CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Best bars and pubs in Glasgow named as finalists for Glasgow Bar Awards revealed

Glasgow's top bars and pubs have been named as the Glasgow Bar Awards 2024 reveal this year’s prestigious finalists with awards including Best Bar, Best Pub and Best Drink all up for grabs.

Best bars and pubs in Glasgow named as finalists for Glasgow Bar Awards revealed

Article Source: Glasgow Bar Awards
Last Updated: 6 February 2024 12:36

Renowned as ‘Glasgow’s BAFTAs for Bartending’, the winners will be revealed at the annual Bartender’s Ball at Saint Luke’s on Monday 12th February.

The 150 strong long list has been whittled down to the best six in each category. The finalists span the city, with iconic venues like The Laurieston and The Ben Nevis alongside newcomers Charlie Brown’s and El Santo. Now in its third year, the Glasgow Bar Awards celebrate the city’s diverse hospitality scene, from neighbourhood watering holes to sky-high cocktail bars and those working behind the scenes.

In the competitive Best Bar category, Merchant City’s innovative Absent Ear made the cut alongside one of the East End’s favourite spots, The Gate, with hotel bars including Jacks at Dakota Hotel and Radisson Red’s Sky Bar also claiming top billing. Opening in summer 2023, Charlie Brown’s represents the Southside, with Glasgow favourite The Rum Shack rounding out the top six.

Glasgow’s Best Pubs have officially been named with venues from all corners of the city set to be celebrated including The Bon Accord and Ben Nevis, legendary spot The Laurieston, plus neighbourhood favourite Redmond’s of Dennistoun. Whisky pub The Pot Still and one of Glasgow’s top Irish pubs, Malones complete this year’s finalists.

Not forgetting the hospitality heroes behind the bar, the Glasgow Bar Awards Best Bar Team finalists includes top teams from Tabac, Oran Mor, The Winged Ox, Jacks Bar at Dakota Hotel, La Jupe and Charlie Brown’s.

The awards even recognise Glasgow’s best drink - a fiercely competitive category with so much on offer across the city’s bustling nightlife.

Cocktail fans and the public shaped this year’s long list, nominating serves and venues, with 2024’s finalists chosen by industry nominations. This year’s official best drinks in Glasgow include one of Scotland’s favourite serves - a simple pint of Tennent’s Lager at The Gate, alongside creative concoctions like Daddy Marmalade's Sticky Toffee Pudding and Kelvingrove Café’s elegant Appletini. Plus, fun serves like Tabac’s Holiday in Cambodia, Balche Anna from La Jupe and a Steeplejack from Jacks Bar.

Culminating in a huge bash on Monday 12th February at Saint Luke’s, the awards will toast to the crème de la crème in Glasgow's dynamic bar landscape, shining a spotlight on unsung heroes and the very best spots in the city for a tipple or two.

Alex Riches, Co-Founder of Backs! Hospitality and Operations Manager of Saint Luke’s said: “We’re so excited to bring back the third instalment of the Bartenders Ball, with this year set to be our busiest and biggest yet. It’s amazing to have Glasgow’s hospitality community back together so early in the year to celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievements over the festive period.”

“We can’t wait to share our plans for Backs! Hospitality for this year with some great events, networking and development opportunities in the pipeline. We’re looking forward to toasting to another brilliant year at Saint Luke’s on 12th February - see you then!”


The Bartenders Ball welcomes bartenders and industry professionals together to celebrate a busy festive season, with entertainment on the night, drinks from premium brands and delicious street food. Tickets from £25 include three drinks and food to kickstart the evening before the highly anticipated prizegiving begins. On sale now from Ticketweb.

New Orleans style marching band Al & The Bad Decisions will provide the live soundtrack on the night, alongside guest DJs and performances from drag artists including Annie Inferno, Dinah Dare and more.

Organised by Backs! Hospitality - a community interest company created by David Smillie and Alex Riches, anyone who works across the hospitality industry is invited to attend - from brand ambassadors to bartenders. Funds raised from ticket sales go towards nurturing the next wave of bartending talent and frontline hospitality staff through various initiatives like events, networking, mentoring, and training.

