Here's the final four top bars battling to be our Pub of the Year

Jun 15 2008 By Heather Greenaway

Top Bars In Our Final Four Pub Of The Year 2008

SCOTS star Edith Bowman is toasting her little brother after his bar made it to the final of the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year contest.

The Radio 1 DJ's thrilled sibling Alex Bowman, 27, has run the popular Station Buffet Bar in Elie, Fife, for three years.

He said: "I can't believe it. I am over the moon and can't thank my customers enough for their support. I'm chuffed to bits. It's such an honour.

"Winning Pub of the Year would mean so much to the customers and me."

We announced our final 12 contenders for the coveted title last week and votes have flooded in for the final four.

Joining the Station Buffet Bar in the shortlist are The Croft in Croftfoot, Glasgow, The Fox and Hounds in Houston, Renfrewshire, and Niki's Bar in Galashiels, Selkirkshire.

The champion will be crowned at a speakeasythemed night at Glasgow's Thistle hotel on June 30.

Our judges are looking for a family-oriented pub with a good atmosphere and great entertainment.

Making the final capped a gem of a month for The Fox and Hounds - singer Neil Diamond dined there twice while in Scotland for his concert.

It is famous for food and attracts footballers such as Rangers legend Ally McCoist.

Manager Jonathan Wengel, 36, said: "Making it to the final four is fantastic."

The Croft, owned by former Celtic player Harry Hood, is a favourite with sports fans.

Assistant manager Laura Stewart said: "This is an amazing place to work with a great family atmosphere."

Niki's Bar landlady Niki Fitzgerald, 61, said: "People come as it is like an extra living room. They all like my personal touch."

Susan Young, organiser of the Scottish Licensed Trade Awards and editor of The Dram magazine, said: "I look forward to sampling their hospitality over the coming week."