Birmingham’s ‘hospitality heroes’ celebrated at 20th edition of awards

09 April 2025

Julian Rose-Gibbs (BAB), Abby Goldie (Eventbabs), and Carl Hawkins (BAB) at Nortons Digbeth

– 1000 Trades named ‘Pub of the Year’ at the 2025 Birmingham Association of Bartenders (BAB) Awards, with 19 additional winners announced

– This year’s edition of the annual event, hosted at popular independent bar and music venue Nortons Digbeth, welcomed over 200 attendees from over 60 businesses

– BAB founders mark 20th anniversary by honouring the ‘heroes of hospitality’ who help to drive innovation, development, growth and best service in the city

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