Glasgow’s Ben Nevis Bar has been recognised with an award from the Incorporation of Maltmen.
This year’s Best Bar Award was presented to The Ben Nevis at the historic charity’s annual dinner, held recently in Glasgow’s Trades Hall.
The Incorporation of Maltmen is the modern representation of an ancient Scottish craft, which flourished in the 17th century, the heyday of Scotland’s old burghs, when maltmen or brewers were well established in every town. Their craft symbol of malt shovels and sheaves of corn can still be found on gravestones all over the country.
At its creation, the Incorporation was especially keen to support education in Glasgow, financed from members’ entry fees – and fines on members who broke trading regulations.
To this day the Maltmen’s interest in education continues. Each year a student in brewing is recognised at the Heriot Watt University, along with a hospitality management student at Strathclyde University and a top hospitality student from The City of Glasgow College.
The Incorporation also supports needy pensioners and donates regularly to many charities.
Previous recipients of the Incorporation of Maltmen’s Best Bar accolade have included The Islay Inn, The Finnieston Bar & Grill, The Lismore, The Steps Bar, Jinty McGuinty’s, The Clutha Vaults, Allison Arms and Tennent’s bar.
The Ben Nevis, which sits on the corner of Corunna St and Argyle St in Finnieston, was taken over in 2018 by Ken Stott and Euan McMillan, and currently employs 10 staff. It is part of the group which owns Machair at Kelvinbridge on Great Western Road – and which is about to take over the famous Bon Accord on North Street.
Stocking more than 300 whiskies, The Ben Nevis always has a Malt of the Month on the back bar, and reports that Clydeside, Glengoyne, Tamdhu, and Deanston are among its top-selling whiskies.
Its famous customers over the years have included Outlander’s Sam Heughan and Still Game’s Gavin ‘Boaby the Barman’ Mitchell!
Joint owner Stott commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to receive this award – what a beautiful plaque – that will be given pride of place in the pub.
“It’s a huge surprise to win this, and it has fuelled the desire to enter further awards categories this year now. A huge thanks to the Incorporation of Maltmen for this – what an amazing organisation, providing support to the city and the wider hospitality industry in Scotland.”
The Maltmen’s ‘Visitor’, Ian Gibson, said: “We are delighted to recognise the Ben Nevis Bar in Glasgow, a brilliant team in a venue with an amazing collection of whisky.
“They are firmly established on the hospitality industry map in Glasgow as a destination both for locals and tourists to include on their visit to the city.”
The incorporation of Maltmen is always looking to recruit new members to their craft. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Tom Monteith, the Clerk to the Incorporation of Maltmen.
