The White Rhino in Dumfries came up tops – the second year running that Dumfries locals have won the competition
Aldi Scotland has crowned the winner of its best at-home bar competition, with a Dumfries watering hole taking the top spot for the second year in a row.
Craft beer lovers across Scotland have turned their hands to DIY over the last few years, with hundreds of people creating their very own pubs to enjoy their favourite tipples in.
Now, following a month-long hunt for Scotland’s best at-home bar, The White Rhino in Dumfries secured first prize – a year’s free supply of craft beer from Aldi Scotland.
The judges praised The White Rhino for its stunning wooden decking, extensive range of beer taps, entertainment and decor, with a pool table and several decorative posters adorning the walls, which provide the perfect venue to host family and friends.
The winning landlords are Dumfries couple Graham Laurie and Tracy Kennedy, whose daughter Megan submitted pictures on their behalf, without the pair knowing.
The White Rhino was built in early 2020, when travel restrictions stopped Graham, who runs his own forklift training company, from working overseas. Forced to stay at home, Graham began work on his house, but his attention soon turned to building an at-home pub for his family to enjoy.
Graham said: “We are so pleased that our wee pub has been named as Scotland’s best at-home bar. It really just started as a lockdown escape but has been the perfect location for lots of fun with family and friends over the last few years.”
Explaining the inspiration behind the pub’s name, Graham explained: “It was actually our daughter Lilli that came up with the name – she spotted the Rhinovent branding on the framework when the pub was under construction and was inspired by that. We thought that The White Rhino worked well.”
Aldi’s at-home bar competition was relaunched this year to celebrate the beginning of its Spring Beer Festival, which showcased a range of Scottish craft brewers, including Cold Town Brewing, Loch Lomond Brewery and Glen Affric.
The retailer’s Summer Beer Festival, which is set to launch on 27 June, will feature a range of exclusive beers brewed by Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer in collaboration with various other craft breweries.
Graham Nicolson, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “The standard of entries for this year’s ‘Best Home Bar’ competition were extremely high and really shone a light on the creativity of our customers.
“Congratulations to Graham and Tracy for winning this year’s competition – there’s clearly something in the water in Dumfries!”
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