Inverness and Loch Ness bars win top trade awards
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AN Inverness bar has beaten off tough competition to win a top industry award at a ceremony in Glasgow.
MacGregor’s Bar, in Inverness’s Academy Street, was named as the live music pub of the year at the Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) awards.
The crowdfunded pub first opened in 2017 and has since become firmly established as a key player in the Highland capital’s night-time economy.
Speaking after receiving the honour owner Jo de Sylva, who runs the business with husband Bruce MacGregor, said: “It’s incredible – to be against two of the best bars in Glasgow and to have won the award is incredible.”
The two Glasgow venues which were shortlisted for the same category – Bloc+ and The Howlin’ Wolf – were both highly commended.
The live music prize was one of 22 coveted awards up for grabs at last Thursday’s ceremony presented by comedian Kevin Bridges, premises competing to lift their own corkscrew trophy.
Fiddler’s, in Drumnadrochit, was named the Whisky Bar of the Year for a record fifth time and The Castle Tavern in Inverness was highly commended in the independent pub/bar of the year category.
SLTN editor Gillian McKenzie congratulated all the winners and added: “Against a backdrop of increased taxation, legislation and political uncertainty Scotland’s hospitality businesses continue to fight and flourish.
“It’s testament to the hard work, determination and talent of the operators and staff across this industry.
“The SLTN Awards is our chance to celebrate the contribution these individuals and businesses make to the licensed trade and the wider economy and to give them the credit they so richly deserve.”
