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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Jamie Calder

Luxury Scottish cocktail bar named among world's best by Forbes

The world-famous Edinburgh venue has been named among 37 others from across the world (Image: Supplied)

A LUXURY cocktail bar in one of Scotland's most famous hotels has been named among the world's best by Forbes.

Bar Prince, located within Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel has been included in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Hotel Star Bars list, joining an exclusive group of just 37 venues from across the world.

The annual list highlights hotel bars that are excelling in the quality of their service, drinks, atmosphere and overall guest experience.

The Balmoral Hotel, located at the east end of the capital's famous shopping parade, Princes Street, first opened in 1902 as a railway-station hotel serving Edinburgh Waverley.

The property features 187 rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, and a whisky collection containing more than 500 single malts.

The hotel is part of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, founded by Sir Rocco Forte and Lady Olga Polizzi in 1996, which operates 15 hotels, resorts and villas across Europe.

Its main bar, known as Bar Prince, is renowned for its cocktail offering and special drinks menu Connected Icons which draws inspiration from The Balmoral's history, notable guests and Edinburgh surroundings.

The drinks menu is complemented by a selection of dishes from Brasserie Prince.

The Balmoral is known for its whisky collection and special cocktail menu (Image: Supplied)

Giovanni Cassino, bar manager at Bar Prince, said: "We are incredibly proud to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as one of the world’s Hotel Star Bars for 2026.

"This award reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to create memorable experiences for our guests.

"From our Connected Icons cocktail collection to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Bar Prince, we are honoured to see our commitment to hospitality celebrated on a global stage."

Hermann Elger, chief executive of Forbes Travel Guide, said: "The 2026 Hotel Star Bars reflect how today’s most exceptional hotel bars enrich the overall guest experience.

"From distinctive beverage programmes to thoughtful service and atmosphere, these enclaves within beautiful hotels create moments that extend far beyond the glass and leave lasting impressions and memories."

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