The shortlist for the 2025 SLTN Awards has been announced, spotlighting the exceptional talent, innovation and community spirit that define Scotland’s vibrant hospitality sector. With categories ranging from Bartender of the Year to Restaurant of the Year, the finalists showcase the very best Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses have to offer.
Celebrating Bartending Excellence
Three Glasgow bartenders lead the way in this year’s Bartender of the Year category. Lynsey Cameron of The Gate is praised for her straight-talking style and mentorship across Glasgow’s bar scene. Mairi McDowall of Sebb’s is recognised for her drive to develop both her own skills and those of new talent. Sally Wells, deputy manager at The Pot Still, stands out for her vast whisky knowledge and customer-centric approach.
Crafting the Perfect Pint
Glasgow’s Deoch an Dorus, Malones in Leith, and The Stag in Forfar are finalists in the keenly contested Beer Quality Award, each noted for their immaculate cellars, pint perfection and skilled teams.
Scotland’s Most Stunning Outdoor Spaces
Glasgow’s Malones, with its transformed rooftop, The Ship Inn in Elie with its own beach, and the expansive 500-capacity area at The Three Sisters in Edinburgh, highlight the creativity and commercial impact of top-tier outdoor areas.
Sports Fever: The Best Places to Watch the Match
Whether it’s The Clubhouse in Glasgow’s Princes Square, Fullbacks in Milngavie, or Malones in Edinburgh, these venues provide tailored experiences for sports fans, complete with top-notch food, drink and multiple screens for the big game.
Cocktail Innovation on Show
The finalists for Cocktail Bar of the Year represent a cross-section of Scottish creativity. Glasgow’s The Absent Ear pushes boundaries through immersive experiences, Daddy Marmalades stands out with its story-driven menu, and The Old Workshop in Aberdeen focuses on sustainability and fresh, house-crafted ingredients.
Community Venues at the Heart
From the Harbour Bar in Gourdon serving as a village hub, to Hugo’s in Moffat supporting local events and charity, to The Original Rosslyn Inn in Roslin valuing people over profit, the Community Pub of the Year finalists play pivotal roles in their localities.
Recognising Family Excellence
Lanarkshire’s Carrigan’s, Ayrshire’s SimpsInns, and Edinburgh’s Vittoria Group exemplify Scotland’s strongest family-owned businesses, marked by hands-on ownership and dedication across generations.
The Pinnacle of Gastropub Dining
The Boar’s Head in Auchtermuchty, The Clarence in Glasgow, and The Kirkmichael Arms in South Ayrshire are celebrated for championing local produce and pairing delicious food with excellent drinks in welcoming settings.
Celebrating Independence
Outstanding independent operators like The Gate in Glasgow, The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, and Teuchters Landing in Leith demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and a personal touch that set them apart in the Scottish trade.
Late-Night Legends
Coco in Edinburgh, Soul in Aberdeen, and Uno Mas in Edinburgh shine as the country’s best late-night venues, mixing ambience, top-tier drinks, and a sense of place.
Further Categories
The awards also spotlight the best in mixology, live music venues, new businesses (with names like Ardfern, Corner Shop, and The Corona Bar making waves), fine and casual dining restaurants, spirits bars, wine lists, whisky bars (including the famed Dornoch Castle Whisky Bar and Tipsy Midgie), and exceptional multi-site operators.
Winners across all categories will be announced at the SLTN Awards on 6th November 2025, cementing these finalists’ roles as Scotland’s leading lights in hospitality and setting new benchmarks for the sector’s future success.
