A generous whisky selection, regulars that are part of the furniture, a strong community feel and stunning stained glass windows that tell the story of the Highland Clearances, are only just a few things you will find at The Lismore. So, that and so much more has been recognised at the prestigious Scottish Bar & Pub Awards at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow this week, crowning the spot ‘Pub of the Year’.
The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards had more than 100 participants shortlisted as finalists for 2026, and just being at the ceremony means they are some of the nation’s best.
Located in Partick, The Lismore is the place to be when it comes to a relaxed, welcoming pub atmosphere. Famous for its local community feel, whisky selection, and stunning stained-glass windows that tell the tale of the Highland Clearances (created by Avon Smith and Joe Boyle), the pub is the go-to place for locals and visitors alike.
The spot itself was built as a tribute to the Isle of Lismore, with the island’s inspiration presented throughout. And those who aren’t a fan of whisky can indulge in a generous range of real ales. Plus, there’s a beer garden!
The Lismore also hosts live music, with Monday nights offering an open mic-style traditional music event, Jazz on Tuesday afternoons, and the first and last Sunday of the month hosting Ian Forbes and Acoustic Butterfly.
Publisher, Susan Young, said, “It was fantastic to see so many deserving winners this year. These awards are a celebration of the people who make the Scottish hospitality industry the success it is, and this year’s entries were truly outstanding.
“The standard was so high it made the judging incredibly difficult. Every one of our finalists should be immensely proud of their achievement, and I’d like to congratulate all of our winners on their success.
“The Glam Rock theme was the perfect fit for an industry where the venues, teams and people really do rock!”
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards winners for 2026
Lifetime Achievement
Don Lawson, Emerald Inns (Inverness)
Annandale Distillery Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
Black Ivy – Edinburgh
Highly Commended – The George Hotel – Inveraray
Inverarity Morton Family Business of the Year
The Fort Hotel & The Royal Arch – Broughty Ferry
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
MacGregor’s at The Whisky Vaults – Oban
Hero Media & Entertainment Best Bar Team
Johnny Foxes – Inverness
Highly Commended – The Parkville – Blantyre
Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award
Sally Law – The Pot Still, Glasgow
Highly Commended – Chris Anton – MacGregor’s at The Whisky Vaults, Oban
Bar Personality of the Year
Tracey Hunter – The Tavern Bar, Millport
Scottish Hospitality Group Contribution To The Industry Award
Michael Bergson – Bucks Bar
Hospitality Health Employer of the Year
Lisini Pub Company – Uddingston
DRAM Community Pub of the Year
The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria
Highly Commended – Commercial Inn, Fauldhouse
Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year
Bittersweet Leith – Leith, Edinburgh
Highly Commended – Jimmy Badgers, Inverness
Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneur
Struan Barclay, Ruby’s – East Kilbride
HOSPO Manager of the Year
Danny Stewart – Angels Hotel, Uddingston
Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year
The Tap Yard – Glasgow
Jamesons Best Irish Bar 2026
Boston Bar New Town – Edinburgh
Highly Commended – Radio, Glasgow
Jump Ship Brewing Best Lo and No Destination
SOBR – Aberdeen
Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area
The Birds and Bees – Stirling
Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year
Margo – Glasgow
Highly Commended – Barry Fish, Leith
SBPA New Bar of the Year
Ruby’s – East Kilbride
Schweppes Mixologist of the Year
Michael Maclean – The Dome, Edinburgh
Scottishnews.com Independent Multiple Operator of the Year
Rocks Leisure Group
SBPA Best Late Night Venue
Slouch – Glasgow
Hotel Scotland Inspirational Woman of the Year
Siobhan Edwards – Lisini Pub Company
Hero Brands Hospitality Hero Award
Kostas Simos – Atlantic Bar & Brasserie
The Drum Social Media Champion
Tempura – Ayr
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
The Lismore – Partick, Glasgow
