It is the most coveted mirror in Scotland - and it will soon be hanging proudly on the wall of the new Sunday Mail’s Pub of the Year 2022.
Today, we reveal our four finalists after a nationwide search to find the best bar none.
Thousands of nominations were received from readers keen to see their favourite watering hole win the title, awarded last year to The King’s Arms in Fenwick, East Ayrshire.
The finalists made it through from a shortlist by impressing a panel of mystery shoppers with their friendly welcome, fantastic food and customer service that keeps both visitors and regulars coming back for more.
The overall winner will be announced at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards, which will be held in Glasgow later this month.
Susan Young, editor of Susan Young, editor of DRAM - the hospitality industry bible, said: “The votes are in and verified and the time is nearly here to celebrate the best of the best at the 2022 awards.
“The licensed trade needs our support more than ever and Scottish hospitality has never been better. Congratulations to all the finalists - your recognition is very well deserved, and I can’t wait to see who takes home the trophies at this year’s awards.”
Here are the bars bidding to get their hands on the coveted prize.
HABBIE’S BAR & GRILL, KILBARCHAN, RENFREWSHIRE
This 19th century grey stone hostelry has become one of Renfrewshire’s most popular bars and eateries with folk flocking from near and wide to sample their top class food and hospitality.
The pub, which has a three-tier beer garden, is owned by Fraser Campbell who also runs its sister pub The Trust Inn at the other end of the village.
The historic tavern was built in 1872 and was formerly known as The Glenleven. It is named after a famous local bagpiper from the 1600s, Habbie Simpson, and is also the term used for people born in Kilbarchan.
Making the final four is a dream come true for the bar staff who have helped make Habbie’s the go-to social destination for their many customers.
Bar Manager Joanne Paterson, 53, said: “It’s just the best wee pub in the world. It’s comfy, welcoming and the staff have a great relationship with all the customers.
“There is always a brilliant atmosphere and we cater for everyone with DJs for the young ones and football for the sports fans. It’s a great family pub with a big beer garden. We are also dog friendly.
“We have a great selection of real ales and live bands most Saturday nights and the food is to die for. We have four menus and also provide a takeaway menu. To make the final four and get the recognition from our customers is fantastic because it’s all down to them.”
THE PALAIS BAR, GLASGOW
Back in the day the Dennistoun Palais dance hall was where it was at so it’s no wonder it’s namesake is in the running to be named the best bar none.
The pub, formerly known as The Duchess of Duke Street, re-opened its doors as The Palais on March 23, 2019, and it has been a hive of activity ever since.
The bar, which was crowned Community Pub of the Year in 2021, is a social hub for the people of Dennistoun and beyond, who head there for cocktails, disco tunes and a good old party.
The hostelry re-opened its doors as The Palais on March 23, 2019, and despite, the trials of covid and lockdown, the pub has re-established itself as the pride and joy of Dennistoun.
General manager Cassia Woods, 26, said: “The Palais it is a cracking wee pub with its customers at its heart. People used to flock from all over the city and beyond to trip the light fantastic and although, the dance hall is a thing of the past we still provide an upbeat atmosphere.
“We are famous for our cocktails with our dance-themed concoctions the Duke Street Twist and the I’m Still Dancing daquiri proving very popular.
“We’ve transformed the bar from an old man’s pub into an all-inclusive venue that welcomes people of all ages. We are always busy and the atmosphere is buzzing.”
She added: “Having the Sunday Mail mirror hanging above the bar would be a dream come true and we feel honoured to have been nominated by our customers.”
THE WAVERLEY, WISHAW
When husband and wife David and Frances Smith took over The Waverley in November 2021 they never dreamed that just nine months later they would be in the running for Pub of the Year.
It was an impulse buy for offshore oil worker David, 48, who had never even worked in a bar before, but his investment has paid off with the pub popular with both the old guard and the younger generations.
The couple have turned the bar, which was built on the town’s main street in 1901, into a charming and atmospheric family-run pub the punters cannot get enough of.
David said: “The pub was a bit tired when we took it over but we were determined to transform it into a bar everyone felt welcome in from the older regulars to the younger generation.
“We have guys who come in the early afternoon for the horse racing and then folk stopping off for a pint on the way home. Football attracts another crowd and our weekly live music sessions get the young squad in.
“My wife is in charge of the entertainment and she has now got musicians booked right up to the end of 2023. Next on the agenda is converting the flat upstairs into a space where we can serve food.”
David added: “Being nominated for a Pub of the Year award before we have even been opened a full year is unbelievable and it feels like we are already winners.”
THE STATION BAR, GLASGOW
Owned by three generations of the McHugh family, the bar has been up and running for more than 170 years providing a haven for folk from all over the city and beyond.
Popular with off-duty paramedics, police and fire crews based at the surrounding stations, the pub, which has been a hostelry since 1850 has never lost its charm and is the go-to place for a pint and a chat.
Current owner Michael, 60, who also runs Alexander’s in Clydebank, is delighted The Station Bar has made it into the final four and would give anything to have the chance to hang the Sunday Mail mirror.
The dad-of-four said: “Our clientele is very cosmopolitan, everyone from shoppers, tourists and regulars to opera singers and musicians who are performing at the nearby theatres.
“We are also popular with the hundreds of musicians who come to the city every year for the World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green.
“We may be situated away from the city centre but it seems folk don’t mind making the commute. We’ve become an unofficial after party venue for the pipers, who flock to the city from across the globe.
“We are based near several emergency service stations so we are the place to head after a shift or as they say the place where they come to make a deposit.”
He added: “What I wouldn’t give for The Station Bar to take the 2022 title. It would be a great birthday present for me and my wife as we both turned 60 this year.”
- The Sunday Mail Pub of the Year will be crowned at an Abba-themed ceremony at the Doubletree Hilton Glasgow Central on August 30.
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