Welcome to the 2025 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 a nod to the Oscars – an adjective that is probably overused but as we are celebrating our 30th anniversary, and as we were the very first trade awards in Scotland, I thought it was appropriate.
It means that we are celebrating the best of the best – with all the glamour of Hollywood. The awards ceremony will take place at the Doubletree Hilton in Cambridge Street on 26th August with all finalists receiving complimentary tickets.
I would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Benromach, Brugal 1888, Campari UK, Caledonia Inns, De Kuyper, Deanston, Favela, Hospitality Health, Inverarity Morton, Jamesons, Jump Ship Brewing, Montpeliers, Fireball, Schweppes, Sims, Staropramen, The DRUM and of course our media partners the Sunday Mail.
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. The final few categories will be announced soon. Here’s to another terrific year.
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:
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. Vote Now
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 Scottish 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 from the award judges to sample your best Brugal 1888 cocktail creation. Vote Now
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. email susan@mediaworldltd.com or nominate here
Campari Bar Apprentice of the Year 2025
Campari UK took the Bar Apprentice mantle last year and have got a brand new programme for our 18th year. The programme aims to inspire and educate bar apprentices as well as giving practical experience to those working behind the bar or on the floor.
The 2025 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, Sarti, Crodino, Courvoisier, 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 2025 and will be presented with the award at the Awards Ceremony on 26th 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 or nominate here
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
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 Rising Star Award’, is for people who have developed a passion for whisky over the last few years and who have already developed a real understanding of whisky and its potential and who are keen to share this knowledge with their peers and customers. It is open to all on-trade employees or employers whether in the bar, pub, restaurant or hotel industry who are passionate about whisky and who are embarking on this journey with great enthusiasm. To enter contact susan@mediaworldltd.com or nominate here
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! Vote Now
DRUM Casual Dining Award
Calling all outstanding eateries! Entries are now open for the Scottish Casual Dining Award—a celebration of the very best in relaxed yet refined dining across Scotland. Whether you’re known for your inventive menus, top-quality local produce, or welcoming atmosphere, this is your chance to shine. Share your story, showcase your passion, and earn the recognition your team deserves. Enter now and let your venue take its place among Scotland’s casual dining elite and invite your customers to vote for you. Vote Here
De Kuyper Award for cocktail excellence in neighbourhood venues
This inaugural De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, aims to recognise cocktail craftsmanship in local, community-driven bars and pubs.
This award will recognise bars and bartenders who not only elevate the cocktail experience but also embody De Kuyper’s core principles of creativity, accessibility, and genuine hospitality.
Whether it’s reimagining classic serves or creating signature drinks that bring people together, we want to hear from venues that put passion and purpose into every pour and that promote its cocktails on a regular basis. If your venue champions bold flavours, local engagement, and cocktail excellence, submit your entry today. Finalists will also receive some complimentary De Kuyper Batch cocktails. Vote Now
DRAM Independent Pub Group 2025
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 and Vote Now
Favela
More information on Favela’s category to be revealed soon!
Fireball Best Late Night Venue
Fireball, the bold whiskey liqueur renowned for its fiery cinnamon kick, seeks late-night venues in Scotland that deliver unforgettable nightlife experiences. Celebrating excitement and energy, Fireball perfectly aligns with this award, recognising venues that embody fun, creativity, and community.
Whether it’s a vibrant bar or an energetic club we want to hear from you. If your venue stands out with its atmosphere, entertainment, and exceptional service, or you know one that does, enter now and keep the party going all night long. Vote Now
Hospitality Health 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 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! Vote Now
Inverarity Morton 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, Vote Now
Jameson Best Irish Bar 2025
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. Vote Now
Jump Ship Brewing
More details on Jump Ship Brewing’s category to be revealed soon!
Best New Bar 2025
Best Outdoor Area 2025
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
Schweppes Mixologist of The Year
Schweppes is looking for someone who knows what they’re doing behind the bar — a mixologist who doesn’t just mix great drinks, but truly understands what they’re creating. We’re after someone who also knows what their clientele is looking for.
Technique and style may be the buzzwords, but knowledge and the ability to deliver a high-quality experience are essential. It goes without saying that our Mixologist of the Year will be someone confident in their abilities — and this should be evident in how they communicate with the room. Of course, they must also have the skill to deliver world-class drinks. Vote Now
Sims Automatic Sports Bar of The Year
This summer is promising to be a cracker for Sport 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. Vote 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’. Vote Now
More awards to be revealed soon featuring Favela, Jump Ship Brewing