Introduction
Scotland knows how to do sports bars right! With over 2.5 million fans following Celtic and Rangers alone, plus passionate support for rugby, golf, and the national football team, Scottish sports culture runs deep. The recent Scottish Bar and Pub Awards just crowned the best sports bar in the entire country, and I've been tracking these venues for years.
From the electric atmosphere of Glasgow derby days to Edinburgh's rugby strongholds, Scotland's sports bars deliver that perfect combination of quality viewing, proper pints, and genuine Scottish hospitality. We're still building our methodology and this is an initial list - please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations. Whether you're after the award-winning experience at Lochy's or exploring other top venues across the nation, here's your guide to Scotland's premier sports viewing destinations.
Barrhead
Lochy's - Scotland's Best Sports Bar 2025
Location: Barrhead - 168 Main Street, Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, G78 1SL
Contact: Phone: 0141 463 3112 | Website:
https://www.instagram.com/lochyssportsbar/ | Email:
manager@lochys.co.uk | Hours: Daily 11:00-00:00
What Makes It Special: Just crowned the Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025! This recognition at the "glittering, Oscars-themed" ceremony at Glasgow's DoubleTree by Hilton on August 26 puts Lochy's at the top of Scotland's sports bar scene. Owner Jamie Kerrigan invested £400k transforming the former Dalearn House that sat dormant for 20 years into this incredible venue.
Sports Setup: Over 32 UHD TVs providing 360-degree viewing experience with optimal positioning throughout the 12,000 sq ft venue. Features 12 British pool tables, darts lanes (upgrading to digital soon), and a top-of-the-range sound system. The mezzanine level overlooks the whole venue, creating multiple viewing angles. Shows all Premier Sports channels alongside comprehensive sports coverage.
Food & Drink: Full menu featuring small plates and pub favourites including fish and chips, loaded hotdogs, burgers, and sourdough pizzas. Extensive beer list with 24 beers on tap using Turbo Tap System for ice-cold consistency. Cocktail menu and hard-to-find brews alongside domestics. Food served from kitchen behind authentic bus facade adds unique character.
Atmosphere: Award-winning venue that beat out competition from across Scotland to take top honours. Entertainment includes live music Thursday through Sunday with karaoke Fridays from 8PM and live bands Saturdays from 8PM. Mix of locals and visitors creates electric energy during big games. Function room with 150 capacity opening soon for private events.
Special Features: Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year 2025 winner with 32 UHD TVs providing 360-degree viewing experience throughout the massive 12,000 sq ft venue. Features 12 British pool tables and interactive darts lanes alongside live entertainment including karaoke Fridays and bands Saturdays. The mezzanine overlooks everything while the kitchen behind an authentic bus facade serves up quality pub grub all day.
Top Sports Bars by Major Scottish Cities
Glasgow - Top 2 Sports Bars
- Waxy O'Connor's
Location: City Centre - 44 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1DH
Contact: Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12 PM - 11 PM, Fri-Sat: 12 PM - 1 AM, Sun: 12 PM - 10 PM | Near: Buchanan Street Metro
What Makes It Special: This beloved Glasgow hotspot seamlessly blends sports, music, and lively ambience. I've watched countless Old Firm derbies here and the atmosphere is unmatched. With its location just 2 minutes from Glasgow Queen Street station, it's perfect for both locals and visitors.
Sports Setup: Multiple HD screens throughout showing SPL, Premier League, GAA sports, and more. The Church Bar area provides additional viewing space with excellent sightlines from every seat.
Special Features: Live music 7 days a week creates energy beyond typical sports bars while the outdoor seating area offers perfect spot for sunny game days. Student discounts on Mondays make it accessible for all fans and they show every major sporting event from Six Nations to Champions League with passionate crowds guaranteed.
- Walkabout
Location: City Centre - Renfield Street, Glasgow
Contact: Website: Check local listings for current information
What Makes It Special: This Aussie-inspired bar brings Down Under vibes to Glasgow's sports scene. During my visits for Six Nations matches, the place transforms into a proper rugby headquarters with fans from all nations mixing together.
Sports Setup: Huge projector screens with surround sound, plus multiple plasma TVs throughout. Shows everything from Premier League to boxing and UFC.
Special Features: Weekend drinks packages keep the party going while the Aussie-themed menu brings authentic flavours from down under. Late opening hours mean you can celebrate victories long into the night and the central location makes it accessible from anywhere in the city.
Edinburgh - Top 2 Sports Bars
- Malones Sports Bar
Location: City Centre - Forrest Road, Edinburgh
Contact: Website: Check local listings for current information
What Makes It Special: This award-winning sports bar combines Irish hospitality with state-of-the-art viewing. Located centrally, it's become the go-to spot for major sporting events with unbeatable atmosphere.
Sports Setup: Ultra HD screens, multiple projectors, and comprehensive sports coverage including Premier League, Champions League, NFL, boxing, and F1. Perfect sightlines from every seat in the house.
Special Features: Over 250 whiskies available making it a paradise for whisky lovers while two bars ensure quick service even during packed games. Traditional Irish pub atmosphere combines with central location near universities creating perfect mix of students and locals for electric game day energy.
- The Three Sisters
Location: Cowgate - Edinburgh
Contact: Website: Check local listings for current information
What Makes It Special: Famous for its massive outdoor courtyard with giant screens, this venue transforms into Edinburgh's premier fan zone during major tournaments. The outdoor setup is unmatched in Scotland's capital.
Sports Setup: Massive outdoor screen in the courtyard, plus multiple screens inside. The venue adapts brilliantly for different sports - from Six Nations rugby to Euros football.
