A PUB known for its top quality food and live music has won best in Scotland.
The country’s most-loved bars, restaurants and family fun spots have been honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony.
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Awards Director Warren Paul said it’s a tough time for the industry
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Pubs, venues and restaurants were celebrated at the awards
The lavish event at Glasgow’s Doubletree By Hilton flew in global stars The Vengaboys for an exclusive live show, to the surprise of the packed room, along with a performance from current Britain’s Got Talent viral finalist Vinnie McKee.
Coming out on top for the best pub in Scotland was The Scallion, in Glasgow’s West End.
Situated on the city’s Great Western Road, the bar boasts great grub – including a Sunday roast and it’s famous foot-long hot dog, authentic cocktails, house lager and fine wines.
Meanwhile, entertainment comes in the form of open mic nights, free pool Wednesdays, pub quizzes and Friday night live trad music.
Awards Director Warren Paul said: “It is a very tough time for everyone right now but it does seem the hospitality industry are really feeling the heat – people simply don’t have the money to go out as often as they did, or they’re scared to spend the money they do have.
“We need to socialise, we need that break and to let off steam, escape all the day to day worries – and that’s what our friends in hospitality provide.
“With many closures and difficulties, it’s important to recognise those who go above and beyond to give the public that chance to zone out, relax and de-stress.
“That’s what these awards are for – it’s a nod and a thank you from the public to the place and people they appreciate, those who do it better than the rest or just offer something really special.
“So while we have big names performing here tonight, the real stars are the award winners from all over Scotland, venues and businesses who stand out every single day and night.
“Thank you to every winner, every highly recommended and every business who perhaps hasn’t won tonight but is out there working hard every day to support us all – sadly there can be only one winner in each category and some are very close.”
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The awards are decided by a combination of public nomination and voting along with visits by judges so a win is an endorsement first and foremost by customers. So businesses all over Scotland are eligible.
Other bars were also honoured at the event with cGoldricks Pool & Sports Bar in Rutherglen winning Best Sports Bar while Cheers Bar, in Coatbridge, scooped Best Music Venue.
The Best Hotel Bar of the Year went to the stunning Radisson RED Sky Bar while Best Speciality Spirit Bar was won by St. Machar Bar, in Aberdeen.
BEST LOCAL BARS
AWARDS were also handed out for the best bars across Scotland’s regions
Here are the top winners in your local area:
BEST INDEPENDENT BAR IN THE NORTH
WINNER: The Craftsman Company, Aberdeem
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Ben Nevis Bar, Fortwilliam
Malones, Aberdeen
Platform 1864, Tain, Inverness
BEST INDEPENDENT BAR IN THE EAST
WINNER: Golf Inn, Ladybank
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Grouchos Music Bar, Dundee
Kandy Bar & Nightclub, Dundee
The Barrelman, Dundee
BEST INDEPENDENT BAR IN THE WEST
WINNER: The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill, Ayr
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Cross Stobs Inn, Barrhead
West Lochys, Barrhead
The French Horn, Glasgow
BEST INDEPEDENT BAR, CENTRAL BELT
WINNER: The Bawbee, Stirling
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Slanj A Va, Stirling
Warren said: “There are amazing places all over Scotland waiting to welcome you and help discover next year’s winners – we look forward to hearing from you all.”
One of the biggest honours of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to entertainment icon Donald MacLeod, who owns The Garage and Cathouse nightclubs.
Warren added: “Congratulations to all who have won or come close especially and of course to Donald who has done and continues to do so much for hospitality and entertainment in Scotland.”
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Warren with industry figure Uncle Bob and winner DonaldCredit: TERRY BOYD