After a sold-out debut last year, The Edinburgh Bar Awards are back for year two and they’re coming in even stronger. Returning as part of the city’s ultimate hospitality night out, the Bartenders’ Ball will take over The Biscuit Factory on Monday, 22 September 2025, celebrating the best of Edinburgh’s bar scene in true end-of-summer style.
This year, the awards introduce a more transparent and robust judging format, giving both the public and Edinburgh trade a real say in who takes home the titles. Think of it as a love letter to the Capital’s bartenders, bar teams, cocktail shakers and unsung heroes that keep Edinburgh’s hospitality world shaking, especially after a frantic Fringe season.
Round one of voting is now live, with the public invited to nominate their favourites across twelve categories, including Best Bar, Best Pub, Best Restaurant Bar, Rising Star, Best Shake, Best Cocktail, Social Star, and the always emotional Unsung Hero. New for 2025 is the Best Late-Night Venue award, recognising the places that keep Edinburgh going after hours. Eligible nominees must be based in Edinburgh or the surrounding areas within an EH postcode for all categories.
New for 2025, a multi-stage judging process will decide the winners:
- Round 1: Nominations Live Open now until midnight on Sunday, July 20th these public nominations will determine the Top 15 longlist in each category.
- Round 2: 50/50 Public/Trade This round will see an expert panel of Edinburgh’s influential trade and the public decide a final shortlist of five venues
- Round 3: Top 5’s are released, with the winners announced at 2025 Edinburgh Bar Awards taking place at the Bartender’s Ball.
Organisers say the new format is all about “credibility, fairness and lifting up the talent that deserves it most.”
Last year’s inaugural awards saw Raging Bull take home Best Bar, while Nauticus earned Best Pub. A surprise Legend Award, presented by Backs! Hospitality, went to Johanna Cole for her outstanding contribution to Edinburgh’s hospitality scene.
The Bartenders’ Ball is open to anyone working in the licensed trade, including bartenders, chefs, brand representatives, and baristas. This year’s party will take place at The Biscuit Factory, one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric warehouse venues, and promises a night of food, drinks, DJs, performances and some trademark surprises.
Previous Balls have featured everything from bucking broncos and arm-wrestling contests to nine-piece brass bands and late-night dancefloors. Expect the unexpected and secure your ticket now. Tickets are £35 and include drinks from premium brands, food, entertainment, live music, and access to the full awards ceremony. And if bartenders buy before the end of July, you can snap up early bird tickets for only £25!
Voting is now open to the public and closes midnight on Sunday, 20 July – head to https://backshospitality.com/awards/ and vote for your favourite.
For more information, stay updated:
The Edinburgh Bar Awards take place at The Edinburgh Bartender’s Ball at The Biscuit Factory on Monday, 22nd September 2025. Tickets include complimentary drinks, food, entertainment and cost £35.
Vote now or buy tickets from https://backshospitality.com/
Follow on Instagram: Instagram.com/theedinburghbartendersball
