From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
Article Source: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards
Last Updated: 1 September 2025 11:05
Celebrating its 30th year, the prestigious event welcomed hundreds of hospitality professionals from across Scotland, with over 100 venues shortlisted as finalists.
Top industry honours went to some of Scotland’s most iconic names. Michele Pagliocca, owner of Monteleone Ltd (The Marlborough, The Butterfly and the Pig, The Buff Club and Singl-End) in Glasgow, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Donald MacLeod MBE was recognised with the SHG Contribution to the Industry Award and Buzzworks’ Alison Blair was named Inspirational Woman of the Year.
There were big celebrations in Edinburgh as local venues scooped some of the night’s most coveted titles. Black Ivy was named Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year, Hey Palu claimed the Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year, and The Athletic Arms took home the title of Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year.
It was a double win for Encore Bars, with Freddy’s picking up Fireball Best Late Night Venue, and owner Edward Fox receiving the Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneur Award.
The night even saw individual successes celebrated, with Jane Ross (The Mother Superior) awarded the Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award, Gavin Ruthven (The Dome) named HOSPO Manager of the Year, and Toby Peters (The Cocktail Geeks) shaking things up to win Schweppes Mixologist of the Year.
In Midlothian, The Original Rosslyn Inn was recognised as the DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, celebrating its warm welcome to both guests and their four-legged friends.
The celebrations continued in Glasgow, where Berlinkys was awarded the DRAM New Bar of the Year, Kitty O’Shea’s took home the Jameson Best Irish Bar title, and MacSorley’s proudly received the highly sought-after Pub of the Year award.
Dundee enjoyed a successful night, with Draffens honoured with the De Kuyper Award for Cocktail Excellence in Neighbourhood Venues, and The Phoenix receiving the Staropramen Award for Outstanding Quality.
In Fife, Hugos Bar and Pavilion celebrated a second consecutive win, this time taking home the DRAM Best Beer Garden award, while The Criterion in St Andrews received the Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering trophy.
Elsewhere across Scotland, The Newton Bar in Millport was named DRAM Community Pub of the Year, The Birds and Bees in Stirling earned the Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year title, Lochy’s in Barrhead took the Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year award, and Aimee Ashworth from Dishoom was honoured with the Campari Bar Apprentice 2025 accolade.
Two industry giants also made their mark on the night. Apex Hotels showcased their commitment to staff wellbeing by winning the Hospitality Health Employer of the Year award, while the formidable Bucks Bar Group took home the Favela Independent Multiple Operator Award.
Special recognition was given to Fiona Joyce of the Solway Lodge in Gretna, who received the Unsung Hero award, and Lorraine Ferguson from Billy Bridges in Ayr, who was named Bar Personality of the Year. Both women have dedicated over 20 years to their venues, embodying the passion and loyalty at the heart of Scotland’s hospitality industry.
Susan Young organiser and Editor of industry publication DRAM, said: “It was fantastic to see so many deserving winners this year. These awards are a celebration of the people who make the Scottish hospitality industry the success it is, and this year’s entries were truly outstanding. Over the past 30 years, we’ve hosted some incredible events, and this was certainly one of the best. Every finalist deserves recognition for the exceptional venues they operate and should be immensely proud of their achievements. Congratulations to each and every one of them!”
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Scottish Dance Theatre presents Scottish Roots
Scotland's flagship dance company Scottish Dance Theatre present the world premiere of Scottish Roots, a new triple bill celebrating the dialogue between tradition and innovation in Scottish culture.
READ MORE
New InspireHER webinar series launches to empower women to take their first step into business
Women are being invited to explore their entrepreneurial potential through a brand-new programme of free, confidence-building webinars and coaching sessions delivered by Business Gateway.
READ MORE
Baz Luhrmann takes centre stage on the big screen at Vue this March
From Romeo + Juliet to Elvis, five films from legendary auteur Baz Luhrmann are arriving at Vue this month!
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Spring Garden Savings Weekend
Dobbies is welcoming the new season with its Spring Garden Savings Weekend, running from 5th - 9th March, inviting local gardeners to kick-start spring with fresh inspiration and great savings!
READ MORE
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair returns better than ever for 2026
Scotland's much-loved outdoor celebration is officially back, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Scottish Game Fair will return to the stunning grounds of Scone Palace this July!
READ MORE
The beloved stories of Roald Dhal return to the big screen at Vue
A number of iconic film adaptations based on the work of children's author Roald Dahl are returning to the big screen at Vue Cinemas across Scotland.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops for kids return to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres' monthly children's gardening workshop returns this March, and the topic is peas and other pod plants.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Yellow Yogis
Beatson Cancer Charity has announced the launch of Yellow Yogis, a brand-new fundraising initiative set to bring thousands of people together for a large-scale yoga event at Glasgow's SEC!
READ MORE
Biggest ever World Gaelic Week blasts off
The fifth edition of World Gaelic Week gets underway today. This year is the biggest celebration yet, with more than 200 events taking place across the week.
READ MORE
Dinner Meets Detective Work: Six by Nico reveals Sherlock Holmes dining experience
Traitors UK Champion Jake Brown fronts Six by Nico's Sherlock Holmes campaign!
READ MORE
Sheridan Smith shines in Funny Girl on the big screen as West End revival returns to cinemas to mark 10 year anniversary of the acclaimed production
To mark the production's West End anniversary, Liberator Film is bringing the film of this award-winning production to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a limited run starting on 30 April.
READ MORE
Win lunch with George Clooney, stay at Gleneagles & help raise funds for Social Bite
Donate to win lunch as part of a small, intimate group with Hollywood star George Clooney!
READ MORE
From a single cottage to a nationwide network as Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years
Hostelling Scotland marks 95 years by releasing archive and contemporary images charting its journey from a single converted cottage in 1931 to a nationwide network of hostels.
READ MORE
Play park improvements across East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire Council has completed a wide-range of upgrades in parks and play areas across the area worth more than £500,000.
READ MORE
New Scotland Match Day Village announced for World Cup 2026
A brand-new 1600-capacity fanzone has been announced for Scotland's World Cup games, bringing a festival-style event to East Kilbride for an unforgettable matchday experience!
READ MORE
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Foodies Festival returns to Glasgow for a spectacular 21st Birthday celebration
Food lovers, music fans and families are in for a treat as Foodies Festival returns to Glasgow for three packed days of delicious food, live music, hands-on experiences and family fun!
READ MORE
Aurs Road project nears completion
The transformation of Aurs Road, which is the main route between Barrhead and Newton Mearns, is nearing completion.
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Environmental Focus as East Renfrewshire Libraries Team Up with SEPA
East Renfrewshire libraries have partnered with SEPA to help raise awareness and encourage understanding of the various sources of air pollution through a brand-new programme of events.
READ MORE
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links