A Kilmarnock venue has been recognised as the National Champion in Scotland by Best Bar None (BBN), the nationwide scheme which raises the bar on standards in licensed venues across Scotland, resulting in safer communities and a vibrant social economy.
Key partners and trade from across Scotland celebrated the licensed trade’s achievements with Kilmarnock’s WG13 lifting the overall national prize as well as the award for best Specialist Entertainment Venue.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association’s Colin Wilkinson presented the Best Bar None National Award for Best Independent, which went to The Black Bull in Mid Calder, West Lothian.
Fifty-three finalists took part in the annual awards across 11 categories with venues represented in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, West Lothian, Kilmarnock, Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Stirling, Lockerbie and Dumfries, Fife, the Scottish Borders, Hamilton, and Airdrie.
The winning venues were recognised not only their commitment and diligence in relation to their licensing commitments as key drivers for their businesses, but also their customers.
The awards ceremony at Dunblane Hydro was introduced by Mandy Haeburn-Little, chair of Best Bar None Scotland and CEO of the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC).
She said: “I truly believe Best Bar None venues are driving positive change in our communities and creating safe social spaces with their commitment to providing a positive experience for their customers.
“The licensed trade is a key sector of Scottish business and we are very pleased to recognise this. By participating in Best Bar None our venues are changing the social landscape in Scotland and all our Finalists and Winners here tonight should be proud of their achievements.”
Full list of winners:
The Globe Inn, Aberdeen – Best Pub
Black Bull Inn, West Lothian – Best Independent Pub
Sportsters, Falkirk – Best Bar
Soul, Aberdeen – Best Independent Bar
The Queens Head Hotel, Borders – Best Hotel Bar
The Garage, Glasgow – Best Nightclub
WG13, Kilmarnock – Best Specialist Entertainment Venue
The Kelburn, East Renfrewshire – Heart of the Community
Brass & Granite, Kilmarnock – Best Newcomer
Johnny Foxes and the Den, Inverness – Innovation in Social Responsibility
WG13, Kilmarnock – National Champion
Find out more about Best Bar None at bbnscotland.co.uk