Key criteria for success in this category includes a strong drinks range or specialisation, sales growth, responsible pricing and promotions, high service standards, and effective merchandising.
Judges will also be looking out for well-trained staff, strong supplier relationships, and outstanding marketing strategies.
This year’s finalists are:
All Bar One
Part of Mitchells & Butlers, All Bar One is known for its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere as well as its extensive drinks offer and bottomless brunches.
The brand was introduced in in 1994 and now has 56 bars across the country, including in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Self-described “cocktail bars with style”, All Bar One venues offer everything from signature serve and classic cocktails, to a varied no and low menu alongside plenty of beer and wine options. The company has also been a trailblazer when it comes to sustainability in the drinks industry.
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars
Founded in 2009, Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars is owned by Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin and was last year’s winner in this category.
Its portfolio now includes seven pubs, three of which also have accommodation, and each venue has a specialist focus, boasting a unique range of drinks.
The Cholmondeley Arms is known as ‘the gin pub’, with more than 300 gins on the back bar, while the Manwaring Arms features more than 80 rums, including its own spiced rum.
At the Fitzherbert Arms there is a choice of more than 30 Ports while the Church Inn has a wine focus. Each pub also showcases local cask ales.
JKS Pubs
Headed up by Dom Jacobs, JKS Pubs is partnered with JKS Restaurants and blends refined dining with traditional British pub culture and a focus on community values.
The company began operating four years ago and now runs three sites in London, the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, the George in Fitzrovia, both of which opened in 2021, and the Hound in Chiswick, which opened in 2024.
When it comes to drinks, JKS has made it its mission to ensure there is something for everyone. From craft and cask beer, draught wine, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic options, JKS ticks all the boxes.
Incipio Group
Incipio Group continues to enhance London’s social scene by curating beautiful spaces with vibrant atmospheres and diverse drinks menus.
Established in 2015 by Charlie Gardiner and Ed Davenport, the group runs seven sites. With venues ranging from 300 to 850 in capacity, all offer something a little different.
Located in Angel, the 41 takes inspiration from New York City’s Soho district with a focus on classic cocktails and craft beer. Its ‘Wall Street Wednesday’ event sees the drinks menu transformed into a stock exchange where prices rise fall based on popularity.
Meanwhile the Libertine, in the city’s Royal Exchange, offers a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere with more of a food and wine focus.
