Representatives from hospitality businesses from across Scotland gathered in Glasgow this week as the winners of this year’s Scottish Bar and Pub Awards were announced.
Tuesday’s ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton was attended by 600 industry peers who were recognised for going above and beyond to create an outstanding customer experience.
Now in its 28th year, the event saw 30 awards presented to both individuals and venues 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.
The winners were selected after members of the public were asked to nominate their favourite which were later put to the test by a team of 'mystery shoppers’.
The final decision was made by an expert panel of judges.
Event 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.”
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Taking home the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award was Edinburgh pub entrepreneur Billy Lowe who has been ben at the ‘top of the licensed trade’ for over 35 years.
Ms Young continued: “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.”
Mr Lowe, who also celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, 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.”
Aberdeen businesses were the big winners of the night as Malones scooped the 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.
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 charitable contributions.
Gillian Kirkland of The Piper Whisky Bar was 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 continued sustainability work, winning the Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award and Baillieston’s The East End Fox scooped the trophy for Kopparbergs New Bar 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 Awards.
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.
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In Ayrshire, 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 which was awarded Molinari’s Hotel Bar of the Year, The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha which won Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year, and Aberfoyle’s The Forth Inn 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.
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