An Irvine boozer has been crowned the best sports bar in Scotland.

Bar Sport, which opened in Irvine just last year, was declared winner in the “Best Sports Bar” category in the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality Awards after having made it into the top five finalists.

The Molson Coors Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards is Scotland’s largest hospitality event, and the only one where the public get to vote for their favourite venues nationwide.

Manager Alex Harper said he was delighted with the result after customers voted them into the final.

“We are ecstatic about it. It was a great night”, said Alex.

“It’s good for the staff, we took a load of the staff along with us. We really enjoyed the night.

“With the public voting for us it’s great we’re appreciated with all the staff's efforts and hard work.

“We didn’t even know we had been nominated and customers got us into the top five in the final. It’s great. Great for the customers and the town.

“We were up against bars from Glasgow and Edinburgh so it’s nice to see some of the outskirts getting recognised. It was a good night.”

All finalists were invited to their VIP Gala Final, hosted by comic Des Clarke, held on Sunday, April 29 in Glasgow.

On making the shortlist an independent judging panel visited each of the finalists marking them on specific criteria.

Bar Sport, which employs around 20 staff, is currently constructing a beer garden to the rear of the premises after receiving planning permission last year.