Montpeliers founders among winners at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub awards!

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed! The winners picked up their trophies at a glittering ‘Grand Ole Opry’ themed event held at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow on Tuesday 27th August.

The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate all that is good and great about the hospitality industry with more than 100 hospitality venues shortlisted as finalists at the event.

Industry veteran Stuart Ross, former Chief Executive of Belhaven received a Legend of the Industry Award while David and Ruth Wither, the founders of Edinburgh-based Montpelier Group, picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Other award winners came from as far apart as Carnoustie and Inverness.

There were celebrations in Glasgow as The Piper Whisky Bar won the double for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year and with Gillian Kirkland becoming Deanston Whisky Guru 2024! The Absent Ear was named Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, Shilling Brewing Company as Cold Town Craft Beer Pub of the Year, Boteco Do Brasil as Favela Latin American Venue of the Year and The Smokin’ Fox snatched the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year accolade. 

Fullbacks Sports and Pizza Bar in Milngavie was named Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year while Ayr venues Tempura and The Stravaig were also winners picking up the Casual Dining Award and Kopparberg New Bar of the year awards respectively. The Ship in Irvine was Dog Friendly Pub of the Year and Steven Muir of Beatbox Leisure was named Boss of The Year!

It was also a winning night for Stravaigin in Glasgow who proved they have some of the best staff around as Olivia Wong was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Marquis Smith as Schweppes Bartender of the Year.

The party continued in Edinburgh where Black Ivy snatched the Best Outdoor area award for the second year in a row while Teuchters Landing was named Inverarity Morton’s Best Drinks offering and Lochrin Rooftop Bar (Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge) as Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year.  

In Aberdeen, Malones were crowned Jameson Best Irish bar, in Fife Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion collected the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality and in Dundee Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort was awarded Family Business of the Year. There was also a special award for The Craw’s Nest in Carnoustie who scooped the ‘Community Pub of the Year’ accolade. 

Other big winners were two of the industry giants – Manorview Hotels who proved what a great company they are to work for by snatching the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year gong and Inverness based Cru Hospitality who won Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year.

The late Janet Hood was posthumously named ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year’ and Gordon McIntyre received the Scottish Hospitality Group’s Contribution to the industry award. 

Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said, “These awards are all about the people that make the hospitality industry the success it is. This year we had an exceptional entry. All the finalists deserve credit for the great venues that they run, but the trophies were presented to the pubs, restaurants and people that impressed their customers, judges and mystery shoppers most. Congratulations to each and every one!”

The full list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award

David & Ruth Wither

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

 The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Alex & Rachel Palumbo – Hey Palu & Chancho, Edinburgh

Brugal Best Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Absent Ear – Glasgow

Campari Bar Apprentice 2024

Finlay Paterson – Scotts South Queensferry

Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of the Year 

Shilling Brewing Company – Glasgow

Deanston Whisky Guru 2024

Gillian Kirkland – The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow

DRAM Casual Dining Award 2024

Tempura – Ayr

Drinks Express Independent Operator of the Year

Cru Hospitality – Inverness

De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of the Year

Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet, Edinburgh

Favela Latin American Venue of the Year

Boteco Do Brasil – Glasgow

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Ship – Irvine

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Manorview Hotels – Howwood

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Olivia Wong – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year

Forbes of Kingennie – Dundee

Unsung Hero Award

Jules Clark – Montpeliers

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Malones – Aberdeen

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

The Stravaig – Ayr

Media World Best Outdoor Area

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Lochrin Rooftop Bar – Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge

Schweppes Bartender of the Year

Marquis Smith – Stravaigin, Glasgow

Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To the Industry Award

Gordon McIntyre

Sims Automatic Sports Bar of the Year

Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar – Milngavie

Inspirational Woman of the Year

Janet Hood

Boss of the Year

Steven Muir – Beatbox Leisure, Ayr

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality 

Hugo’s Bar and Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards Community Pub of the Year

The Craw’s Nest – Carnoustie

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

The Smokin’ Fox – Glasgow

Picture: David and Ruth Wither with some of the Montpeliers team

The full list of finalist were:

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Brugal 1888 Best Cocktail Bar of The Year

Black Ivy & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Campari Bar Apprentice of the Year 2024

