Billy Lowe wins Lifetime Achievement

What a feeling!’ as Scotland’s bars scoop top awards!

Edinburgh pub entrepreneur Billy Lowe got an extra birthday present when he scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award at Tuesday’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, formerly known as the DRAM Awards, on his actual birthday! The award recognised his 35 years at the top of the licensed trade.

Said DRAM publisher Susan Young, “Billy Lowe is arguably Scotland’s most successful licensed trade entrepreneur. Having created three very successful pub companies and operated more than 30 pubs over the decades, he still remains at the helm of Caledonia Inns, which includes the award-winning Black Ivy.”

The latter also won the Drinks Express Best Outdoor Area award.

He received his award in front of more than 600 industry peers at a glittering 80s Film themed awards ceremony at the Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.

Following his win, Billy said, “It was a complete surprise, and I was delighted that the whole family was there to see it! For me, to be recognised alongside the deserving people who have won this award before, people that I truly admire, was such an honour.”

The event saw 30 awards presented to both venues and individuals from all around Scotland spanning from Our Place in Annan which picked up the Media World Casual Dining Award, to Inverness-based Prime which grabbed the ARO Procurement Customer Service Award.

Organiser Susan Young said, “The Scottish licensed trade is full of successful entrepreneurs and as a result we have some of the best pubs and venues in the UK.  These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of the owners and their employees that give Scotland a hospitality industry that is worth shouting about. I take my hat off to all of them.”

Now in their 28th year, the awards are a highlight in the hospitality industry calendar and this year over 100 finalists attended the ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton Glasgow Central – making it the biggest event yet!

Aberdeen were big winners on the night as Malones scooped the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year award! The celebrations continued for the city as Scott Anderson of Siberia Bar & Hotel won THE DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year, Adrian Gomes of The Tippling House won Campari Mixologist of the Year and Bryony Baxter of Meraki Bar and Restaurant was named as William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice of the Year.

In Edinburgh there was a double celebration for the Tipsy Midgie and owner Colin Hinds who took home both Benromach’s Whisky Bar of the Year and the Deanston Whisky Guru gongs!

Hey Palu was named the Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year, Stramash as Pernod Ricard Best Late-Night Venue and Brewhemia as Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year!

A special mention went to The Original Rosslyn Inn who were honoured with the Golden Jubilee Award for Hospitality to celebrate their 50th year of business.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow winners included local favourites St Lukes & The Winged Ox for Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue, the WORQ Group for Premier Card Services Independent Operator of the Year and Graham Chalmers of Radisson RED who won the inaugural Edrington UK Giving More Award for his amazing charitable contributions.

Gillian Kirkland of The Piper Whisky Bar was deservedly crowned Inspirational Woman of the Year, Rory McGinley of Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery was named HOSPO Manager of the Year and Sportsterz Pete Harvey was stunned to receive his Bar Personality of the Year award!

A special ‘Heart of Hospitality’ award was also given to Bucks Bar owner Michael Bergson for being such a great voice for the licensed trade industry.

The Lisini Pub Company were recognized for their amazing sustainability work, winning the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award and Baillieston’s The East End Fox snapped up the trophy for Kopparbergs New Bar of the Year.

In Ayrshire, industry giants Buzzworks took home the Hospitality Employer of the Year gong, the Fox and Willow won Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering and Brandon Van Rensburg, owner of the Tempura chain, walked away as Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

Other winners from the west included Great Scots Bar in the Cameron House that were awarded Molinari’s Hotel Bar of the Year, The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha that won Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year, and Aberfoyle’s The Forth Inn that scooped the prize for Sheep Dog Whisky Dog Friendly Pub of the Year.

Falkirk’s Brian Flynn, owner of Behind The Wall, was named Licensee of the Year and The Scottish Hospitality Group awarded its Special Recognition Award to Caroline Louden of TLT LLP.

The full list The full list of winners are here along with pictures of them picking up their awards on the night and you can browse some more pictures below.

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

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 Finalists

A bumper year for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 as more than 3500 people have had their say in naming Scotland’s most loved pubs, with thousands of votes cast online over the last few months.

Now in their 27th year, The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards – dubbed the hospitality Oscars, celebrate Scotland’s licensed trade and shine a spotlight on all aspects of the hospitality industry, featuring standout pubs up and down the country in more than 24 categories. These include Antos Dog Friendly Pub of The Year; Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue; The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year and Kopparberg New Bar of the Year.

Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed today including Glasgow’s stylish Moskito and the eclectic Bourbon in Edinburgh for the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue.

Seeking out the nation’s most creative drinks, trailblazing whisky and cocktail bar, The Gate, and the adventurous Absent Ear are up for the Busker Cocktail bar, alongside the Cocktail Mafia in Edinburgh and Lido in Troon.

The inaugural Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year will see Broughty Ferry’s The Fort, Dundee’s Jute Café bar, Inverness-based Scotch & Rye and Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café battle it out to be crowned Scotland’s best bar.

Independent Operators are the driving force for hospitality. Up for the DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year award for 2022 are Buzzworks Holdings in Ayrshire who have an award-winning portfolio of bars and restaurants in Scotland including Vic’s & The Vine, Scotts, The Mill House, Lido, The Duke and The Bridge Inn to name a few. Also in the running are Bread Meats Bread, who have six eponymous venues serving up award winning burgers and cocktails, and the Bruce group, who focus on drinks-led retailing with an inherent added value experience in Edinburgh and Fife. Their multi-venue portfolio includes Stramash, The Mash House, Opium, Dusk and the Royal Mile Tavern.

Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community led initiatives and give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy.

Every finalist has been voted for by the public and people in the trade and will have been visited by mystery shoppers. Winners will be announced at a prestigious award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree Glasgow Central, in Glasgow.

Organiser, Susan Young said: “The votes are in and verified and the time is nearly here to celebrate the best of the best at The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.

“The licensed trade needs our support more than ever and Scottish hospitality has never been better. Congratulations to all the finalists – your recognition is very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies at this year’s awards.”

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 will announce all category winners at a glitzy award ceremony on August 30th. Where guests will also be able to enjoy entertainment from Abba MANIA.

For more information, head to https://scottishbarandpubawards.com or to book a ticket for the event, email accounts@mediaworldltd.com

Follow online:

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The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 finalists. *Note that the awards are alphabetical and in no particular order.

On the night there other awards winner were: 

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!