottish Cooking Experience

Location: Inverness
Contact: The Scottish Cooking Experience

Get hands-on in Inverness with one of Scotland’s most iconic treats: scones!

What makes it special?

This relaxed, interactive class blends food, culture, and Gaelic heritage, as guests learn the art of traditional Scottish scone-making. A warm and welcoming introduction to Highland hospitality, perfect for families and small groups.

All the useful details:

  • Hands-on cooking class (approx. 2 hours)
  • Suitable for adults and children aged 12+
  • Central Inverness location
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Short cook school classes at Ballintaggart Farm

Location: Highland Perthshire
Contact: Ballintaggart

Enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland in just a few hours

What makes it special?

Ballintaggart Farm have launched new experiences, designed for short stays, stop overs and food lovers. Your clients can enjoy a hands-on cookery demo session, light lunch and refreshments, all in a few hours. Choose from ‘cooking over fire’, ‘traditional Scottish afternoon tea’ or ‘Scottish oatcake making’.

All the useful details:

  • Available year-round
  • Flexible timings
  • 1–2-hour duration
  • Minimum 4 guests, maximum 40 guests

Stirling Distillery – Gin Journey

Location: Stirling & Forth Valley
Contact: Stirling Distillery

Go beyond the stills on an exclusive distillery experience.

What makes it special?

This premium behind-the-scenes tour offers rare access to both a distillery and its production warehouse, with a private taxi ride past Stirling’s historic landmarks en route. Designed for small groups, it’s an intimate journey into craft gin and whisky production.

All the useful details:

  • Small groups: 8–10 guests (min. 2 people)
  • Includes transport between sites
  • Behind-the-scenes production access

We regularly update our Supplier Directory with listings of trade-ready businesses on our Travel Trade website, so do check back for the latest entries.