Top Accolade Goes To Much Loved Eaglesham Pub At First Ever Iona Pub Awards

Iona Pub Partnership have revealed the winners of their first ever awards show which saw the estate of over 100 pubs, bars and restaurants go head to head to compete for awards across five categories.

The Swan Inn of sleepy Renfrewshire town Eaglesham beat off strong competition from across the country to secure the overall title of Pub of the Year at last month’s event. The Swan’s Marco Sarao has praised the “brilliant support” they have had from the local community and his team since they opened at the start of the year.

The Best Food award, sponsored by Brakes, went to The Avenue located in Bishopbriggs and finally, the Community Pub of the Year was picked up by Stirrup Stane in Livingston. Manager Michelle Hart was “over the moon” with the award saying, “just to be nominated alongside the other pubs in the category is such a proud moment for us and the team. To then find out we won – I’m still in complete shock!”

Graphics & Marketing Manager Craig Grant, who co-ordinated the process, said: “Our aim with these awards is to celebrate the excellent standard of pubs we get to experience every day within our estate. It’s a small recognition which doesn’t begin to do justice to the continuous effort and passion shown by all those nominated.”

“A lot of praise is due to all our finalists, winners, brand partners and our internal team who all helped make the day possible. They really are a credit to the company and the Scottish pub trade.”

The awards tied in with both the annual Iona Pub Trade Show and launch of the Pub Buyers Booklet, the latter of which can be viewed here.

 

Full list of winners:

  • Tennent’s Iona Pub of the Year : The Swan Inn, Eaglesham

Highly commended: Panda & Sons, Edinburgh; The Avenue, Bishopbriggs; Black Fox, Leith 

  • Diageo Best Pint Award: The Pot Still, Glasgow

Highly commended: Sandy Bells, Edinburgh; Hazelwood, Glasgow; Fox’s Bar, Edinburgh

  • Brakes Food Pub of the Year: The Avenue, Bishopbriggs

Highly commended: Brandon’s of Canonmills, Edinburgh; Redmond’s of Dennistoun, Glasgow; Red Squirrel, Edinburgh

  • Buisness Insurance Bureau Community Pub of the Year: Stirrup Stane, Livingston

Highly commended: The Hermitage, Morningside; The Tenement, Glasgow; The Amethyst, Govan

  • Britvic Customer Service Award: The Piper, Glasgow

Highly commended: Golf Inn, St Andrews; Swan Inn, Eaglesham; Black Bull Inn, Mid Calder