Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025: Which venues were shortlisted?

A grand total of 19 pubs and bars have been shortlisted at the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025 - with a host of individuals also recognised in the list of finalists.

All the finalists for the Edinburgh Bar Awards 2025 have been revealed across 11 categories. Winners will be crowned at the second annual Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball on Monday, September 22, at The Biscuit Factory.

A public vote was used to determine a longlist, before Edinburgh’s bartender community had their say on the shortlist - alongside a 50/50 split with the public.

Speaking about the awards, David Smillie, co-founder of Backs! Hospitality and organiser of the Bar Awards and Bartender’s Ball, said: “Edinburgh’s bar scene is stronger than ever, and this year’s finalists prove why the city is recognised on the world stage.

“With the trade having the final say, the shortlist reflects real industry respect - and we can’t wait to bring everyone together at The Biscuit Factory for the biggest industry night of the year.”

A number of individuals have also been nominated, but are not included in the below gallery. The individuals on the finalist list are:

Adam Fraser Gray “Herman” – Panda & Sons
Sam Baxendale – Bramble
Cam Chittleborough – The Cocktail Geeks
Sian Buchan – Uno Mas
Cullen Hutchison – The Mother Superior

Logan Pope – Lucky Liquor Co
Freja Kemp – Old Pal
Emily Weston – The Cocktail Geeks
Saul Lavelle – The False Widow
Walt Webster-Curran – Panda & Sons

Saul Lavelle – The False Widow
Sam Milne – Panda & Sons
Logan Pope – Lucky Liquor Co
Cam Chittleborough – The Cocktail Geeks
Fowwaz Ansari – Bittersweet

Chloe Archibald-Ansari
Groundskeeper Fanny
Carrie Smith
Ross Lawrie
Rachel Dixon

Connie Macdonald – Port of Leith Distillery
Ross Lawrie – Schweppes UK
Kaitlin Wilkes – The Ada Coleman Project
Ellie Raeside – Bacardi UK
Dan Bartley – Miscellaneous

This year’s Legend Award will be announced on the evening of the Ball — recognising a longstanding contribution to Scotland’s hospitality scene.

Final tickets for the Edinburgh Bartenders’ Ball, priced at just £35, are on sale now. The event includes complimentary drinks, food, entertainment, and a night of industry celebration.