Edinburgh restaurant group celebrates 36 years of commitment to Scottish produce and supplier relationships.
Howies, the Edinburgh restaurant group, has been named Best for Scottish – Independent Business of the Year at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2026. The award recognises the company’s longstanding commitment to Scottish produce, strong supplier relationships, and continued business growth. Howies serves approximately 250,000 customers annually across its three Edinburgh restaurants and events business.
The recognition also celebrates the Edinburgh restaurant group’s understanding of its customers and its ability to evolve while remaining true to the values established over 36 years ago. Founded in 1990 by David Howie Scott, the family-run business celebrated its 36th anniversary this year, with a philosophy of serving honest Scottish food and making quality produce accessible.
Today, under the leadership of Louis Scott and Suzanne O’Connor, Howies operates three Edinburgh restaurants: Howies Victoria Street, Howies Waterloo Place, and Scotts Kitchen. The business also runs a flourishing outside catering service, Events by Howies. Scottish sourcing remains at the heart of its menus, with around 90% of its suppliers located within 50 miles of its restaurants.
Howies maintains longstanding partnerships with suppliers including Campbells Prime Meat, John Gilmour Butchers, Welch Fishmongers, Iain Mellis Cheese, and George Anderson. It also works with independent drinks producers such as Edinburgh Gin and Newbarns Brewery. These relationships extend beyond sourcing ingredients, as Howies’ chefs work closely with suppliers to develop seasonal menus, featuring Scottish seafood, locally sourced meat, and seasonal produce.
This commitment to Scottish produce has translated into customer loyalty. The daily catch, supplied by Welch Fishmongers, is the bestselling dish at both Howies Victoria Street and Waterloo Place. Additionally, the venison casserole has remained a favourite since the restaurant first opened in 1990.
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Louis Scott of Howies said: ”For 36 years, Howies has been committed to celebrating Scotland’s natural larder and making great Scottish food and warm hospitality accessible to as many people as possible. To have that recognised by Scotland Food & Drink means a huge amount to us. This award belongs to the brilliant people across our restaurants and events team, and to the Scottish farmers, growers and producers whose ingredients make what we do possible.”
The award comes as Howies continues to develop its restaurant offering and expand Events by Howies, bringing its approach to Scottish food and hospitality to corporate events, weddings, and celebrations across Edinburgh and beyond. The business plans to strengthen existing supplier partnerships, introduce new Scottish producers, and expand its own growing space in East Lothian, stating its commitment to championing Scotland’s natural larder for years to come.
