FOOTBALL fans looking for the perfect pub to settle into during the imminent World Cup need look no further than Glasgow’s Record Factory, which has just been declared Scotland’s Best Venue to Watch the Match.
This is the second year running that the roomy Byres Rd sports bar has won the award, which is presented by the Scottish Licensed Trade News in association with Sky.
The Award’s judges were looking to find on-trade outlets where live sports events are used as a way of maximising business. Criteria covered everything from the viewing experience to a tailored food and drink offer.
With a variety of TV screens and projectors – including a waterproof screen in the beer garden – there is no doubt that The Record Factory puts sports at the centre of activities.
The provision of zoned areas and separate rooms also allows different matches or sports to be broadcast at the same time; and US-style finger food is available throughout matches.
This above-and-beyond pitch to sports fans has made the west end bar a favoured stop-off venue for organised groups and individual football fans visiting Glasgow.
Commenting on The Record Factory retaining the Best Venue to Watch the Match title, operations manager David Brown said: “We were delighted to win the award for the second year in a row. The trophies are now pride of place side-by-side on the gantry behind the bar.
“Thank you to the SLTN, event organisers and our award sponsors Sky. We hope everyone had as wonderful a night as we did.
He added: “Special thanks to the Glasgow Reds and all our University Sport Societies we sponsor as well as all of our customers who enjoy watching all the sports matches as much as we do showing them.
“Could we go three in a row next year?”
Finalists and runners-up for the Best Venue to Watch the Match Award 2022 were The Ball Room Sports Bar, Meadowbank, Edinburgh, where 40 screens and private rooms guarantee there is no such thing as a bad spot to see the game; and Fullbacks, in Milngavie, which opened as an American-style sports bar in February this year, and quickly established its place in the local community by sponsoring a number of local sports teams, including rugby, football and hockey for a range of different age groups.
