Only this weekend stands between Glasgow’s bartenders and the glories of the Glasgow Bartenders Ball, being held next Monday, 17th February, at St Luke’s in the city’s east end.
It is there, amidst sponsored drinks promotions, barbecued food and ill-advised dancing, that they will hear the results of this year’s Glasgow Bar Awards.
The final list of finalists, across all 12 categories, has now been published, leaving the candidates biting their nails for the next 36 hours wondering: “Will I have to get up on that stage in front of a roomful of howling peers?”
The awards, organised by Backs! Hospitality, aim to spotlight the city’s best bars, pubs, teams, and industry stars – and this year saw the biggest response to voting ever, with thousands of votes cast during the longlist stage.
So Monday promises to be an evening that celebrates the industry’s finest, amidst an epic gathering of hospitality professionals.
Co-founder of the awards, David Smillie, 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.”
The finalists in all categories are 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
