Pick Your Local Hero

May 11 2008 By Raymond Hainey

Hunt For Scotland's Best Bar Pub Of The Year 2008

TODAY we proudly launch the search for your local heroes with the Sunday Mail pub Oscars.

Our Pub of the Year Award judges are looking for boozers with the X factor - be it great staff, superb service, top grub or the best of beer.

Last year's winner, Jackie Whittingham of Stirling's Settle Inn, said her pub's year at the top had helped transform its fortunes.

She added: "Being Pub of the Year definitely made a difference - we put a huge banner outside and it brought in customers.

"A lot of people have travelled from Glasgow, Arbroath and Falkirk because of the publicity.

"Word of mouth is really important - regulars tell people their local is Pub of the Year and we've had visitors from Greece and Iceland in because of that.

"It's definitely boosted our profits."

The pub, which nestles at the top of the town under Stirling Castle, has been in business since 1733 but Jackie and husband Brian had been in charge for just seven months when it won the top gong, beating off stiff competition from 500 bars across the country.

Jackie turned the place around with a makeover inside and out - and a total commitment to her customers.

The Settle Inn was praised by judges for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff and superb selection of drinks, including its comprehensive range of real ales.

The winning landlord received the coveted Sunday Mail mirror - the envy of landlords across the country.

And Jackie revealed other pub owners have been so impressed with the transformation, they have called her in to help them.

She laughed: "I've turned into a bit of a pub doctor.

"People have even contacted us to run pubs for them simply because we won Pub of the Year.

"It's been a great year and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's been great for staff morale too.

"People come in and ask if we're the Pub of the Year and the staff just point at the mirror over the fireplace. It's a great accolade."

Jackie has also been able to boost the range of activities on offer since being named Pub of the Year.

She added: "The real ale market has been boosted and it's helped us broaden what we offer.

"We do ceilidhs, bingo, jam sessions, folk music and live music. People love it."

Susan Young, organiser of the Scottish Licensed Trade Awards and editor of pub industry bible Dram magazine, said: "There's no better recommendation than word of mouth - we're hoping customers up and down the country will put their favourite drinking and eating places forward.

"Scottish pubs and bars are envied around the world and we are committed to rewarding those that strive to give customers a good experience."

The judges will make undercover visits to every pub nominated before selecting the top three to make it to the final.

Winners will be revealed at a Prohibition speakeasy-themed bash at Glasgow's Thistle Hotel on June 30. To ensure your local is in with a shout, fill in the form on the right. Deadline for entries is next Sunday.

Order tickets for the ceremony from The Dram on 0141 221 6965.

ROLL OF HONOUR

2007: The Settle Inn, Stirling

Verdict: A lovingly cared for old pub with lots of atmosphere. Clean and cosy with fast service.

2006: The Brass and Granite, Kilmarnock

Verdict: Caters for all ages and staff are a huge hit.

2005: The Ship Inn in Irvine Verdict: Locals and tourists alike received excellent service. An institution in Irvine.

2004: The Roxy, Girvan Verdict: This pub has something for everyone. So popular at the weekend regulars book tables.

2003: Behind the Wall, Falkirk Verdict: Excellent beer, good food, lively atmosphere, helpful staff - most popular pub in town.

2002: Four Marys, Linlithgow Verdict: Involved in community events and charities. Helpful staff ensure a reputation reaches far beyond Linlithgow.

2001: Horseshoe Bar, Glasgow Verdict: World-famous pub offering excellent service and entertainment. Regulars put huge effort into raising cash for charity.

OTHER awards: Asahi New Bar of the Year; Brown-Forman Young Entrepreneur of the Year; CPL Sales Representative of the Year; Diageo Classic Malts Whisky Bar of the Year; Foster's Multiple Operator of the Year; Glencairn Crystal Whisky Ambassador of the Year; Kopparberg Bar Personality of the Year; MacLachlan's Beer Pub of the Year; Maxximum UK Bar Apprentice of the Year; Red Bull Coolest Bar of the Year; Repertoire New Bar of the Year; The Drum Best Marketing Initiative; VodkaPom Nightclub of the Year and Wallace's Express Gastro Pub of the Year.

To enter

WE'RE looking for pubs that have something for everyone - super service, fabulous food and drink, amazing atmosphere and a family-friendly environment. Tell us why your local is the best.

By post

Fill in this form, cut it out and send it to Pub of the Year, Sunday Mail, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 8DA.

SUNDAY EMAIL

r.hainey@sundaymail.co.uk