ScotHot is just over a week away, and anticipation is building for the two packed days of Scotland’s premier showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail, and tourism.
Top of the bill for licensed trade professionals attending Glasgow’s SEC on Wednesday 26thand Thursday 27th February will be the show’s drinks hub and demo theatre, Liquid Academy Live.
Supported by Scottish Licensed Trade Association, this is where the world of mixology, brewing, and distilling will take visitors ‘on a journey to discover delicious gins, unique rums, weird and wonderful spirits, little known craft beers and new non-alcoholic alternatives’.
Curated and hosted by Scott Gemmell, managing director of DrinkThink, Liquid Academy Live promises a ‘comprehensive exploration’ of the latest trends and innovations in the drinks industry, alongside expert panels, tastings, and the prestigious Caledonian Bartenders Cup.
This year’s programme will kick off on Wednesday morning (Feb 26th) with the Head Bartenders Big Breakfast, a panel discussion over coffee and pastries on the hottest topics in bartending today, with an opportunity to test out new concoctions made with a variety of the latest products on the market.
Attendees who register before February 24th will receive a VIP Bartenders goody bag and enjoy coffee and pastries during the session.
The Scottish Licensed Trade News will then host an Industry Question Time – ‘Publicans on Parade’ (11:30am – 12:30) – where a panel of Scottish publicans will take part in an on-trade roundup, offering their perspective on matters political, legal, economic, and professional, hosted by SLTN digital editor Gordon Davidson.
Let’s Talk About Rum, Baby (13:00 – 13:45) will highlight the spectrum of rums available in the market today, and offer attendees a chance to meet the makers, taste their fine spirits, and hear the stories behind their brands.
ScotHot’s first day will conclude with the final of the 2025 Caledonian Bartenders Cup, sponsored by Franklin & Sons and HIT Scotland, where Scotland’s top bartenders will competitively craft an aperitif or digestif paired with a food dish of their choice.
Thursday 27th’s Liquid Academy Live kicks off with a morning session dedicated to ‘Something Other Than Alcohol’ (10:30am – 11:15) delving into the shift towards moderate to non-alcoholic beverages in Scotland, highlighting innovative products and evolving drinking cultures.
Next on the schedule is the Drink Industry Question Time with SLTA, looking at what lies ahead in 2025 (11:30 – 12:15). Led by Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, and hosted by Dave Hunter, print editor of SLTN, this session will feature industry leaders discussing current challenges and changes in both on-trade and off-trade sectors in Scotland.
Vine of the Times (13:30 – 14:15) offers operators a chance to upgrade their wine and bubbles offerings, with insights from a panel of wine experts, including producers, sommeliers, critics, and restaurant owners.
Ready Steady Cocktail (14:30 – 15:15) offers solutions for quick-serve cocktails for venues that may not be fully designed for a full cocktail service – from incredible RTD products, to machines that do it all for you.
The Unusual Suspects session (15:30 – 16:15) highlights unique and unconventional spirits, with presentations by their creators, offering insights into their development and tasting profiles.
Liquid Academy Live host Scott Gemmell said: “We’re excited to bring together a diverse range of industry experts, producers, and enthusiasts to celebrate and explore the dynamic world of beverages.
“This year’s lineup offers something for everyone, from seasoned professionals to curious newcomers – there will be something new to try!”
Managing director of ScotHot, Toby Wand, added: “ScotHot has always been at the forefront of showcasing Scotland’s rich hospitality landscape, and the drinks industry spans throughout each element of hospitality, tourism and retail.
“Liquid Academy Live exemplifies our commitment to providing a platform for innovation, education, and celebration within the drinks sector, and promises a great time for everyone in attendance!”
Liquid Academy Live is sponsored by Servaclean and hosted by DrinkThink. For the full programme, visit Liquid Academy Live.
Celebrating its 52nd year, ScotHot offers an unmissable opportunity for visitors to meet with suppliers, network with others to share ideas and inspiration, and learn about the latest trends from across the industry with over 250 exhibitors from the food and drink, technology, catering equipment, tableware and design and more to be showcased over two days at the SEC Glasgow.
To register, and for more information, visit https://www.scothot.co.uk/
