Dear ladies and gentlemen,
The British Bulgarian Business Association and Avendi have the pleasure to invite you to one of the most sophisticated events in Sofia’s social calendar for the third consecutive year! Join us in celebrating the Scottish national day and heritage over a glass or two of whisky, special gala dinner, traditional Scottish bagpipes and dances. Meet and network with fellow members and partners while wearing your fancy outfit. You are highly encouraged to bring a plus one.
When: 30 November, 7 pm
Where: Sofia Balkan Palace
Dress code: Black Tie
Participation fee: Members: 190 BGN per person
Non-members: 280 BGN per person
(includes three-course meal and whisky tasting or glass of wine) *
*VAT is included
Sponsorship Opportunities:
This is a perfect chance showcase your brand to a selected group of executives. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, you can find the sponsorship packages here or get in touch with our team at sandrina.georgieva@bbba.bg and discuss how we can best promote your brand.
About St. Andrew’s Day & the event:
St. Andrew’s Day, celebrated on November 30th, is Scotland’s national day, honoring Saint Andrew, the country’s patron saint. Saint Andrew, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, was martyred on an X-shaped cross,
now known as the saltire, which became Scotland’s national symbol and, eventually, the country’s flag.
According to legend, relics of Saint Andrew were brought to Scotland by Saint Regulus. It is said that, in the 9th century, King Angus of the Picts led his army to victory against the Angles in a battle under the protection of St. Andrew’s cross. This victory was attributed to the saint’s intervention, solidifying his status as the patron saint of Scotland.
Modern celebrations of St. Andrew’s Day focus on Scottish culture, with traditional music, food, and ceilidhs (dances). It’s a public holiday in Scotland, and events across the country highlight national pride and heritage. The day marks the start of Scotland’s winter festivities, leading into Hogmanay and Burns Night.
Through its partnership with the British Bulgarian Business Association and Avendi have made Scottish National Day a key highlight in Sofia’s social calendar. This event has become a cornerstone for creating strong partnerships and strengthening the bonds between businesses and the community. Each celebration features a charitable initiative, raising funds for worthy causes and showcasing the participants’ dedication to social responsibility. The official evening exudes elegance, tradition, and a deep sense of community, solidifying Saint Andrew’s Day as one of the most eagerly awaited events.
St. Andrew’s Black Tie Ball is an exquisite event, where you can meet fellow members and dive into the
Scottish culture.
About our host & chef:
The charismatic Alexander Taralezhkov, our exceptional host and the inspiration behind the delectable
dishes at the dinner, is a creative director by training and a global citizen at heart. His imagination fuels his endless culinary adventures, with inspiration drawn from everything surrounding him. His philosophy is based on the freedom of the creative process, often found where human culture meets untouched nature. Born in Bulgaria, he has spent the past two decades living in Margate, UK, working on culinary and design projects across the globe.
About our exceptional bartenders:
Svetoslav Chochev has worked in prestigious bars and restaurants across London such as Aqua Shard and GÔNG Bar at the Shangri-la the Shard. He has participated in some of the biggest bartending competitions and qualified as a runner-up finalist for Back to the Roots 2019 and was also one of the UK finalists for Beluga Signature 2020 cocktail competition. Currently, he is the Diageo Brand Ambassador for Bulgaria and has been chosen as a finalist for the Best Mixologist Award 2024 by Bar Magazine UK.
Pavel Pamukchiev has been working as a bartender for over 15 years. In 2018 he had the great opportunity to win the local final of the most prestigious competition for bartenders and to represent Bulgaria at the global finals, where he ranked our country in the top 20 best in the whole world. A year earlier in 2017 he combined the two things he likes to do the most – traveling and making cocktails and founded the first ever caravan cocktail bar “Travel Cocktails”. Over the past 5 years, it has had successful partnerships with brands such as Bulleit Bourbon, Johnnie Walker, Hennessy and serves dozens of festivals throughout Bulgaria, mixing signature cocktails prepared with high-quality alcohol and seasonal ingredients.
About the tasting:
You will have the chance to taste 3 exquisite whiskies by The Singleton. Just to spark your interest with one – you will be able to try The Singleton 15 Y.O. from which there are only a few bottles in Bulgaria! More about that whisky here. We will keep the rest a surprise.
The Singleton is a single malt whisky produced in Speyside, Scotland. It is crafted at three prestigious
distilleries – Dufftown, Glendullan, and Glen Ord – each founded in the late 19th century and united by a
common goal: to produce single malts of outstanding taste that are balanced, enjoyable, and easy to drink. Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients, The Singleton embodies the centuries-old skill of Scottish whisky-making.
Every bottle of The Singleton reflects the distinctive characteristics of the Speyside region, resulting from a careful blend of tradition and innovation. Its unique flavour stems from meticulous ageing in casks and a rich spectrum of aromas. The Singleton is an immersive sensory experience, drawing you into the rich heritage of Scottish whisky.
About the band:
Ian Muir Scottish Dance Band is well known in Scotland and broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio Scotland.
The Band also broadcasts for GMTV’s Hogmany show for several years. Every year it visits a different
location for the annual Scottish Country Dancing trip.
About the charity:
The St. Andrew’s Black Tie ball supports a noble cause every year. This year we are excited to announce that we will be working together with Stoyan Kambarev Foundation. Their mission is to encourage and support young artists in the arts, music and film industries by annually awarding a prize that has established itself as the most anticipated and prestigious award of its type in Bulgaria. They provide financial, professional and moral support to allow them to accomplish their work by producing and popularising their specific projects. The uniqueness of the award lies in the fact that it is not strictly linked to a particular art, but covers a wide selection of talented young artists in different fields. You can learn more about the Foundation here.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Special thanks to our Gold Sponsor:
N.B: This is event is with paid participation. Price for BBBA Members is 190 BGN (VAT incl.) and for Non-members is 280 BGN (VAT incl.). No payments on the spot will be allowed. Cancellations before 22 November will be refunded. Upon booking your ticket, you will receive an invoice.
