Three Ayrshire pubs will do battle to be crowned best in the UK at a prestigious national award ceremony this summer.
The National Pub & Bar Awards will pit the cream of the crop against each other - with Scotland's 31 best bars being unveiled.
Finalists from across every region in Scotland will compete with the rest of the UK for the gold-plated prizes.
Ayr's Smoking Goat, which is no stranger to the awards enclosure, will represent South Ayrshire having taken the region's top spot in the contest.
Owner David Storrie will head for London hoping to bring back the top hospitality trophy.
East Ayrshire will be represented by The Weston Tavern of Kilmaurs.
It marks the fourth year in a row that the bar has won the local crown and owner John Cairns will now bid to go one better on the national stage on June 28.
Stevenston's The Red Squirrel will fly the flag for North Ayrshire as they landed the region's top nomination for the glittering awards night.
Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation. This includes summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas.
“We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year,” says Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards. “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?”
At the grand final, other awards will be handed out including the Pub Brand of the Year, Bar Brand of the Year, Pub Chef of the Year and Sustainable Pub & Bar of the Year.
The 15 Regional Winners will then be announced ahead of the esteemed National Pub & Bar of the Year award, which in 2022 was won by The Frogmill in Cheltenham.
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