Who are the true stars of Glasgow’s vibrant bar scene?
That’s the question posed by The Glasgow Bar Awards, which has just officially launched its 2026 judging process, beginning with public nominations across thirteen categories.
“From neighbourhood institutions to late-night legends, cocktail innovators to unsung hospitality heroes, the search is on to crown the venues and individuals that define Glasgow’s world-class drinks culture,” declared the awards organisers.
Once those organisers have all the answers, the results will be announced at the city’s biggest hospitality celebration, The Glasgow Bartenders Ball, which will be held in Saint Luke’s, in the city’s east end, on Monday 27th April.
Now in their fifth year, the awards aim to champion the ‘creativity, resilience and community spirit’ that combine to make Glasgow one of the UK’s most exciting bar cities.
This year, the awards will be using what is described as ‘a more transparent and robust’ judging format, giving both the public and the Glaswegian trade a real say in who takes home the titles – based on the successful introduction of that format to the event’s sister awards in Edinburgh late last year.
Round one of voting for The Glasgow Bar Awards is now live, with the public invited to nominate their favourites for Best Bar – Supported by Three Cents Soda; Best Pub; Best Restaurant Bar – Supported by Piaff Champagne; Best Bar Team – Supported by Monkey Shoulder; Best Late Night Venue; Rising Star; Best Shake; Best Cocktail – Supported By Pernod Ricard; and the Unsung Hero Award.
Monkey Shoulder brand manager James Eisen said: “Monkey Shoulder is proudly rooted in Scotland, so supporting the country’s incredible hospitality community is something we care deeply about.
“The Glasgow Bartenders Ball is a brilliant celebration of the creativity and energy that make this scene so special, and we’re thrilled to champion the bartenders who keep Scotland at the forefront of cocktail culture.”
New for 2026 is the Best Multiple Operator award, celebrating the group with three or more venues that consistently deliver quality, culture, and leadership at scale — without losing the soul of hospitality.
Public nominations, open until midnight on 15th March, will determine the Top 15 longlist for each category.
Round 2 will involve a 50/50 public & trade vote, with an expert panel of Glasgow hospitality professionals invited to add their input to the public vote and decide the final shortlist of five nominees.
The winners will be crowned live on stage at The Glasgow Bartenders Ball 2026.
Organised by Backs! Hospitality — the community interest company founded by David Smillie and Alex Riches — the event is open to everyone working in the licensed trade, from bartenders and baristas to brand ambassadors and operators.
Proceeds from ticket sales are reinvested into training, mentoring and development initiatives that support the next generation of Scottish hospitality talent.
New for 2026 — the evening will close with a ‘full blooded’ Ceilidh, delivering a uniquely Scottish finale to Glasgow’s biggest hospitality party.
Riches & Smillie said: “We’re so excited to bring back the Glasgow Bartenders Ball in 2026.”
The Glasgow Bar Awards 2026 and The Bartenders Ball are supported by a lineup of drinks brands committed to investing in Scotland’s trade, including William Grant & Sons, BASE Spirits Collective, Red Bull, Loch Lomond Group, Remy-Cointreau, Bacardi, Proof Drinks, Pernod-Ricard and Schweppes.
Ian Melville from Base Spirits commented: “Strong hospitality is built on quality and community. We’re delighted to support an event that strengthens connections across the Glasgow trade.”
Instagram: @TheGlasgowBartendersBall
Facebook: The Glasgow Bartenders Ball
