Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
Article Source: Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards
Last Updated: 14 August 2025 9:51
Scotland’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.
Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great.
Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.
This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles.
Finalists range from Scotch & Rye in Inverness, nominated for the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering award, to The Anglers in Annan, competing for the coveted Sunday Mail Pub of the Year title - and everything in between!
Some well-known pubs are also in the running, including the Athletic Arms, The Belfry, and Mother Superior in Edinburgh, all nominated for the Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year award. Glasgow’s Berlinkys, The Corset Club, and Slouch are battling it out for the Fireball Best Late Night Venue gong, while Siberia Bar & Hotel in Aberdeen is a contender for the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality.
However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!
Publisher, Susan Young, said: “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!
“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”
Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
Athletic Arms – Edinburgh
The Belfry – Edinburgh
Mother Superior – Edinburgh
The Pot Still – Glasgow
Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh
Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh
Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr
Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin
Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport
Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year
The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh
Hey Palu – Edinburgh
Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow
Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow
Lady Libertine – Edinburgh
DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
The Anchorage – Dunure
Bag o’Nails – Glasgow
The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin
Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs
Campari Bar Apprentice 2025
Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh
Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow
Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone
Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder
Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh
Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh
Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride
Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh
Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh
De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues
The Corner House – Kilwinning
Draffens – Dundee
McLarens On The Corner – Edinburgh
The Torfin – Edinburgh
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
Ross Barr, Scotch at the Balmoral – Edinburgh
Chris Chambers, Cask & Vine – Edinburgh
Lucy Connor, Tipsy Midgie – Edinburgh
Jane Ross, Mother Superior – Edinburgh
Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year
Bucks Bar Group
Cru Hospitality
Eden Group
Rocks Leisure Group
Fireball Best Late Night Venue
Berlinkys – Glasgow
The Corset Club – Glasgow
Freddy’s – Edinburgh
Slouch – Glasgow
Vic’s – Prestwick
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Apex Hotels
Cru Hospitality
Lisini Pub Co.
Manorview
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Michael Eaton, Café Royal – Edinburgh
Lorraine Ferguson, Billy Bridges – Ayr
Pete Harvey, Aboukir – Carnoustie
Fiona Joyce, Solway Lodge – Gretna
Stewart Kilpatrick, Hope & Vincent – Glasgow
Gavin Ruthven, The Dome – Edinburgh
Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year
Bar 1819, Apex Waterloo Place – Edinburgh
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh
Red Sky Bar – Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering
Brewhemia - Edinburgh
The Criterion – St Andrews
The Keys Bar – St Andrews
Scotch & Rye – Inverness
Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh
DRAM Best Beer Garden
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
The Fox & Willow – Ayr
Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay
Weavers – Paisley
Jameson Best Irish Bar
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow
Malones – Edinburgh
O’Connor’s – Edinburgh
Seamus’s – Edinburgh
Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year
The Birds and The Bees – Stirling
The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn
The Bridge Inn – Ratho
Stravaigin – Glasgow
DRAM Community Pub of the Year
Aboukir – Carnoustie
The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh
Montagues – Kirkcaldy
The Newton Bar – Millport
The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria
New Bar of the Year 2025
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Berlinkys – Glasgow
Cask & Vine – Edinburgh
The Marlborough – Glasgow
Sebbs – Glasgow
Schweppes Mixologist of the Year
Branford Edgar, Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow
Jake Harris, Old Pal – Edinburgh
Poppy Kerr, Bartenders Lounge – Aberdeen
Chris Mullen, Mar Hall – Bishopton
Toby Peters, The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh
Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year
Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone
Hope & Vincent – Glasgow
Lochy’s – Barrhead
The Tap Yard – Glasgow
Staropramen Award For Outstanding Quality
Brewhemia – Edinburgh
Boston Bar – Edinburgh
Louie Brown’s – Dalgety Bay
The Phoenix – Dundee
Siberia – Aberdeen
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
The Anglers – Annan
Athletic Arms – Edinburgh
Four Marys – Linlithgow
MacSorley’s – Glasgow
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils holistic wellness experiences to nourish the mind, body and soul
From one-day yoga and breathwork retreats to an overnight luxury Fire & Ice Wellness experience, these events offer the perfect escape to restore, reflect, and recharge.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Clyde Scouts celebrate 100 years of outdoor adventure at Auchengillan
New high ropes course and giant swing unveiled in landmark investment for centenary.
READ MORE
Alona to host family wrestling event
If you know the difference between your babyface from your heel, then you're going to love the Iron Girders Gym Pro Wrestling show taking place at the Alona Hotel.
READ MORE
Celebrate the last days of summer at M&Ds
If you are looking to entertain the family in the run up to the schools returning, then M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has the ideal day out!
READ MORE
Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026
With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!
READ MORE
Free ice cream up for grabs in Hamilton
Equi's to give away free award-winning ice cream in Hamilton this Friday following 11-star Great Taste win!
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees
The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.
READ MORE
BBC River City star Stephen Purdon joins the Go Radio Breakfast Show
Popular Scottish actor Stephen Purdon, best known for his long-standing role as Bob O'Hara in BBC soap River City, is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show.
READ MORE
Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events
This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.
READ MORE
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has officially opened its doors at SEC Glasgow, following a sell out 14 week run in London
This award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
READ MORE
Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings
Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.
READ MORE
Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever
Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.
READ MORE
The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer
For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.
READ MORE
Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour
Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.
READ MORE
Foodies Festival, the biggest touring celebrity food & music festival in the UK, returns to Scotland next month
The UK's biggest touring celebrity food & music festival celebrates its 20th year - announcing star-studded line-ups and exciting new features in Edinburgh and Glasgow!
READ MORE
Assembly Festival relaunches Local Residents Ticket Offer
Fringe Tickets for Just £6.50: Assembly Festival re-launches Local Residents Ticket Offer for EH, FK, G, KY, ML & DG postcodes.
READ MORE
Glasgow and Lanarkshire charities to receive funding to help put a stop to child poverty in Scotland
Three Glasgow and Lanarkshire based children's charities have been named among 11 Scottish organisations as partners of STV Children's Appeal's newly launched Ignite Fund.
READ MORE
Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.
READ MORE
Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run
Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!
READ MORE
Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life
Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MORE
Froglets born in Amazonia leap to new homes
Amazonia’s team have successfully welcomed 30 Amazon milk froglets into the world, following a carefully controlled breeding programme, raised from a group of five adults.
READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched
PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace
This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links