About the Awards
Voting is now open for the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2024 as it looks to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s much-loved pubs and bars! Plus, the great news is, everyone can get involved!
Celebrating its 29th year, the awards, often dubbed the ‘Hospitality Oscars’, are Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards and celebrates the industry’s rising stars, customer service gurus and creative forces.
From John O’ Groats to Gretna Green and everything that’s in between, you can choose from a selection of awards to vote for your favourite venue. Whether they are supplying top service for your furry friends, shaking the best cocktails in town, championing the best live music or even giving back to the community – the judges want to know what you think!
They will also be checking out great Whisky bars, new bars, hotel bars, outside areas, best craft beer and cocktails too, as well as great employers, bar managers, bar apprentices and licensed trade entrepreneurs including our independent operators. And let’s not forget the Sunday Mail Pub of the year.
So, if you have a beloved local pub or bar that you think goes above and beyond then it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve.
The prestigious awards ceremony will be held on 27 August at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow and is a highlight in the licensed trade calendar but most importantly the public can vote to crown their favourites. So, whether you are a customer, employee or supplier then make sure you vote for your choices of outstanding venues.
Event organiser Susan Young explains, “We need all the customers out there to vote. Once the votes have been counted then our mystery shoppers will visit. The results will not be revealed until the ceremony which will be attended by the top 4 finalists in each category”.
Susan added “It’s set to be another incredible year for our 29th Scottish Bar and Pub Awards as we look to recognise some of the most creative, hard-working and beloved venues in the country. The ethos has always been about recognising great venues and applauding the people who put their heart and soul into running their businesses. This year is no different”.
Voting is easy, just go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com or email entrysbpa@mediaworlldltd.com and you can vote in as many different categories as you like. You can also check out the category options below:
Brugal 1888 Best Cocktail Bar of The Year
Since the year of 1888, the founder of Brugal rum – Don Andres Brugal – believed in pursing the best possible in rum mastery, and through five generations of the Brugal family in the Dominican Republic, their dedication to create the highest quality, double-aged premium rum has not changed. This year, Brugal 1888 are looking for the Best Cocktail Bar in Scotland – a bar that is dedicated to being the best possible. Could this be your bar? Do your bartenders craft cocktails that have the wow factor?
Do you use Brugal 1888 as an ingredient in your cocktail creations? Is your service second to none? If so, you could be in the running for this award. We are looking for the best of the best in the Scotish bar scene. Please enter your bar online and invite your customers to vote for you too – all votes will be taken into account. This will be followed by a mystery visit, before an official visit the award judges to sample your best Brugal 1888 cocktail creation Enter now.
Dram Dog Friendly Pub of The Year
The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are hunting for a pub that provides a welcome for pet dogs. Do you know a pub or bar that allow customers to bring their friendly pooches inside? Do they provide a water bowl and the occasional treat? If so, they could be in the running for this accolade. Judges will be bringing their own dogs on mystery visits (volunteers are queuing up!!) If you think you know a pub or hotel that fits the bill – enter it now and if you think you are the most Dog-Friendly Pub in Scotland get your customers voting! The two-legged variety!
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery, intent on making single malt the right way with true character. They keep things simple. A handful of distillers relying entirely on expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky; Speyside single malt matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtly smoky character. Now Benromach is looking to crown a bar ‘Whisky Bar of the Year’. Each Benromach whisky has its own character, and this year they are looking for a bar with true character and staff with a passion and enthusiasm for whisky, who are able to engage with their whisky-loving customer base.
Campari Bar Apprentice of the Year 2024
Campari UK is taking up the Bar Apprentice mantle. The programme, which is now in its 17th year, aims to inspire and educate bar apprentices as well as giving practical experience to those working behind the bar or on the floor. The 2024 apprentices will be mentored by a team of experts from Campari UK and will get an experience that you can’t buy. The programme is supported by Campari UK’s brands – Aperol, Campari, Skyy, Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate, Grand Marnier, Espolon and Wray & Nephew.
