AN AYR venue has been named the best bar in South Ayrshire at a national awards ceremony

The Smoking Goat in Academy Street won the title at the UK-wide National Pub and Bar Awards.

Delighted staff at the Smoking Goat found out the good news yesterday.

David Storrie, who owns the business, told the Advertiser: "We are really, really pleased, obviously.

"We work very hard and try to be the very best bar we can be and provide a good service to our customers, so we are all chuffed.

"We have a great team here and we work together and try to come up with new ideas all the time."

The team will now go forward to the grand final awards ceremony, which takes place in London on June 28.

There, the county winners will discover which pubs will be taking home a regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best, leaving with the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year accolade. 

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector.

"With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars.

"So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”

The East Ayrshire winner was The Weston in Kilmaurs, while The Red Squirrel at the Pennyburn roundabout in Stevenston won the North Ayrshire title.