Charlie Atkin, The Parkville

Marek Brzozowski, The Old Workshop

Ryan Knowles, The Citizen

Caitlyn Marcinek, The Redhurst Hotel

Jillian Ormerod, The Triplekirks

Finlay Paterson, Scotts Port Edgar

Louis Sherrit,, The Fort/Wine Spa

Cold Town Craft Beer Bar of The Year

Deanston Whisky Guru 2024

Dram Dog Friendly Pub of The Year

Drinks Express Independent Pub Group of The Year

De Kuyper Liqueurs Mixologist of The Year

 Favela Lager Latin American Venue of The Year

Michael Eaton, Care Royal, Edinburgh

John Mannion, The Blue Blazer, Edinburgh

Steven Muir, Harleys, Ayr

John Ogilvie, Montagues, Kirkcaldy

Olivia Wong, Stravaigin, Glasgow

Molinari Hotel Bar of The Year

Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality

Sunday Mail Pub of The Year

The Allison Arms Glasgow

Macgregor’s, Inverness

The Newton Bar, Millport

The Smokin’ Fox, Glasgow

Welcome to the launch of our 2024 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards

Welcome to the launch of our 2024 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, the longest running trade awards in Scotland. This year, we are going to do what we do best… celebrate the people that make hospitality in Scotland great. Our theme, as you may have guessed is Grand Ole Opry – the venue that takes centre stage when it comes to Country and Western.  Our event will represent the black-tie of Countryand Western so look out your Tux’s and Rhinestones!

The awards ceremony will take place at the Doubletree Hilton in Cambridge Street on 27th August with all finalists receiving complimentary tickets.

I would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Benromach, Brugal 1888, Campari, Caledonia Inns, Cold Town Beer, De Kuyper, Deanston, Favela Lager, Hospitality Health, Hospo, Inverarity Morton, Jameson, Kopparberg, Molinari Extra, Black Ivy and Montpeliers, Schweppes, Sims, Staropramen, The DRUM and of course our media partners the Sunday Mail. We look forward to welcoming you to the event.

We have a few new categories this year – so check them out – we are happy to provide you with material for your socials to encourage your customers to vote. We also invite bars and pubs to put themselves forward. Don’t forget the voting closes on 15 June.

Here’s to another terrific year!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2023

The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards is 28 years old this year. It’s hard to believe!

Over the years it has evolved but so has the hospitality industry. Our ethos was always about recognising great venues and applauding the people who put their heart and soul into running their businesses. This year is no different.

But we also want to entertain you. The trade spends all year looking after customers and this is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good and great about this industry, meet up with friends old and new, and have fun with colleagues.

This trade can adapt and does, it is resilient and forward-thinking as well as entrepreneurial – so let’s celebrate and how better to do this than get your customers, reps and staff voting for you. You can also nominate your pub, bar, hotel or restaurant, staff or employers, but please encourage your customers to get in on the act too.

I am delighted to announce that this year’s event, will take place on the 29th August at The Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow. Many thanks to all our sponsors and, of course, there will be our usual surprises not least our Lifetime Achievement Award. So put the date in your diary.

You have got to be in it to win it… so let’s create a noise – get your customers voting for you – and if you need any social branding let us know. There’s also the accolade Sunday Mail Pub of the Year to go for.

Voting is now closed. Thanks for all the votes! You can check out the voting categories here.

Sheep Dog Whiskey Friendly Pub of The Year

Sheep Dog Whiskey 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!

ARO Procurement Customer Service Award

Customer service is paramount when it comes to running a successful business. Aro Procurement is on the lookout for a pub, restaurant or hotel which fully embraces the customer service ethos. Do you know a business that does this? If so, they could be eligible for this Award. Judges will look at the measures that are in place to ensure staff are well trained in customer service. Short listing will be done by Mystery Shoppers and if necessary this will be followed up with a meeting with the judges. If you want to put a nomination in, voting opens.

Campari Mixologist of the Year

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. Is your bar the one? Or do you know of a bar worthy of the crown? Nominate it for the Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year when voting opens.

Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Buzzworks and Montpeliers are partnering to offer one emerging entrepreneur the opportunity to be mentored by one of the industry’s most experienced and successful individuals over a twelve-month 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 too.

Deanston Whisky Guru 2023

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.

