The 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards – have you voted yet?

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A month in and the entries for the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards are coming in at a great rate.

Due to popular demand we have added two categories. We now have Best Outdoor Area and Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year on the rota. I would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Benromach, Brugal 1888, Campari, Caledonia Inns, Cold Town Beer, De Kuyper, Deanston, Hospitality Health, Hospo, Inverarity Morton, Jameson, Kopparberg, Molinari Extra, Montpeliers, Schweppes, Sims, Staropramen, The DRUM and of course our media partners the Sunday Mail look forward to welcoming you to the event.

Don’t forget to book your Western tux and rhinestones for a great night of celebration at the Doubletree Hilton, Glasgow on 27 August!

Voting is easy, just click on the links next to each category, go to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com or email entrysbpa@mediaworlldltd.com. You can vote in as many different categories as you like. Voting closes 15 June 2024. Find out more about the category options below:

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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!

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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!

88B410D9-7EE0-43D6-8C2F-4F0595331E28 4 5005 cBenromach 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. Vote here!

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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

ED86210E-B7F6-4454-9DEC-83AF646FC599 4 5005 cBlack Ivy & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Black Ivy 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.

5E15C35B-3D1F-4110-A0CF-242ECE80F2CBCold 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. Enter here.

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!

8FD630E0-D003-4D31-9810-B8C754571120 4 5005 cDeanston 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!

4ACFD430-D3DF-4066-B6E8-6285A08541F1Favela Lager Latin American Venue of the Year

Favela Lager launched in Scotland earlier this year. This organic Brazilian lager, inspired by the sights and flavours of Rio de Janeiro, has at its heart the independent spirit of the people it has adopted – freedom, passion, colour and confidence – and a tendency to live outside the rules. This year it has taken up the challenge of finding Scotland’s Best Latin American venue – whether you are a restaurant, bar or late night venue if you think you also have a passion for the business and for giving customers a great Latin American experience enter now – or if you know a great venue that has a passion for customer service and offers an authentic Latin American experience enter them here now!

3978DE78-9D68-43C6-8DF0-DEAE33F024D4De 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. Enter here.

EAEB3F20-DDC2-4216-8A81-F007517AE544 4 5005 cDeanston 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.

 

DDC31CA9-476C-43F6-B588-8DBA57BCB5AF 4 5005 cDRAM Casual Dining Award 2024

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 customerfocused? Then this award could be for you. Get your customers to vote now.

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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. Enter here!

A210B992-5AD8-43AB-B9F4-72EB741EE990Hospitality 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!

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HOSPO Manager of the Year

The 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 the 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. Enter Now!

758FE2D7-1D52-40FA-A93F-6FED11A606B7 4 5005 cInverarity 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.

457BF52B-07B4-4204-9A1E-51973F7CA665Jameson 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.

E4C84F4F-C448-4703-B3E1-6E7FBEC642ED 4 5005 cKopparberg 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 its business. It goes without saying but good customer service and an excellent range of products behind the bar is essential. Do you know of a deserving bar, or perhaps you own one yourself? If so, nominate them for this award today.
987121EE-911C-4E48-B62E-7B41FAA427EA 4 5005 cMolinari
Molinari Extra, Italy’s number 1 Sambuca and the Italians Liqueur of choice, 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 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. Enter Now!
EA8C9D27-A985-4CDA-9C26-85F70A80767ASchweppes 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!

55005ACD-1E74-470C-BCEB-3931CABDEF62 4 5005 cOutdoor 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. Vote Now!

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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 here now!
77423029-F824-4173-8B11-2437647B61C1Sims 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!

2CDEA355-2DDC-44F9-8FC6-AFE3CB92FB50Staropramen 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.

B8276050-FE41-4FF5-80AC-D86AE5152B52 4 5005 cHotel Scotland Family Business of The Year 2024

Scotland has some very successful family businesses which have thrived over the years and they deserve recognition for the hard work that goes into making a family-owned hospitality business work. Do you think you deserve recognition or do you know a family business that does? We are looking for a business that is forward thinking, dynamic and includes more than one generation of the family. Although Hotel Scotland is sponsoring this category it is open to all family-owned businesses in hospitality. Enter now.

B947ABBA-7477-4C61-B79B-D2C871FC3F1ESunday 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’. Enter here now!