SLTN Awards

Winners announced

Discover all the winners from the 2023 SLTN Awards ceremony

Barperson of the Year

In association with Ian Macleod Distillers

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Winner:

Ricky Wallace, The Lochside, Islay


Highly Commended:

Pietro Puccio, Ballie Ballerson, Edinburgh
Marcus Gordon, Ivy Lodge, Aberdeen

The SLTN Barperson of the Year award recognises the knowledge and passion of the country’s best all-round bartenders. Awarded to a barperson with passion for the industry, and the skills and desire to truly enhance the experience of their customers. Presented in association with Ian Macleod Distillers.

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Beer Quality Award

In association with Tennent’s

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Winner:

Winstons, Corstorphine


Highly Commended:

The Barrelman, Dundee
The Stag, Forfar

For the Beer Quality Award, presented in association with Tennent’s, the judges sought out those outlets truly dedicated to keeping, dispensing and presenting beer to the highest possible standard.

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Best Outdoor Area

In association with Magners

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Winner:

Carriages, Kilmacolm


Highly Commended:

The Abbey Inn, Paisley
The Ivy Lodge, Aberdeen

Beer gardens and outdoor areas have long been an important asset to hospitality businesses. The SLTN Best Outdoor Area is awarded to the outlet that excels in providing an al fresco experience which is a real asset to the business. Presented in association with Magners.

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Best Venue to Watch the Match

In association with SKY Business

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Winner:

The Ark, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

The Ball Room Sports Bar, Dunfermline
The Record Factory, Glasgow

The Best Venue to Watch the Match goes to the on-trade outlet which uses live sports coverage as a central part of their customer appeal, maximising business by providing the best possible audio and visual experience, with a food and drink offering tailored to the crowd. Presented in association with SKY Business.

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Cocktail Bar of the Year

In association with Bacardi-Martini Ltd

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Winner:

The Absent Ear, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

The Cocktail Geeks, Edinburgh
Hey Palu, Edinburgh

For the Cocktail Bar of the Year category, SLTN and Bacardi-Martini Ltd sought out the Scottish bar which made the best use of cocktails, and their presentation, to draw a crowd and drive business.

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Community Pub of the Year

In association with Tennent's Direct

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Winner:

The Station Bar, Alness


Highly Commended:

The Caledonian Bar, Port Glasgow
Platform 3, Linlithgow

The Community Pub of the Year is awarded to the pub which not only attracts local customers, but plays a significant role within their community. Serving locals with a relevant drinks range by knowledgeable, friendly staff. Presented in association with Tennent’s Direct.

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Craft Beer Bar of the Year

In association with Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I

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Winner:

The Hanging Bat, Edinburgh


Highly Commended:

Grunting Growler, Glasgow
The Craftsman Company, Aberdeen

The SLTN Craft Beer Bar of the Year award goes to the venue with a team that prides itself in delivering a great beer experience for all their customers. Presented in association with Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I.

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Entrepreneur of the Year

In association with Chivas Regal

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Winner:

Simon Keane, Malones Irish Bars

Entrepreneur of the Year recognises the Scottish hospitality industry’s most inspiring and successful business leader. Chosen for their valued consumer insight, willingness to take bold steps, and demonstrable ability to make sound decisions under intense pressure. A clear leader, they inspire their teams to realise the business goals. Presented in association with Chivas Regal.

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Family Outlet of the Year

In association with Vimto Out of Home

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Winner:

Charwood, Edinburgh


Highly Commended:

Clayton Caravan Park, St Andrews
Molly's Bistro, Aberdeen

Catering for families with quality food, top drinks brands and child-friendly facilities, the SLTN Family Outlet Of The Year is awarded to the venue which provides a fantastic experience for the whole family to enjoy, from children to grandparents. Presented in association with Vimto Out of Home.

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Gastropub of the Year

In association with CVH Spirits

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Winner:

Stravaigin, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

The Boar's Head, Auchtermuchty
The Loveable Rogue, Glasgow

The SLTN Gastropub of the Year is awarded to the venue which delivered on high-end pub food with a quality drinks range to match. A top tier menu offering, with first-rate friendly service in a welcoming pub environment. Presented in association with CVH Spirits.

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Gin Range of the Year

In association with Schweppes

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Winner:

Masonic Arms, Kirkcudbright


Highly Commended:

Billington's of Lenzie, Lenzie
The Old Ship Inn, Perth

The SLTN Gin Range Of The Year is awarded to the venue which stocks the best and broadest range of gins, and uses this to drive fresh footfall and revenue. Presented in association with Schweppes.

