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In association with Barr Soft Drinks

Bartender of the Year

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  • A real passion for hospitality and a dedication to the continual improvement of the standards and service offered
  • A commitment to their own training and development and a willingness to share their knowledge with colleagues
  • A thorough understanding of – and the ability to talk confidently about – the brands and products stocked
In association with Tennent's Lager

Beer Quality Award

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  • Excellent cellar management, in terms of cleanliness and temperature control, including evidence of the processes in place to maintain these, and good staff knowledge of how best to receive, store, rotate and change kegs
  • A full range of appropriate glassware for every beer type stocked and a good, well understood system for glass cleaning, storage and replenishment
  • Excellence in dispense with good staff knowledge of pouring and presentation techniques for a range of beers, delivering the perfectly poured pint every time
In association with Magners

Best Outdoor Area

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  • Design and function of an outdoor area that demonstrates good use of space; is clean, tidy and well-maintained; and is able to comfortably accommodate al fresco customers
  • Innovative use of the al fresco area for marketing and promotion through, for example, branded equipment or outdoor TV screens
  • Successful use of outdoor space to make a real positive impact on the business
In association with Sky Business

Best Venue to Watch the Match

Sky Business
  • How live televised sports are used to attract customers and build an outlet’s reputation as a sports viewing destination
  • The promotion of live sport through marketing activity, including social media platforms
  • Evidence of commercial success gained through promoting live sport, and providing food and drink tailored to match-day customers
In association with Campari

Cocktail Bar of the Year

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  • A bar team with strong knowledge of a broad range of ingredients – spirits, modifiers, mixers and garnishes – and the skills to use them in delivery of both classic and innovative mixes
  • A venue with design and atmosphere conducive to mixing and presenting cocktails with a focus on impeccable service, and an eye to ever-changing social trends
  • A menu which is diverse and inclusive, and clearly communicated to customers both in venue and through promotion online
In association with Tennent's Direct

Community Pub of the Year

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  • Role in the community – is the pub a recognised focal point for community activity? Does the pub help support the wider community?
  • The offer – what is provided to attract and retain customers, both in terms of food and drink, and entertainment and activities?
  • Loyalty and service – does the pub encourage customer loyalty by its involvement with local organisations and activities (e.g charities and sports), and does it offer services to those organisations?
In association with Camden Town Brewery

Craft Beer Bar of the Year

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  • The best craft beer experience in Scotland. Whether from tap, bottle or can – what matters is that you deliver for craft beer drinkers, whether they are curious novices or knowledgeable veterans
  • A great range of beers, delivered well, in surroundings that enhance their enjoyment
  • Engagement with craft beer customers, whether through social media, events, food matched menus or other initiatives
In association with Chivas Regal

Entrepreneur of the Year

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  • Consumer insight – The Entrepreneur of the Year will have identified a genuine gap in the market and turned it into commercial reality
  • Risk taking – The winner’s approach to risk will represent a balance between intelligent and grounded commercial insight and a willingness to take bold steps to realise goals
  • Decision-making – Our successful entrepreneur will demonstrate sound decision-making qualities, even under intense pressure. A clear leader, they will be a good communicator who is able to inspire others and delegate effectively
In association with Deanston

Gastropub of the Year

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  • A menu which brings a contemporary flavour to pub classics and displays a commitment to quality and the use of fresh, local, sustainable produce
  • A comprehensive drinks range designed to match the food offer, including suggested pairings
  • A commitment to deliver first-class customer service, in surroundings and an ambience to match the quality food and drink on offer
In association with Payfacto

Hospitality Hero Award

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  • Gone the extra mile to support charities and/or local groups
  • Gone above and beyond to support their colleagues
  • Gone out of their way to help their regulars
In association with Diageo

Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

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  • An operator with a clear understanding of the marketplace, competitor activity and food and drink trends, with a clear vision for their multi-site operation
  • Evidence of a successful, thriving and sustainable business, as well as evidence of how marketing campaigns drive commercial success
  • A well-trained, highly engaged team who understand the business and have a passion for hospitality
In association with Madri Excepcional

Independent Pub/Bar of the Year

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  • Outlets with a solid operating model, encompassing staff training and seasonally developed food and drinks menus
  • Operators and teams who strive within their local communities
  • Independent bars known for their programme of events and social media content
In association with Edrington UK

Industry Achievement Award

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In association with Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur

Late Night Venue of the Year

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  • Ambience, atmosphere and a stylish design which conveys a late night vibe
  • A range of quality drinks appropriate to the late night venue’s clientele served by knowledgeable staff
  • Evidence of successful marketing and promotion activity undertaken to communicate with a late night clientele, coupled with a sound knowledge of legislation covering late opening premises
In association with Kopparberg

Licensee of the Year

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  • Evidence of their ongoing business success
  • An in-depth knowledge of marketplace trends and challenges, and an understanding of what these mean for their own operation
  • Professionalism in their business and commitment to the training and wellbeing of their staff
In association with Absolut and Barnomadics Ltd

Mixologist of the Year

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  • An extensive knowledge of spirits categories, the premium brands within them and the heritage and development of the cocktails sector
  • Good mixology skills, involving the correct use of glassware, premium mixers, fresh fruit, garnishes and ice
  • An innovative approach to developing new cocktails and signature drinks, with a willingness to work with new products, pushing the boundaries in mixology with confidence and style
In association with Brewdog

Music-led Venue of the Year

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  • How it has embraced music and successfully made it a key part of the business strategy
  • How music has been incorporated into the design and/or layout of the venue, including the tailoring of a drinks offer to suit people enjoying music
  • How effective marketing and social media activity has been used to promote the music offer in order to reach customers and drive footfall
In association with The London Essence Co.

New Business of the Year

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  • A strong business concept, including the outlet’s food and drink offer and design, and clear identification of a market opportunity
  • Thorough market research and sound business and financial planning, followed by good project management throughout the development of the plan from concept to completion
  • An innovative and impactful marketing strategy ahead of the launch/relaunch, and evidence of commercial success since
In association with Matthew Clark Ltd

Restaurant of the Year

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  • An absolute commitment to the preparation of high quality food, paired with consistently high standards of service
  • A comprehensive and relevant drinks range, with attention to detail in how they are served to complement a meal
  • Flair, character, ambience – call it what you will – a good restaurant will have it
In association with Schweppes

Spirits Bar of the Year

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  • A broad range of spirits, encompassing important categories (gin, rum, vodka, whisky etc), or specialising in a particular category, that has been constructed with thought to pricing and the venue’s customer base
  • A strong selection of mixers and serves
  • Well-trained and knowledgeable staff, with a passion for spirits and the ability to speak confidently to customers about different spirits categories (or a venue’s specialist category) and products
In association with Glenmorangie

Whisky Bar of the Year

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  • A balanced range of malts, blends and other Scotch and international whiskies that meets a broad spectrum of budgets and tastes
  • A strong commitment to staff training, with particular emphasis on developing whisky knowledge
  • Innovative ideas and strategies to use whisky in the development of their venue’s reputation, design and overall food and drink offer
In association with Accolade Wines

The Wine Award

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  • An outstanding selection of wines, put together with careful consideration of the venue’s customer base
  • A detailed but easy to understand wine list, with thought given to pricing brackets and wines by the glass
  • A well trained and engaged team, with an obvious passion for wine