Glasgow Bar Awards crown favourite venues
The city's favourite bars and pubs have officially been named, as the Glasgow Bar Awards 2024 unveiled its winners at a prestigious award ceremony in Saint Luke's!
Article Source: Glasgow Bar Awards
Last Updated: 14 February 2024 15:08
‘Glasgow’s BAFTAs for Bartending’ crowned winners including Redmond’s of Dennistoun, Tabac, Jack’s Bar at Dakota Hotel and more, as the city’s hospitality industry came together to celebrate the very best bars, cocktails and those working behind the scenes.
Ten winners took home top prizes from an overall long list of 150 venues, drinks and bartenders from across the city. With each category voted for by the industry itself, the winners received a neon pineapple trophy at the awards bash, in front of 300 of their peers.
Glasgow Bar Awards 2024 Winners:
Best Bar – Sponsored by Mangrove UK - Jack’s Bar @ Dakota Hotel
Best Pub – Sponsored by Cutty Sark- Redmond’s of Dennistoun
Best Bar Team - Sponsored by Heads Up Hospitality - Tabac
Unsung Hero – Sponsored by Bruichladdich - Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe Helensburgh
Best Shake – Sponsored by Angostura UK - Ally Shaw
Best Drink - Sponsored by Pochle - Sticky Toffee Pudding at Daddy Marmalades
Social Sell Out – Sponsored by Liquid Oats - Jess Campbell
Far Side of the Bar - Sponsored by Atomic10 - Sarah Berardi, Hendricks Gin
Rising Star - Sponsored by Mangrove UK and Franklin & Sons - Winner: Sophie Pettifor, Red Sky Bar @ Radisson Red. Highly Commended: Sascha Montague from Bar & Tender.
Legend Award sponsored by BACKS! Hospitality - David Ali
Bringing Glasgow’s hospitality industry together to toast to another successful festive season, the Glasgow Bar Awards celebrated its third year in serious style, with live music and cocktails flowing all night long at Saint Luke’s whilst the event highlighted the best spots in the city.
The awards recognised venues from the east to the west of the city, honouring sky-high cocktail bars, neighbourhood locals and new kids on the block. Winners were chosen by peer voting, narrowed down from a Top Six in each category, to be crowned the very best of Glasgow venues.
Considered the event’s top prize, the highly competitive Best Bar category saw Absent Ear and The Gate battle it out with the likes of Charlie Brown’s and The Rum Shack, with Jack’s Bar @ Dakota Hotel claiming the award. The perfect spot for late night cocktails on West Regent Street, the bar’s classic vibe and delicious drinks secured its accolade as Glasgow’s favourite bar.
Best Pub went to Redmond’s of Dennistoun, with the neighbourhood favourite beating out competition from legendary spots like The Laurieston, The Pot Still and Ben Nevis. Beloved by locals in the East End, the friendly pub serves up classic cocktails and simple pints, runs a famous pub quiz and even offers vinyl DJ sets on weekends.
Glasgow’s greatest drink was officially unveiled as Daddy Marmalades ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding’. A fiercely competitive category which included a classic pint of Tennent’s Lager from The Gate, ‘Balche Anna’ from La Jupe and Tabac’s playful ‘Holiday in Cambodia’, the Trongate bar took home the top prize for its creative concoction.
In a nod to the hospitality heroes working hard behind the scenes, the Best Bar Team recognised finalists from The Winged Ox, Oran Mor and more, with Tabac clinching the ultimate prize. A mainstay of the city’s Mitchell Lane, Tabac is one of Glasgow’s best hidden bars, serving up exquisite cocktails and an intimate vibe.
The ceremony even awarded the bartender with the Best Shake in town, judged via a specially held ‘shake off’ to decide the finalists. Following a speed round and shake off, bartenders had to prove their pour and dish up the perfect serve, with Ally Shaw (currently unsigned) awarded Best Shake in Glasgow, holding off competition from bartenders from The Absent Ear and Jack’s Bar.
2024’s Rising Star recognised the industry’s newcomers, with Radisson Red Sky Bar’s Sophie Pettifor named as one to watch in Glasgow’s bustling scene whilst Sascha Montague from Bar & Tender received a Highly Commended in the category. Unsung Hero went to Aimee Ashworth from La Jupe Helensburgh, whilst Jess Campbell was named Social Sell Out and Sarah Berardi from Hendrick’s Gin took home the title of Far Side of the Bar.
The awards toasted the crème de la crème of Glasgow's vibrant nightlife from intimate cocktail bars, cosy pubs and innovative menus.
Alex Riches, Co-Founder of Backs! Hospitality and Operations Manager of Saint Luke’s said: “What an incredible night! We welcomed over 300 of the city’s top hospitality industry, to raise a glass to all their achievements from the past year. 2024 saw some of our toughest categories yet, with venues raising the bar across every aspect of the competition.
“A huge congrats to all our well deserved winners, finalists and venues - we hope the awards will encourage the public to get out and try somewhere new this year, support local bars and pubs, and potentially find their new favourite spot.”
Organised by Backs! Hospitality - a community interest company created by David Smillie and Alex Riches, anyone who works across the hospitality industry was 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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly
Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow
Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers
Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico launches its first ever Cocktail Festival in Glasgow and Edinburgh
Cocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORE
Strictly star joins cast of Scottish premiere of Fawlty Towers
Casting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!
READ MORE
New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday
Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORE
A new culinary destination has opened at Tarbet, Loch Lomond
Lomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.
READ MORE
Full cast announced for 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Dog lovers alert for a fun day out at Loch Lomond
Top Dogs at Loch Lomond Shores is back on Saturday 3rd May with its fun competitions, expert advice and dog-friendly products including accessories, pupcakes and much more!
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Your fave panto gang are back!
The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow announce full casting line up for this year's panto, Jock & The Beanstalk!
READ MORE
Glasgow Life confirms 2025 Summer of Events programme
Glasgow Life has unveiled a thrilling 2025 Summer of Events programme which will bring top local, national and international artists, musicians and performers to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Folk pop band Tide Lines stop Glasgow commuters with surprise busk crawl
Glasgow commuters were stopped in their tracks yesterday as folk-pop favourites Tide Lines brought live music to the Subway in a surprise 'busk crawl'.
READ MORE
Bowl for a cause at VEGA
Bowling fans should get their shoes ready as a new monthly charity bowling day launches at VEGA Glasgow's bar, restaurant and alley on the top floor of YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Returning to The Pavilion after two previous sellout runs!
The Irish play described by audiences as the finest, funniest, most heart-breaking piece of theatre they've ever seen returns to The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links