The apprentice who embraces the experience and makes the most progress will receive the accolade Campari UK Bar Apprentice 2024 and will be presented with the award at the Awards Ceremony on 27th August.
If you would like to be put forward for the experience or you have a member of staff that you would like to put forward email:- susan@mediaworldltd.com
Caledonia Inns & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Caledonia Inns and Montpeliers are partnering to offer one emerging entrepreneur the opportunity to be mentored by two of the industry’s most experienced and successful individuals over a twelvemonth period. Are you successful already, but would hugely benefit from great operational and financial advice, to allow your business to grow to the next level?
If so let us know what you think you would benefit. All candidates will be interviewed and receive a visit from the judges who include David Wither and Billy Lowe
Cold Town Craft Beer of The Year
Based in the heart of Edinburgh, Cold Town Beer is a small Scottish craft brewery that follows the ethos ‘If you don’t love our beers, we don’t brew them again’. In other words, if test brews don’t wow drinkers, they don’t go on draught sale across the country or into cans.
Putting the customer front and centre is fundamental to the successes that Cold Town Beer has achieved including winning Product Development Team of the Year and Excellence in Marketing at The 2023 Scottish Beer Awards.
Today the awards boot is on the other foot. Brewing beer is meaningless unless the environment and customer experience it is served in is spectacular. For that reason Cold Town Beer is proud to sponsor Craft Beer. Vote now!
Deanston Whisky Guru 2024
Are you passionate about all things whisky, with a bold and industrious spirit? Do you love to share your whisky knowledge with your colleagues and customers, but dare to do things a bit differently? Or do you know someone that inspires you when it comes to whisky, with their hard work, optimism and authenticity?
This category, ‘Whisky Guru of the Year’, is for people who not only have a great knowledge of whisky but are bold and fearless educators and advocates, with a real passion for craft. It is open to all on-trade employees or employers whether in the bar, pub, restaurant or hotel industry. Enter now!
De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year
De Kuyper Mixologist of the Year is looking for a bartender who has a real passion and knowledge for creating cocktails. De Kuyper is known as being one of the main innovation drivers in the industry, so they are looking for a cocktail creation that really embraces innovation through ingredients, colour and technique.
To enter please send us your innovative cocktail recipe using one of the De Kuyper liqueurs from the extensive range available, with some information about why you chose this cocktail by 30 May.
The top 5 cocktail creations, as selected by the judges, will be invited to show off their skills ahead of the ceremony on 27th August. All 5 finalists will receive an invitation to the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards with the overall winner being announced and trophy presented on the night.
DRAM Independent Pub Group of The Year
The DRAM is on the look-out for Scotland’s top Independent Pub Group. Groups that look set to impress the judges will be dynamic and forward-thinking, with a taste for growth and expansion and a commitment to investing in their employees.
You don’t have to be big but you do have to be good. Enter your nominees now!
DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year
It has never been more important to have a clear and ongoing digital strategy and forward thinking hospitality operators have embraced digital. This award aims to recognise that. We are looking for trade businesses that have successfully used the power of social media, digital advertising, and website design to build their brand and connect with customers with the aim of driving footfall to their establishments. How have you managed to keep your business to the forefront. We are looking for creativity and a clear strategy.
Hospitality Health Employer of The Year 2024
Health and wellbeing in hospitality is being embraced by companies the length and breadth of Scotland and this year we are seeking the hospitality operator that does the most to ensure its team is looked after and part of that criteria will include its response to looking after the health and wellbeing of its team.
Do you work for a business that you feel goes above and beyond, or do you think you are one? Do you offer the best environment for your team to thrive and do you support them? Let us know now!
HOSPO Manager of the Year
he role that bar managers play in the hospitality industry cannot be underestimated. That is what every successful bar or pub has got in common – a great manager. This year we are looking recognise the contribution that managers make to the success of a venue.
Do you know a manager that has the ability to lead his team, and motivate them, and at the same time has a service ethic and personality which is appreciated by customers?
If you are a customer why not nominate your favourite manager and if you are a member of staff and you think your manager deserves recognition please put them forward for this accolade.
Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering
As a composite wholesaler Inverarity Morton is looking for a venue that demonstrates a diverse drink offering, from wine, spirits, beers and soft drinks to staff knowledge, mixology and customer service.
Whether you own a bar, restaurant or hotel we are searching for a venue that displays creative forward-thinking and is inclined to think outside of the box when it comes to developing its drinks list. This award is dedicated to a venue that’s bold and daring, just like its drinks offering.
If you think you deserve this award, get your entry in now.
Jameson Best Irish Bar
The world’s best Irish Whiskey – Jameson’s, is looking for Scotland’s best Irish Bar.
The brand was invented by John Jameson, a Scotsman born in Alloa, who moved to Dublin in the 1770s and created Jameson’s, which went on to gain worldwide acclaim. Now the brand is looking for a bar or pub in Scotland that has a reputation for great service, good craic, live music and of course for celebrating all things Irish – from hearty Irish dishes to the drinks it serves.
Are you a great Irish pub or do you know one? Encourage your reps and your customers to vote.
John Jameson’s motto was ‘Live a bit more and fear a bit less!’ You have to be in it, to win it, so get your entry in now.
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
Outdoor Area 2024
Customers now embrace wining and dining outside, whether they have just popped out for a beer or a cocktail. This award will go to the pub, bar, restaurant or bar that has created an exceptional outdoor space which enhances the customer experience. It’s not just about the way your outside area looks, its about the service element too and ease of ordering, and about demonstrating how your space is contributing to the success of your business. If you know a great outdoor space, or you have one, enter now!
Customers now embrace wining and dining outside, whether they have just popped out for a beer or a cocktail. This award will go to the pub, bar, restaurant or bar that has created an exceptional outdoor space which enhances the customer experience. It’s not just about the way your outside area looks, its about the service element too and ease of ordering, and about demonstrating how your space is contributing to the success of your business.
Schweppes Bartender of The Year
We all know great bartenders are at the very heart of every good bar and this year Coca-Cola™ owned adult sparkling mixer, Schweppes, which has just launched its first European-wide Brand Ambassador programme, is looking for Scotland’s best bartender.
Are you friendly and sociable, are you knowledgeable about the drinks you serve – an expert at mixing them, and at delivering exactly what the customers asked for? Schweppes is looking for a bartender with patience, confidence and the ability to communicate and who goes above and beyond.
Do you know a bartender who fits the bill or are you one? Feel free to nominate colleagues too. Enter now!
Sims Automatic Sports Bar of The Year
This summer is promising to be a cracker for Sport with both the Euros and the Olympics, The Tour de France and Wimbledon and your customers are looking for a great experience. That’s why Sims Automatics have taken up the challenge of finding Scotland’s best sports bars.
The best sports bar offers an environment that encourages socialising. Cutting-edge technology such as high-definition screens and advanced sound systems, and good Wi-Fi is essential. And while they enjoy watching sport they also enjoy participating so pool tables, fruit machines and juke boxes are also a draw, but not essential.
The best sports bar also have staff that offer good service but who are also genuinely passionate about sports. Do you fit this criteria or do you know a sports bar that does. Enter now!
Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality
Staropramen is proud to be the #1 Prague Beer* in the world. Expertly brewed since 1869, Staropramen has over 150 of experience in brewing making us true experts. A traditional premium Prague style beer brewed with passion using only the finest ingredients.
Now the team behind the Molson Coors brand are on the hunt for a bar or pub that consistently delivers great quality beer and indeed one that has high standards throughout.
The judges will be looking for great service, beer served at the right temperature and in the right glassware, great food and the warmest of welcomes. Venues will be mystery shopped before the judges visit.
If you know a bar that you think deserves an award for outstanding quality or you are one, let us know and vote now!
*Source: Czech Beer and Malt Association 2024.
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
Scotland’s leading Sunday newspaper is looking for the best pub in the country. Do you have a welcoming atmosphere? Do your customers come back, and come back again? Get your customers to fill in the entry form when it appears in the Sunday Mail and online and tell us why you think you are eligible for ‘Pub of the Year’.