Special Features: Large outdoor courtyard provides unique viewing experience with fresh air and massive screens while multiple viewing areas inside offer different atmospheres. Food and drinks packages make group bookings easy and booking is essential for big games as this place fills up fast during tournaments.
Aberdeen - Top 2 Sports Bars
- Legends Sports Bar
Location: City Centre - Off Crown Street, Aberdeen
Contact: Website:
https://www.legendsaberdeen.co.uk/
What Makes It Special: Family-run venue that's Aberdeen's home of sport. Features both Legends Sports Bar upstairs and Bar One-Eighty downstairs with interactive darts. Walking distance from train and bus stations makes it perfectly accessible.
Sports Setup: 10 Supreme pool tables, multiple HD screens throughout, and 6 interactive dart lanes downstairs. Shows all major sporting events with excellent coverage across both floors.
Special Features: 10 green cloth Supreme pool tables provide entertainment between matches while 6 interactive dart lanes downstairs offer modern gaming experience. 4 American-style pool tables in Bar One-Eighty add variety and fresh pizzas and cocktails keep everyone fueled throughout game day.
- O'Neill's Aberdeen
Location: City Centre - Aberdeen
Contact: Website:
https://www.oneills.co.uk/national-search/scotland-and-northern-ireland/aberdeen/
What Makes It Special: Part of the beloved Irish bar chain, this venue brings craic and sports together perfectly. Shows all major games including Champions League, SPL, GAA, and rugby.
Sports Setup: BT Sport and Sky Sports access with multiple screens throughout. Excellent atmosphere during Scottish games with passionate local support.
Special Features: Traditional Irish atmosphere creates authentic pub experience while full food menu keeps hunger at bay during long match days. Mix and match small plates perfect for sharing with mates and central location makes it easy meeting spot for fans from across Aberdeen.
Dundee - Top 2 Sports Bars
- Top Dog Sports Bar
Location: City Centre - West Marketgait, Dundee
Contact: Website:
https://topdogsportsbar.co.uk/
What Makes It Special: Dundee's newest sports bar opened in June 2024, perfectly timed for major tournaments. This American-style venue combines sports viewing with interactive entertainment.
Sports Setup: 12 HD TV screens throughout, interactive dartboards, and pool tables. Shows all major sports with late license until 1 AM on weekends.
Special Features: Interactive darts experience brings modern twist to traditional pub games while American-style hot dogs menu offers something different from typical pub grub. Jukebox lets customers control the music between matches and opening 7 days from 11 AM means you never miss early kick-offs.
- The Braes
Location: Perth Road - 14-18 Perth Rd, Dundee, DD1 4LN
Contact: Address: 14-18 Perth Rd, Dundee DD1 4LN
What Makes It Special: Located directly across from University of Dundee campus, this stylish venue perfectly blends student energy with sports enthusiasm. Popular for its craft beer selection and street food menu.
Sports Setup: Multiple TVs broadcasting biggest sports games with lively atmosphere. Perfect for football, rugby, and major tournaments.
Special Features: Retro games and quiz nights add entertainment beyond sports while bottomless brunches have become legendary among locals. Street food influenced menu brings modern flavours to game day dining and student-friendly location ensures young passionate crowds for every match.
Other Award-Winning Scottish Bars (Non-Sports Focused)
While these venues took home awards at the same ceremony, they're not specifically sports-focused but worth knowing about:
Glasgow Winners:
- MacSorley's (42 Jamaica Street, G1 4QG) - Pub of the Year | Phone: 0141 248 7629 | Website: https://macsorleys.co.uk/
- Berlinkys (396 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD) - New Bar of the Year | Phone: 07379 639091 | Website: https://berlinkys.com/
- Kitty O'Shea's - Best Irish Bar
- The Monteleone Ltd properties (The Marlborough, The Butterfly and the Pig, The Buff Club, Singl-End) - Owner Michele Pagliocca received Lifetime Achievement Award
Edinburgh Winners:
- Athletic Arms - Whisky Bar of the Year
- Hey Palu - Cocktail Bar of the Year
- The Mother Superior - Home to Whisky Guru Rising Star
- The Dome - Manager of the Year venue
- Black Ivy - Hotel Bar of the Year
- Freddy's - Best Late Night Venue
- The Queens Arms (Frederick Street) - Shows sports on 5 HD screens | Website: https://www.queensarmsedinburgh.com/ | Phone: 0131 225 1045
- Belushi's Edinburgh (Old Town near Castle) - Major sports venue | Website: https://belushis.com/edinburgh-old-town
Other Scottish Winners:
- The Original Rosslyn Inn, Roslin - Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
- The Criterion, St Andrews - Best Drinks Offering
- Hugos Bar & Pavilion, Dalgety Bay - Best Beer Garden
- The Birds and Bees, Stirling - Gastro Pub of the Year
- The Newton Bar, Millport - Community Pub of the Year
- The Phoenix, Dundee - Outstanding Quality Award
Conclusion
Scotland's sports bar scene continues to thrive with Lochy's in Barrhead setting the standard as the nation's best. The recognition from the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards reflects not just quality viewing experiences but genuine Scottish hospitality that makes watching sports here special.
From Barrhead to the major cities, these venues prove that Scotland knows how to combine passionate sports culture with quality establishments. While Lochy's takes the crown for 2025, the depth of quality across Scottish hospitality shows there's a perfect spot for every type of fan, whether you're after pool tables and darts or just a great pint and perfect view of the match.
What's your favourite sports bar in Scotland? Comment to help us improve our lists and share your go-to venues for watching the beautiful game or the Six Nations!
