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.

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.

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.