Glasgow Bar Awards - 2024 Finalists (in alphabetical order)
Best Bar – sponsored by Mangrove

Charlie Browns
Jacks @ Dakota Hotel
Red Sky Bar
The Absent Ear
The Gate
The Rum Shack

Best Pub – sponsored by Cutty Sark
Ben Nevis
Malones
Redmond’s of Dennistoun
The Bon Accord
The Laurieston
The Pot Still

Bar Team
Charlie Browns
Jacks bar @ Dakota Hotel
La Jupe
Oran Mor
Tabac
The Winged Ox

Unsung Hero – Sponsored by Remy Cointreau
Aimee Ashworth – La Jupe
Arianne Smith – The Absent Ear
Euan Barker - Tabac
Layla Brown – The Finnieston
Linda Callaghan - Moskito
Panos Dimou – El Santo

Best Shake – Sponsored by Angostura
Adam Dykes – Jacks Bar @ Dakota Hotel
Alexander “Big Al” Martin – Rascal
Ally Shaw – Currently Unsigned
Fraser Harris – The Absent Ear
Kim Burke – Daddy Marmalade
Liam Grogan – The Absent Ear

Best Drink
Appletini – Kelvingrove Café
Balche Annan - La Jupe
Holiday in Cambodia - Tabac
Pint of Tennents @ The Gate
Steeplejack - Jacks Bar @ Dakota Hotel
Sticky Toffee Pudding – Daddy Marmalades

Social Sell Out – Sponsored by Liquid Oats
Breagha Wolfgang
Jess Campbell
Johnny Morrison
Kieron Kelleher
Sarah Berardi
Stuart Baxter

Far Side of the Bar - Sponsored by Atomic 10
Caitlin O'connor - Edrington
Jack Barrot - Beavertown
Mark "The Fridge" Keane – Master Repairer
Sarah Berardi – Hendricks Gin
Stevie Aitken – Base Spirits
Victoria Beckett - Woodwinters

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Gin To My Tonic
Glasgow City Council
Fayre Play
The Quay

Latest Glasgow News

Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Scotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.

READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.

READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!

READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!

READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!

READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.

READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!

READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.

READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.

READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!

READ MORE
Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

Three community projects are to receive funding to plant more trees in cities and towns across Scotland

A community orchard, tree planting and community wellbeing initiative and a local nature reserve are the first projects to benefit from the Urban Forestry Programme.

READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

READ MORE
Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show

Glasgow show set to host doggie auditions for starring role in Comedy Festival show

Could a Glasgow dog be the next Spaniel Radcliffe or Pug Henshall? Is there a budding Collie Firth or Brad Pit Bull, waiting to be discovered?

READ MORE
Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

Celtic Connections 2025 closes on a high note

The 32nd edition of Scotland’s premier winter music festival reached attendances of 110,000, with 125 sold out shows across its 18 days.

READ MORE
Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem

Bongos Bingo returns to Glasgow with even more magic and mayhem

Bongo's Bingo is back in Glasgow with a run of spectacular shows, including 80s specials and St. Patrick's Day specials at SWG3.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

One Ren
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Ayrshire Hospice
City Of Glasgow Chorus
ATG

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Gin To My Tonic
Glasgow City Council
Fayre Play
The Quay
One Ren
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Ayrshire Hospice
City Of Glasgow Chorus
ATG

Popular Events

Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic Merchants House of Glasgow come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
80th Commemoration of Victory in Europe
Veterans, families and friends, including local communities will join hands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe at the Veterans Monument Knightswood on Saturday 10th May.
Nile Rodgers & CHIC
Nile Rodgers, multiple GRAMMY-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, will bring an unforgettable live performance with CHIC to The Barrowlands on Tuesday 12th August!
80th Commemoration of Victory in Japan
Veterans, families and friends, including local communities will join hands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan at the Veterans Monument Knightswood on Saturday 10th May.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro