AYRSHIRE'S best bars, pubs and restaurants have been hailed at a top awards ceremony this week.
And official photos have now been released to celebrate the successes of the Buzzworks hospitality chain and two businesses based in Ayr.
The event saw 30 awards presented to both venues and individuals from all around Scotland, from Annan to Inverness.
Now in their 28th year, the awards are a highlight in the hospitality industry calendar and this year over 100 finalists attended the ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton Glasgow Central – making it the biggest event yet.
Organiser Susan Young said: “The Scottish licensed trade is full of successful entrepreneurs and as a result we have some of the best pubs and venues in the UK.
"These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of the owners and their employees that give Scotland a hospitality industry that is worth shouting about. I take my hat off to all of them.”
Ayrshire's Buzzworks - which has venues in Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Kilwinning, Largs, Kilmarnock and Stewarton - took home the Hospitality Employer of the Year gong.
The Fox and Willow gastropub in Ayr's Carrick Road won Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering, and Brandon Van Rensburg, owner of the Tempura chain, walked away as Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
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The full list of winners is below:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Billy Lowe, Caledonia Inns
Heart of Hospitality Award: Michael Bergson, Bucks Bar
ARO Procurement Customer Service Award: Prime Steak & Seafood, Inverness
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year: Tipsie Midgie, Edinburgh
Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year: Brandon Van Rensburg, Tempura in Ayr
Campari Mixologist of the Year: Adrian Gomes, The Tippling House, Aberdeen
Deanston Whisky Guru of the Year: Colin Hinds, Tipsy Midgie, Edinburgh
Hospitality Employer of the Year: Buzzworks Ayrshire
Drinks Express Best Outdoor Area: Black Ivy, Edinburgh
THE DRUM Digital Innovator of the Year: Siberia Bar & Hotel, Aberdeen
‘Giving More’ Award in partnership with Edrington UK: Graham Chalmers, Radisson RED, Glasgow
Flor de Cana Rum Sustainability Award: Lisini Pub Company, Uddingston
Golden Jubilee Award for Hospitality Excellence: The Original Rosslyn Inn, Roslin
HI-SPIRITS Best Live Music Venue: St Lukes & The Winged Ox, Glasgow
HOSPO Manager of the Year: Rory McGinley, Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery, Glasgow
Hotel Scotland Family Business of the Year: The Oak Tree Inn, Balmaha
Inspirational Woman of the Year: Gillian Kirkland, The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
Inverarity Morton Scotland’s Best Drinks Offering: The Fox and Willow, Ayr
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year: The East End Fox, Baillieston
Makers Mark Cocktail Bar of the Year: Hey Palu, Edinburgh
Mediaworld Casual Dining Award: Our Place, Annan
Molinari Hotel Bar of the Year: Great Scots’ Bar, Cameron House
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year: Brewhemia, Edinburgh
Pernod Ricard Best Late-Night Venue: Stramash, Edinburgh
Premier Card Services Independent Operator of the Year: WORQ Group, Glasgow
Bar Personality of the Year: Pete Harvey, Sportsterz
Sheep Dog Whisky Dog Friendly Pub of the Year: The Forth Inn, Aberfoyle
Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution to the Industry Award: Caroline Loudon, TLT LLP
DRAM Licensee of the Year 2023: Brian Flynn, Behind the Wall, Falkirk
William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentices: Bryony Baxter, Meraki Bar & Restaurant, Bridge of Don
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