CAMRA named The State Bar the top Glasgow pub and the Best Bar None ceremony honored a wide range of venues for service, safety and community impact.
At a recent gathering of the CAMRA Glasgow and West of Scotland branch, the historic venue on Holland Street emerged as the clear winner of the Glasgow Pub of the Year prize. The bar, which first opened its doors in 1902, was praised for its extensive whisky and beer list, as well as its reputation for hosting well-known comedians such as Frankie Boyle, Billy Connolly and Kevin Bridges.
The announcement was posted on the organisation’s social channels, where members were congratulated and the narrow margin over the runner-up was highlighted.
CAMRA’s voting process and the close competition
The decision was reached during the branch’s November meeting, where voting members evaluated each nominee against a set of criteria that includes atmosphere, staff knowledge, customer service and the condition of the draught beer.
A shortlist featured venues such as the Clockwork, The Doublet and The Lismore, but the final tally placed The State Bar ahead of the south-side establishment Koelschip Yard, which received what CAMRA described as a “very close” second place.
Koelschip Yard, situated on Pollokshaws Road, earned recognition for its rotating cask and keg selections and a broad range of bottled and canned brews, illustrating the depth of competition within Glasgow’s vibrant cask ale scene.
Best Bar None Awards 2026: recognising professional standards
Later in the year, the city’s hospitality sector gathered at the Grand Central Hotel on Gordon Street for the Best Bar None Glasgow awards 2026. The ceremony celebrated venues that demonstrated high standards of professionalism, safety and responsible management. Gold awards were presented across eight categories; The Sir John Moore on Argyle Street secured the Standard Premises gold, while The Howlin’ Wolf on Bath Street and The Social on Royal Exchange Square shared the Late Night Premises award. Community-focused establishments such as the Chrystal Bell on Gallowgate and the partnership between Coopers on Great Western Road and the Grosvenor Café were honoured for their contributions to local life.
Other notable winners included The Croft, a Southside restaurant that captured the Restaurant gold award, and the National Piping Centre, which took home the Hotel Bar prize. Specialist entertainment venues like Audio Glasgow and the iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut were recognised for delivering unique live experiences. Individual achievements were also highlighted: Susan Dick of The Sir John Moore earned the Best Designated Premises Manager award, Leonardo Royal Hotel received the Sustainability gold, and the Press Bar on Albion Street was named Most Improved Venue.
The awards were presented by Donald MacLeod, owner of The Garage and The Cathouse, who also serves as convener of the Glasgow Licensing Forum. The event concluded with the People’s Choice Award, voted by the public, which went to Edmiston House. Overall, the ceremony underscored the breadth of quality across Glasgow’s bar and restaurant landscape, from traditional pubs to specialist music venues.
What the recognitions mean for Glasgow’s drinking culture
Both the CAMRA Pub of the Year accolade and the Best Bar None Awards offer venues a platform to engage with enthusiasts of cask ale and responsible hospitality. Winning establishments benefit from increased visibility among CAMRA members and the wider public, while the rigorous assessment criteria encourage continuous improvement in service and product standards. For patrons, the awards act as a trusted guide to the city’s most reputable drinking spots, ensuring that experiences are rooted in quality, safety and community spirit. As Glasgow’s bar scene continues to evolve, these celebrations provide a yearly benchmark for excellence that both operators and customers can rely upon.
