Scotland's best pub named in prestigious hospitality awards

Daily Record

06-05-2025

The Vengaboys and BGT star Vinnie McKee wowed guests with surprise performances at the awards ceremony in Glasgow
Glasgow stole the spotlight at this year's Entertainment and Hospitality Awards, with venues across the city picking up top accolades in what has become one of Scotland's most prestigious celebrations of nightlife and dining.
Among the standout winners were The Scallion in the city's West End, which was crowned Best Pub in Scotland, while the likes of BAaD, RED Sky Bar and Berlinkys also clinched key titles.
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It wasn't just a Glasgow affair though. Ayr's Spudbuds, Aberdeen's Codona's and The Craftsman Company, The Golf Inn in Ladybank and The Bawbee in Stirling also walked away with honours.
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The ceremony, held at Glasgow's DoubleTree by Hilton, brought in global pop icons The Vengaboys for a surprise live set, alongside a show-stopping performance from viral Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee.
But the biggest applause of the night was reserved for hospitality legend Donald MacLeod, who received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long-standing impact on Scotland's entertainment scene.
Warren Paul, Director of the Entertainment and Hospitality Awards and the force behind several of the country's major award platforms, said the event was a vital chance to show appreciation for an industry under pressure.
'Congratulations to all who have won or come close especially and of course to Donald who has done and continues to do so much for hospitality and entertainment in Scotland,' he said.
'It is a very tough time for everyone right now but it does seem the hospitality industry are really feeling the heat – people simply don't have the money to go out as often as they did, or they're scared to spend the money they do have.
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'We need to socialise, we need that break and to let off steam, escape all the day to day worries, and that's what our friends in hospitality provide.
'With many closures and difficulties, it's important to recognise those who go above and beyond to give the public that chance to zone out, relax and de-stress.
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'That's what these awards are for, it's a nod and a thank you from the public to the place and people they appreciate, those who do it better than the rest or just offer something really special.
'So while we have big names performing here tonight, the real stars are the award winners from all over Scotland, venues and businesses who stand out every single day and night.
'Thank you to every winner, every highly recommended and every business who perhaps hasn't won tonight but is out there working hard every day to support us all, sadly there can be only one winner in each category and some are very close.'
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Winners were determined through a mix of public voting and nominations, alongside visits from the judging panel, making each award a reflection of customer satisfaction and excellence.
Other winners included Best Day Out for Codona's in Aberdeen, Best Casual Dining for Our Place in Annan, and Best Team for Tempura in Ayr. McGoldricks Pool & Sports Bar in Rutherglen took home Best Sports Bar, while Cheers Bar in Coatbridge was named Best Music Venue.
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BAaD, Barras Art and Design, was awarded Best Outdoor Space and newcomer Turkiye Efes in Uddingston won Best Newcomer.
Charcoals was recognised for Best Social Responsibility, while Hollywood Bowl Glasgow at Springfield Quay scooped Best Eco Friendly Venue. Trattoria Roma was named Best Family Restaurant.
Spudbuds in Ayr added another trophy to their growing collection by taking Best Takeaway, while CRU Hospitality was named Best Hospitality Employer. The Northern Way in Paisley won Best World Beer and Mini Grill Scottish Steakhouse was named Best Restaurant.
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Other winners included Berlinkys for Best Late Night Venue, The Vault at Angels for Best Events Venue, and RED Sky Bar at the Radisson for Best Hotel Bar. St Machar Bar took home Best Speciality Spirit Bar.
Best Independent Bar awards went to The Craftsman Company in the North, Golf Inn Ladybank in the East, and The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill in the West.
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Warren added: 'We have winners, highly recommended and indeed entrants from every corner of the country, but it does appear Glasgow's hospitality sector has really delivered in the eyes of customers and voters this time around.
'Congratulations to everyone recognised by the public and therefore by our awards, these titles really do mean a lot, thank you everyone who voted, and really everyone who has helped support the industry in these difficult times.
'There are amazing places all over Scotland waiting to welcome you and help discover next year's winners, we look forward to hearing from you all.'
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Full List of Winners
Best Day Out Codona's Aberdeen
Best Casual Dining Our Place Annan
Best Team Tempura, Ayr
Best Sports Bar McGoldricks Pool & Sports Bar, Rutherglen
Best Music Venue Cheers Bar, Coatbridge
Best Outdoor Space BAaD - Barras Art and Design
Best Newcomer Turkiye Efes Uddingston
Best Social Responsibility Charcoals, Glasgow
Best Eco Friendly Venue Hollywood Bowl Glasgow - Springfield Quay
Best Family Restaurant Trattoria Roma, Johnston
Best Takeaway Spudbuds, Ayr
Best Hospitality Employer CRU Hospitality, Inverness
Best World Beer The Northern Way Paisley
Best Restaurant Mini Grill Scottish Steakhouse, Glasgow
Best Late Night Venue Berlinkys
Best Events Venue The Vault at Angels, Uddingston
Best Independent Bar in the North The Craftsman Company, Aberdeen
Best Independent Bar in the East Golf Inn @ Ladybank
Best Independent Bar in the West The Smoking Goat Bar & Grill, Ayr
Best Independent Bar in the Central Belt The Bawbee, Stirling
Best Hotel Bar of the Year Radisson RED Sky Bar
Best Pub The Scallion, Glasgow