Premier Card Services Independent Operator Of The Year

Premier Card Services Scotland , the company which represents Dojo– the small business card machine provider, is on the lookout for Scotland’s top Independent Operator. You don’t have to be the biggest, but you do have to show that you are dynamic and forward thinking with a taste for growth and expansion. Good operators know how to identify new opportunities, innovate, and adapt to changing market trends, and by doing so their businesses remain competitive and relevant. Can you relate to that? Technology such as Dojo can also help you improve your customer experience – do you use technology to its full effect? If you think you fit the criteria or you know a group that does… enter when voting opens.

Drinks Express Outdoor Area 2023

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, make sure to vote when voting opens.

Giving More Award in partnership with Edrington UK

Giving More is deep rooted in Edrington’s DNA. Whether this is to their people, consumers, customers or communities – their central purpose is giving. The founders of Edrington, the Robertson sisters, also established the Robertson Trust which is Scotland’s largest independent grant-making charitable trust. This inaugural award has been created to celebrate and reward those in the hospitality industry who have the same ethos of Giving More. Those who have went above and beyond to give more to either their community in which they operate, their customers, or to their employees. This may include volunteering or providing a community service or looking after the welfare of employees. We’d love to hear who you think deserves this accolade. You can nominate your colleagues, people that you know or businesses that you think deserve this special recognition.

HOSPO Manager of the Year

There are five key characteristics which make a good manager according to HOSPO, Scotland’s only hospitality focused recruitment agency. Trust – the employer trusts a good manager to run their bar, restaurant or hotel with integrity. Passion – a passion for hospitality and the people around them. Flexibility – paying attention to your individual team members requirements and managing the business accordingly. Teamwork – an essential component of running any good business. Development – a thirst to continue personal learning. Do you have a manager that fits the bill or are you one. Don’t be shy!

Hospitality Employer 2023

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. Let us know why you think you deserve this award.

Flor de Caña Sustainability Award 2023

Sustainably crafted premium rum brand, Flor de Caña has not only launched a global Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, but it is also looking for Scotland’s licensed trade Sustainability Champion. Flor de Caña is the world’s only Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified spirit, and it continually seeks to promote and reward sustainable, eco conscious practices. It is looking for a Scottish bar, restaurant or hotel that is on the sustainability journey. What are you doing to ensure your business is greener?

Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue 2023

Live music is very much part of a vibrant night life, and pubs and bars that invest in live music can be found in most towns and cities in Scotland. Are you one of the best or do you know a live music bar or pub that is the best in Scotland? Hi-Spirits, which offers the on-trade a diverse portfolio of brands such as Southern Comfort, Fireball, Tequila Rose, Buffalo Trace and more, is looking for a bar that has an equally diverse live music offer – whether your music genre is pop, rock, country, or a mix, it’s important that the sound is as good as the ambience. Great service and a quality drink offering are also part and parcel of the offering.

Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering

As a composite wholesaler we are looking for a venue that demonstrates a diverse drink offering, from wine, spirits, beers and softs. Whether you own a bar, restaurant or hotel we are searching for a venue that displays creative forward-thinking and are inclined to think outside of the box when it comes to developing their drinks list. This award is dedicated to a venue that’s bold and daring, just like their drinks offering.

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

Kopparberg is on the lookout for Scotland’s best new bar. The Kopparberg team is looking for a bar that has proved to be a success with customers – it doesn’t have to be the most stylish or the biggest, but owners should demonstrate creative forward-thinking and be inclined to think outside of the box when it comes to developing their business. It goes without saying but good customer service and an excellent range of products behind the bar is essential. Do you know a bar, or are you one, that deserves the title?

Media World Casual Dining Award

There are many great Casual Dining Restaurants in Scotland and this year we seek to recognise those that stand head and shoulders above the competition with our Award for Casual Dining. Do you have a relaxed atmosphere, and serve good value quality food? Are your staff adept at customer service, and do your chefs know how to serve up tantalising, tasty food? Are you family-friendly and customer-focused?

Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year

Molson Coors is seeking out Scotland’s best Bars, which have been around for at least a year. We’re looking for venues that are a hit with their customers – success can come through great customer service, a beautiful bar environment, stunning food and drink offering or an event calendar that keeps customers flocking back. Operators that offer something special for their locals, or are known for exceptional standards by locals and visitors alike – we are keen to hear from the exceptional teams that make this industry so vibrant and fresh.

Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year

Molinari is the Sambucca that Italians love and the brand is looking for a Hotel Bar that you love. A hotel bar that epitomises the best of all things Scottish. Do you know a hotel that offers great service, and activities such as golf, and a bar that allows you to relax – either pre-activity or post activity or are you one? The judges will be looking for a bar with ambience, a good range of drinks, cocktails too, and it goes without saying… service with a smile.

Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue 2023

Pernod Ricard, the brand owners with Havana Club, Beefeater and Chivas in its portfolio, is looking for a late night venue that exemplifies what is good and great about late night socialising. Great drinks, music and service are all important, but the atmosphere too plays its part. Eligible venues must be open after midnight, but whether you are a club, dive bar, cocktail bar or entertainment venue – this award is for you if you offer a first class late night experience. If you know a venue you think deserves the accolade or you are one… get voting.

Hospitality Employer of the Year

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 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?

William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice 2023

The Bar Apprentice is back for its 16th year and William Grant & Sons backing the initiative with brands Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, and Monkey Shoulder. A bespoke programme has been created for this year’s apprentices – an experience you can’t buy! The programme aims to inspire and educate as well as giving practical experience for working behind the bar or on the floor. The 2023 apprentices will be mentored by a team of experts from William Grant & Son’s. The apprentice who embraces the experience and makes the most progress will receive the accolade William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice 2023 and will be presented with the award at the Awards Ceremony.

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’.

Other awards will include the Lifetime Achievement Award and an award for Sustainability

Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022

The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards was an emotionally charged evening last year – mainly because I think we were all so glad to be back. This year I am hoping we will be celebrating and we are planning to party, party, party… and celebrate all that is good and great about the Scottish licensed trade. You are resilient, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial – so let’s celebrate, and how better to do this than get your customers voting for you. 

You can nominate your pub, bar, hotel or restaurant, staff, or employers, but encourage your customers to get in on the act too.  

I am delighted to announce that this year’s event, all going to plan, will take place on the 30th August at The Hilton in William Street in Glasgow.  

Many thanks to all our sponsors and there will be a couple of more categories that are just being finalised. We will announce them in the weekly newsletter.

Of course, there will be our usual surprises not least our Lifetime Achievement Award. So put the date in your diary. We will be asking people to vote online and there will be a digital campaign shortly which will also promote hospitality. You have got to be in it to win it… so let’s create a noise – get your customers voting for you – and if you need any social branding let us know. There’s also the accolade Sunday Mail Pub of the Year to go for. So don’t be shy. 

We can’t wait to see you all!  

Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2019 Photo Gallery

Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2018 Photo Gallery

2018 Winners Announced!

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards.

Congratulations to our winners and a massive thank you to everyone who took part!

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Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Forth Inn, Aberfoyle

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BII Award for Customer Service

The Old Mill Inn, Pitlochry

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Buzzworks/Flow Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Rachel Carpenter & Linden Wilkinson, Pop Up Geeks

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Critics' Choice Casual Dining Award

Montpeliers, Edinburgh

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Diageo Award for Social Responsibility and Community

Buzzworks, Prestwick

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Disaronno Cocktail Bar

Sygn, Edinburgh

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DRAM Manager of the Year

Caroline Wright, Jinty McGinty's, Glasgow

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Gordon & MacPhail Award for Success

The Dowans Hotel, Aberlour

Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year

Black Ivy, Edinburgh

Inverarity Morton Wine by the Glass Award

Kylesku Hotel, Skye

Kopparberg New Bar of the Year

T-Bar, Ayrshire

Molson Coors Beer Bar of the Year

Brewhemia, Edinburgh

Open Ear Country Pub of the Year

The Swan Inn, Eaglesham

The Pub Spy Award

The Citizen, Glasgow

The DRUM Social Media Award

John Carrigan's, Hamilton

William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice 2018

Ellie Raeside, Candy Bar, Edinburgh

A Wee DRAM Whisky Bar of the Year

Usquabae Whiskey Bar and Larder, Edinburgh

The Wee Guide Best Outside Area

Brel, Glasgow

2018 Finalists Announced!