AWARD CATEGORIES

The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards is 28 years old this year. It’s hard to believe! Over the years it has evolved but so has the hospitality industry. Our ethos was always about recognising great venues and applauding the people who put their heart and soul into running their businesses. This year is no different. But we also want to entertain you. The trade spends all year looking after customers and this is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good and great about this industry, meet up with friends old and new, and have fun with colleagues. This trade can adapt and does, it is resilient and forward-thinking as well as entrepreneurial – so let’s celebrate and how better to do this than get your customers, reps and staff voting for you. You can also nominate your pub, bar, hotel or

Antos Dog Friendly Pub Of The Year

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are hunting for a pub that provides a welcome for pet dogs. Do you know a pub or bar that allow customers to bring their friendly pooches inside? Do they provide a water bowl and the occasional treat? If so, they could be in the running for this accolade. Judges will be bringing their own dogs on mystery visits (volunteers are queuing up!!) If you think you know a pub or hotel that fits the bill – enter it now and if you think you are the most Dog-Friendly Pub in Scotland get your customers voting! The two-legged variety!

Benromach Whisky Bar Of The Year

Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery, intent on making single malt the right way with true character. They keep things simple. A handful of distillers relying entirely on expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky; Speyside single malt matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtly smoky character.

Now Benromach is looking to crown a bar ‘Whisky Bar of the Year’. Each Benromach whisky has its own character, and this year they are looking for a bar with true character and staff with a passion and enthusiasm for whisky, who are able to engage with their whisky-loving customer base. Is your bar the one? Or do you know of a bar worthy of the crown? Nominate it for the Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year trophy here/today!

restaurant, staff or employers, but please encourage your customers to get in on the act too.

I am delighted to announce that this year’s event,will take place on the 29th August at The Doubletree Hilton in Glasgow.

Many thanks to all our sponsors and there will be a couple of more categories which are just being finalised. We will announce them in the weekly newsletter. Of course, there will be our usual surprises not least our Lifetime Achievement Award. So put the date in your diary.

You have got to be in it to win it... so let’s create a noise - get your customers voting for you - and if you need any social branding let us know. There’s also the accolade Sunday Mail Pub of the Year to go for. So don’t be shy.

Customer service is paramount when it comes to running a successful business. Aro Procurement is on the lookout for a pub, restaurant or hotel which fully embraces the customer service ethos. Do you know a business that does this? If so, they could be eligible for this Award. Judges will look at the measures that are in place to ensure staff are well trained in customer service. Short listing will be done by Mystery Shoppers and if necessary this will be followed up with a meeting with the judges. If you want to put a nomination in, do so now.

BUZZWORKS & MONTPELIERS EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Buzzworks and Montpeliers are partnering to offer one emerging entrepreneur the opportunity to be mentored by one of the industry’s most experienced and successful individuals over a twelve-month period. Are you successful already, but would hugely benefit from great operational and financial advice, to allow your business to grow to the next level? If so let us know what you think you would benefit. All candidates will be interviewed too.