Entries are now open for the new, revamped submission-based CLASS Bar Awards.
The CLASS Bar Awards is the UK industry’s longest-running bar awards and will take place on May 6 this year, as part of CLASS Week (May 4–8), a wider programme of events taking place across the capital.
This year, the submission categories have evolved. Among the changes, Bar Business of the Year replaces Bar Employer of the Year, shifting the focus to bars that have employed smart strategy, adapted, innovated, and ultimately thrived amid a challenging fiscal environment.
The Sustainable Practices Award has also been repositioned. Now titled the Sustainability and Community Impact Award, it recognises bars that have made a measurable, positive impact on the environment and/or community to help foster a more sustainable bar culture.
Previously a category decided by our Industry Vote, Drinks Menu of the Year will now be entered by submission. Judged by the CLASS Bar Awards regional chairs and hosts, the award celebrates exceptional cocktail menus, rewarding design appeal, thematic coherence, originality and range.
The six Submission Awards are completed by Front of House Star, which recognises the hosts of our industry; Emerging Bartender of the Year, which celebrates bartenders with under four years of experience; and Bar Manager of the Year, one of the industry’s most coveted individual awards.
The eligibility period for the awards is February 18, 2025 to February 2, 2026.
The deadline for entries is February 2, 2026.
The remaining awards categories – New Bar of the Year, Regional Bars of the Year, Bar of the Year, Hotel Bar of the Year, Bar Food Menu of the Year, Cocktail of the Year, Bartender of the Year, and Bar Innovator of the Year – are decided by the CLASS Bar Awards' Industry Vote.
More than 150 voters across the UK bar industry - drawn from more than 20 cities - will take part. If you would like to be considered to vote in this year’s Awards, please contact us to register your interest.
Tickets for the CLASS Bar Awards 2026 will be available from March 26 on the Class Bar Awards site.
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