I Visited Scotland's OFFICIAL BEST PUB!

Robbie Knox
Robbie KnoxApr 22, 2026

Why It Matters

Winning national awards transforms a historic pub into a tourism magnet, driving revenue for the venue and its community while highlighting the viability of family‑run establishments in a modern hospitality market.

Key Takeaways

  • Stags Pub wins Scotland’s Pub of the Year award.
  • Family ownership spans 168 years, emphasizing tradition and community.
  • Patrons include locals and tourists, boosting foot traffic after awards.
  • Shift toward diverse clientele, with more women and younger guests.
  • Owners credit meticulous beer care and strong family teamwork.

Summary

The video follows Robbie and Alish as they travel to Muselburgh to visit Stags, also known as the Volunteer Arms, the pub crowned Scotland’s Pub of the Year and a former UK‑wide champion.

Katie, one of the owners, explains that the establishment has been in her family for 168 years, dating back to 1858, and that its success rests on meticulous beer handling, a tight‑knit community of about 300 regulars, and a reputation that draws tourists after each award.

Key moments include Katie’s remark, “the bar staff feel like family, the customers feel like family,” and longtime patron Keith recalling the pub’s unchanged atmosphere since his youth, underscoring the blend of tradition and evolving clientele, now featuring more women and younger drinkers.

The pub’s accolades boost local foot traffic, support surrounding businesses, and illustrate how heritage venues can adapt to broader demographic shifts while preserving cultural identity, a model other regional pubs may emulate.

Original Description

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In today's video myself and esteemed fossil collector Ailish Morrison go to The Volunteer Arms, aka Staggs, winner of CAMRA's best pub in Scotland award.
In other news, my first merch in five years is out now: https://robbieknox.com
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