Industry Update: Glasgow Bar Awards finalists announced ahead of awards
With anticipation building for this year’s Glasgow Bar Awards, the event has officially announced its finalists across all 12 categories this month (Thursday, 6th Feb), spotlighting the city’s best bars, pubs, teams, and industry stars. This year saw the biggest response to voting ever, with thousands of votes cast during the longlist stage. After an incredible public and peer-driven bartender nomination process, the winners will be revealed at The Glasgow Bartender’s Ball, hosted at Saint Luke’s on Monday, 17th February 2025.
The fourth annual awards, organised by Backs! Hospitality, celebrate the resilience, creativity, and excellence within Glasgow’s dynamic bar scene. The evening will be a celebration of the industry’s finest, featuring premium drinks, entertainment, and an epic gathering of hospitality professionals.
This year’s Glasgow Bar Awards is the biggest event to date with 12 categories, including new additions such as Best Late Bar and Best Restaurant Bar, joining fan favourites like Best Cocktail and the coveted Best Bar.
David Smillie co-founder of the awards said: “Congratulations to all the finalists of the 2025 Glasgow Bar Awards! The response this year has been phenomenal, with over 1200 members of the city’s hospitality community casting their votes.
“It’s a true reflection of the passion and talent that make Glasgow’s bar scene one of the best in the world. We can’t wait to celebrate the winners and bring everyone together for an unforgettable night at the Glasgow Bartenders Ball later this month.”
Celebrations will take place at The Glasgow Bartender’s Ball, a must-attend event for industry professionals crowning all Glasgow Bar Award winners on the night. Held at Saint Luke’s on Monday, 17th February 2025, the night promises a vibrant celebration with world-class drinks, smoked barbecue classics from The Winged Ox, and live entertainment.
🎟️ Tickets: £30, including food and drinks. Purchase now: https://backshospitality.com
THE FINALISTS in all categories listed below in alphabetical order.
BEST BAR Sponsored by Schweppes
Absent Ear
Devil of Brooklyn
Kelvingrove Café
Tabac
Vodka Wodka (Merchant City)
BEST PUB
Inn Deep
Innis & Gunn West Nile
Kitty O’Sheas
Òran Mór
Pot Still
BEST RESTAURANT BAR Sponsored by Fettercairn whisky
Sebb’s
Sugo
The Finnieston
The Ubiquitous Chip
West Side Tavern
BEST BAR TEAM Sponsored by Monkey Shoulder
Absent Ear
Devil of Brooklyn
Jack’s Bar
La Jupe
Tabac
BEST LATE NIGHT BAR
Blue Dog
Howlin’ Wolf
Max’s
Slouch
Wunderbar City
SOCIAL STAR Sponsored by Atomic10 PR & Social Agency
Cara Barbour – The Locale
Kirsty Ann Hyslop – Kong
Nathan Richards – Tabac
Roisin McGinley – Scotsman Group
Stephen Lamb – The Buttery
BEST COCKTAIL
Aphrodite – Devil of Brooklyn
Glass Tears – Tabac
Rhubarb & Custard – The Absent Ear
Solero – The Social
Space Ghetto – Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox
FAR SIDE OF THE BAR Sponsored by Dunns
Cal McMillian – Disaronno
Emma Kirk – Lochlea
Sam Shekleton – Angostura
Stewart Thomson – Alexander Wines
Storm McMurrich – Britvic
UNSUNG HERO Sponsored by Tito’s
Erin Lynch – Derby Lane
Jack McCarroll – Devil of Brooklyn
Julia Fletcher Smith – The Pot Still
Morgan Keel – The Social
Sophie Peters – Haus
The Glasgow Bar Awards take place at The Bartender’s Ball at Saint Luke’s on Monday, 17th February 2025. All twelve categories will be announced on the night. Tickets include complimentary food and drink, entertainment and costs £30pp. Buy tickets here https://backshospitality.com
