Edinburgh Bar Show will be returning for its third edition this year, running from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th April across a multitude of Capital venues.
Now firmly established on the global drinks community calendar, EBS 2026 will once again bring together leading bars, brands and hospitality professionals for three days of expert-led seminars, takeovers, experiences and trade-focused events – all of which are completely free to attend.
Free trade passes for this ‘exciting and progressive’ industry event are available now via the EBS website.
Building on the momentum of its first two years, EBS26 will shine a spotlight on its host city’s renowned bar scene and world-class drinks producers, while welcoming influential bars, brands and industry voices from around the world to a grand get-together delivered in the spirit of collaboration, creativity and a ‘whole lot of fun’.
Founded by Iain McPherson of Panda & Sons, and Gary Anderson and Jamie Faulds of Edinburgh Cocktail Week, the EBS mission is ‘to educate, inspire, celebrate and connect the global bar community through an accessible, inclusive and bartender-first event’.
McPherson said: “Scotland and Edinburgh has such an incredible and mature bar community. We are always so proud to host the bar show in Scotland’s capital, and I can’t believe it is year three already.
“Every year we are seeing more and more international bartender visitors and the calibre of seminars is getting more and more exciting.”
While the full EBS 2026 programme will be announced in early March, the organisers have already confirmed a number of standout activations and collaborations:
- Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Lounge at the Johnnie Walker Experience, hosted by Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan) alongside brand ambassador Adam Hussain, for a flavour-led creative workshop and open Q&A, delving into ‘storytelling, flavour innovation and elevated serve design’. The Black Ruby Lounge will culminate in a bar takeover at Bramble, marking the venue’s 20th anniversary;
- Disaronno Group (DIUK) is bringing the ‘Pitch It’ programme, which invites bartenders from across the UK to submit an original seminar concept, with the winning idea brought to life at EBS26 on Tuesday 14th April. Focused on creativity, education and peer-to-peer mentorship, the initiative forms part of DIUK’s advocacy platform supporting professional development within the hospitality community;
- Hendrick’s Gin will host the inaugural evening of its brand new ‘Just Another Takeover Series’, promising something new and exciting for the trade. On offer will be both Hendrick’s Original and a brand new permanent spirit in contrasting experiences, with two top trade partners representing each liquid in different ways;
- Bacardi returns to Edinburgh Bar Show with a programme of activity across brands, including another one of their legendary, not-to-be-missed Monday night wrap parties;
- Aberfeldy, St Germain and Patron will transform Old Pal for a memorable evening where guests can circulate between a cosy whisky snug, an airy spritz bar, through to an extravagant Hacienda DJ experience;
- Brugal Rum x Source Coffee x Lucky Liquor will stage a cross-category collaboration blending rum, coffee and bar culture, delivering both a seminar and a bar takeover, exploring flavour, craftsmanship and innovation across disciplines;
- The Ada Coleman Project will return to EBS with a programme of seminars focused on representation, mentorship and industry progression, featuring an array of guest speakers including Rachel Palumbo of Hey Palu, and Claire Warner, founder of Positive Drinking and co-chair of Futures for Tales of the Cocktail. The initiative will also host a SIP Social guest shift at The Caley Bar.
Further international bar takeovers, visiting bartenders and seminar speakers will be revealed when the full programme is published in early March.
Once again, The Voodoo Rooms will act as the official EBS Hub, hosting the core seminar programme, tastings, networking and daytime activations.
Jamie Faulds commented: “Our core principle to support and encourage the bar community with an event that is totally free to attend seems more relevant than ever in what is a challenging time for the hospitality industry.
“So, to see Edinburgh Bar Show attract bigger numbers and offer a wider, more diverse and engaging programme each year is brilliant.”
In 2025, the EBS welcomed over 1400 registered trade delegates, and delivered 25 seminars, 26 bar takeovers and a busy programme of brand-led events.
Gary Anderson added: “One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Edinburgh Bar Show is being able to provide a platform for the bar community to make new connections, and then see those connections organically become friendships and collaborations in the months following the show.
“It’s this openness to collaboration within our community that has helped power Edinburgh to become and remain the world-class drinks destination that it is.”
