Industry Update: City’s bartenders crown favourite venues at fourth annual Glasgow Bar Awards

The city’s top venues have been revealed as the Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 crowned its winners at a prestigious ceremony held at Saint Luke’s & The Winged Ox last night (Monday, 17th February). Over 350 members of Glasgow’s licensed trade gathered to celebrate the best in the business with live music from Borrowed Blues, burlesque dancers, great drinks and lip-smashing BBQ.

The fourth annual awards, organised by Backs! Hospitality, highlighted the resilience, creativity, and excellence within Glasgow’s dynamic bar scene. This year saw 12 categories, including new additions such as Best Late Night Bar and Best Restaurant Bar, alongside fan favourites like Best Cocktail and the coveted Best Bar award.

And for the first time, The Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 also made a £500 donation to The Ben Society Scotland, supporting the hospitality community across the country.

Barry and Kirstie Oattes, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kelvingrove Café, were honoured with the Legend Award, whilst Absent Ear took home the title of Best Bar and Kitty O’Sheas with Best Pub Award.

Speaking about the Legend Award, Kirstie Oattes said: “We are incredibly touched and want to thank everyone involved, especially those who have been part of Kelvingrove Café throughout the years.”

David Smillie co-founder of the awards said:  “The Glasgow Bar Awards continue to go from strength to strength, and this year has been our biggest and best yet. The level of talent and dedication in Glasgow’s bar scene is truly outstanding. A huge thank you to everyone who voted, our winners, and to all those who joined us to celebrate. Your support makes this event so special, and we’re already looking forward to next year!”

Glasgow Bar Award 2025 WINNERS

LEGEND
Barry and Kirstie Oattes

BEST BAR Supported by Schweppes
Absent Ear

BEST PUB
Kitty O’Sheas

BEST RESTAURANT BAR Supported by Fettercairn whisky
Sebb’s

BEST BAR TEAM Supported by Monkey Shoulder
Tabac

BEST LATE NIGHT BAR
Howlin’ Wolf

SOCIAL STAR Supported by Atomic10 PR & Social Agency
Stephen Lamb – The Buttery

BEST COCKTAIL
Aphrodite – Devil of Brooklyn

FAR SIDE OF THE BAR Supported by Dunns
Emma Kirk – Lochlea

UNSUNG HERO Supported by Tito’s
Julia Fletcher Smith – The Pot Still

RISING STAR Supported by Bacardi
Bran Edgar – Kelvingrove Cafe

BEST SHAKE
Joint winners: Aimee Ashworth – La Jupe, and Scott Stevenson – Gaga