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Hospitality Hero

In association with Payfacto

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Winner:

Zach Sapato, HospoHang

The Hospitality Hero award recognises an individual who has gone the extra mile to help others within the hospitality industry. Presented in association with Payfacto.

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Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

In association with Diageo

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Winner (4-7 Outlets):

The Rocks Leisure Group

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Winner (8+ Outlets):

Caledonian Heritable

The Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, recognises and celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship that defines Scotland's licensed trade. Awarded to operators which showed a clear understanding of the market place and consumer insights, displayed evidence of effective marketing campaigns which drove commercial success, and championed career development and support for it's team members. Presented in association with Diageo.

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Independent Pub/Bar of the Year

In association with Madri Excepcional

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Winner:

Bag O' Nails, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

Fox and Hounds, Houston
The Palais, Glasgow

Independent pubs and bars account for a significant proportion of Scotland’s on-trade, and the SLTN Independent Pub/Bar of the Year award celebrates the vital role that free trade holds in Scottish society. Awarded to the outlet which relishes its independence, is responsive to its customers’ needs, and is both popular and commercially successful. Presented in association with Madri Excepcional.

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Industry Achievement Award

In association with Edrington UK

Winner:

Paddy Crerar, Crerar Hotels

The SLTN Industry Achievement Award 2023 recognises an industry leader who has made an outstanding impact on the Scottish Hospitality sector throughout their ambitious career. Presented in association with Edrington UK.

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Late Night Venue of the Year

In association with Disaronno International UK

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Winner:

Radisson RED, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

The Howlin' Wolf, Glasgow
Uno Mas, Edinburgh

The SLTN Best Late Night Venue of the Year goes to a late opening premises that successfully combines a late night ambience with top quality drinks and excellent customer service. The winning venue demonstrated to the judges it's innovative business strategy and impactful marketing. Presented in association with Disaronno International UK.

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Licensee of the Year

In association with Kopparberg UK

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Winner:

Steve Latto, The Criterion Bar, St Andrews


Highly Commended:

Alex Riches, St Lukes & The Winged Ox, Glasgow
Sasha Carlyle, Hugo's, Moffat

The SLTN Licensee of the Year recognises a licensee who has worked hard with the best interests of the Scottish hospitality sector at heart, improving standards and running a first class outlet. Presented in association with Kopparberg.

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Mixologist of the Year

In association with Absolut and Barnomadics Ltd

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Winner:

Max Macauley, West Side Tavern, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

Dan Docherty, Porter and Rye, Glasgow
Zach Sapato, Mikaku, Glasgow

The SLTN Mixologist of the Year award recognises the bartender who displays the best overall knowledge of the premium spirits category and demonstrates innovation and creativity while making thoroughly enjoyable cocktails. Presented in association with Absolut and Barnomadics.

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Music Led Venue of the Year

In association with Belvedere Vodka

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Winner:

The Bungalow, Paisley


Highly Commended:

Backstage at The Green, Kinross
The Howlin' Wolf, Glasgow

Music is the heartbeat of many of Scotland’s pubs, bars and clubs, and can bring real benefits to a business. The SLTN Music-led Venue of the Year is awarded to an outlet with music at its core, and which makes the most of all the opportunities a strong music offering brings. Presented in association with Belvedere Vodka.

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New Business of the Year

In association with The London Essence Co.

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Winner:

The Black Grape, Edinburgh


Highly Commended:

KORA by Tom Kitchin, Edinburgh
Malo, Glasgow

The New Business of the Year is awarded to an outlet - launched in Scotland in the last 12 months - which impressed with a strong business concept, thorough market research and financial planning, as well as an impactful marketing strategy which delivered commercial success. Presented in association with The London Essence Co.

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Restaurant of the Year

In association with Matthew Clark

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Winner (Fine dining):

Dean Banks at the Pompadour, Edinburgh


Highly Commended:

Porter & Rye, Glasgow

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Winner (Casual dining):

The Silver Darling, Aberdeen


Highly Commended:

The Pierhouse Hotel, Appin

The SLTN Restaurant of the Year award is split into two divisions: Fine dining and Casual dining. Awarded to the venues that demonstrated the highest quality of food and service together with an excellent range of perfectly-served drinks. Presented in association with Matthew Clark.

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Whisky Bar of the Year

In association with Glenfiddich

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Winner:

The Pot Still, Glasgow


Highly Commended:

The George Hotel, Inveraray
The Malt Room, Inverness

Scotch whisky is enjoying unprecedented success around the world – but the Scottish on-trade remains a vital route to market for the country’s national drink. SLTN’s Whisky Bar of the Year is awarded to an outstanding dealer in drams, in terms of the range on offer, the knowledge of its staff and the quality of its service. Presented in association with Glenfiddich.