Photo by @jakephillips.photography
Over 200 professionals from over 60 of Birmingham’s leading bars, hospitality, and night time economy businesses celebrated shared success at a glittering Birmingham Association of Bartenders (BAB) 2025 Awards ceremony this week.
Hosted by popular independent bar and music venue Nortons, the key event in the industry calendar saw 20 awards presented to a wide range of venues, brands and individuals for their contribution to the industry and community.
Award winners included Jewellery Quarter independent pub 1000 Trades, scooping the ‘Pub of the Year’ prize, The Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath who collected the ‘Best Live Music Venue’ award, and Stirchley’s Attic Brew Co. who picked up the ‘Best Local Brewer or Distiller’ award on the night.
The Birmingham Association of Bartenders was founded by Carl Hawkins and Julian Rose-Gibbs in March 2005 as a dedicated community for hospitality professionals to learn, connect, and elevate Birmingham’s drinks scene.
Carl Hawkins, BAB co-founder, said: “This year’s event represented a milestone showcase celebration for an integral part of Birmingham’s economy, as well as our ongoing ethos to educate, inform and inspire. “We were delighted to come together to celebrate the dedication, creativity and community spirit within all facets of our hospitality community in what is an ongoing challenging time for our industry.”
Originally a Monday night educational showcase, BAB has grown over the last two decades to include mentoring, recruitment support, and a collaborative network for industry professionals at all stages of their careers. With a mission to ‘Raise the Bar’, BAB champions knowledge-sharing, skill development, and advocacy for the hospitality sector.
The BAB Awards were created to celebrate the thriving community, offering friendly competition and recognising the talent shaping Birmingham’s drinks industry. From rising stars to established independents, category specialists in beer, wine, and spirits, and unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, the awards are peer-voted by BAB’s 7.5Kstrong network – providing a true reflection of the city’s hospitality landscape.
Julian Rose-Gibbs, BAB co-founder, said: “Reaching 20 years seams surreal. All that time ago Carl and I never dreamed of this but with Birmingham continuing to evolve its drinking culture with outstanding bartenders being part of that journey has been an honour.
“With the expertise of Abby Goldie of Eventbabs, Rob Wood (social media support) and Joanne Rose-Gibbs (graphics and print) joining us, we were able to create and deliver the awards to mark our city’s growth and recognise the venues and talented individuals that make our city the truly diverse and amazing drinking destination that it is.”
Host venue Nortons is an independent bar and music venue on Meriden Street, just minutes from St Martins Church and the Bullring.
Employing 32 members of staff and with a diverse and regular live events programme, Nortons is a key supporter of BAB, and Birmingham’s exciting hospitality offer.
Full list of BAB 2025 awards
Pub of the Year – 1000 Trades
Local Brewer or Distiller – Attic Brew Co
Drinks Specialist – Loki Wine
Local Drinks Product – Attic – Intuition Pale Ale
Experiential Venue – NQ64
Best Live Music Venue – Hare & Hounds
LGBTQ+ Venue – Missing
Hotel Bar – Madeleine at The Grand
Restaurant Bar – Harborne Kitchen
Wine Experience – Loki
Independent Cocktail Bar – Passing Fancies
Venue Design – La Bellezza
Brand Ambassador – Dan Upton
Events Company – Birmingham Cocktail Weekend
Drinks Menu – Couch
Cocktail of the Year – Golden Harmony – Harborne Kitchen
The Rising Star – Kimberly Knott – The Anchor
Bar Manager of the Year – Gina Underhill – Harborne Kitchen
Drinks & Hospitality Personality – Katie Rouse – Couch
BAB People’s Choice – Laura McEwan – Bite Your Brum
The BAB Awards 2025 were sponsored or supported by Inn Express, EventBabs, Cazcabel, Elijah Craig, Ashai, Essential Ice, and Franklin & Sons.