09 February 2026
Share
On Monday 9th February, at The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Great Britain & Ireland 2026, a wave of exciting news was unveiled, and that included the announcement of the Exceptional Cocktails Award, Sponsored by Tokaj – one of five Special Awards for outstanding industry professionals. It was presented to Alasdair Shaw from Sebb’s in Glasgow.
Among all the many pleasures of dining out, a proper cocktail is the one that often feels the most like a treat and is symbolic of having a good time. Shaw and the team at Sebb’s know this, which is why they’ve put so much effort into their drinks, offering a wide range of expertly made cocktails. Join us as we delve further into why Sebb’s should be a must-visit for all cocktail-loving foodies.
Another Winner from the Scoop Group
Sebb’s is in fact a double winner this year, picking up not just the Exceptional Cocktails Award but also a Bib Gourmand distinction for its high-quality yet affordable cooking. It’s the fourth restaurant from the Glasgow-based Scoop Restaurants to earn this award, along with Ox and Finch, Ka Pao and Margo, in whose basement Sebb’s is located.Run as a separate entity from Margo, but with some overlapping of teams, being tucked away downstairs feels like the perfect spot for a cocktail-led operation like Sebb’s. After all, so many of the world’s greatest bars are sultry, secretive, subterranean delights. There’s something about the darkness and low lighting that makes a negroni or a Manhattan slip down even more easily.
The interior design at Sebb’s sticks with this edgy yet inviting feel, thanks to the shelves of vinyl records and the red neon signs bathing the bar in a warm glow. A vaulted exposed brick ceiling adds a rustic touch into the mix. It all makes a wonderful setting for both the cocktails and the cooking.
With a drinks list that’s light on wine and big on cocktails, it makes sense that bold flavours should form such a big part of the Sebb’s dishes. Taking inspiration from all over the world, you can expect well-priced sharing plates like grilled chicken leg with fermented hot sauce.
The Drinks List
Alasdair Shaw has curated such an appealing and wide-ranging drinks list at Sebb’s. The cocktail selection is divided into categories, including a strong showing of classics, underlining the evergreen appeal of a negroni, a martini or a French 75. There’s a choice of sours too, available with either whisky, amaretto, pisco or benedictine.
While the classics are classics for a reason, there’s more fun to be found in his bespoke creations. At Sebb’s, that could include cocktails like ‘My Sherry Amour’: a playfully named combination of raspberry sherry, sour pineapple and white chocolate. Alternatively, if you want something less fruity, why not go for the ‘Smoko Coco’ concoction of coconut, Monkey Shoulder whisky, black cardamom and ginger.
Rounding out the enticing cocktail list are two of the most fun sub-sections: the slushies and the shots. The former includes the likes of a frozen strawberry margarita, while the available shots feature the (in)famous pickle back (frozen bourbon and pickle juice), which you can also have served with your oysters.
A Word from the Inspectors
For more detail on what makes Alasdair Shaw and his team’s cocktail making so impressive, we asked one of our Inspectors about their experience.“During my visit to Sebb’s, I opted for the ‘Miso and Malt Old Fashioned’. A take on the classic bourbon-based cocktail, this creative version was round and buttery, a wonderfully smooth drink with the miso pairing harmoniously with the whisky. There was a subtle hint of passion fruit added too, for a little freshness."
“While this particular cocktail is no longer on the menu, that only goes to show the constant evolution and invention being pushed by Alasdair Shaw behind the Sebb’s bar. There will be more bespoke drinks and twists on the classics still to come, and I can’t wait to try them.”
Related Articles:
Hero Image: The bar and drinks overseen by Alasdair Shaw at Sebb's, winner of our Exceptional Cocktails Award. © Connor Stewart/Sebb's, © Naomi Vance/Sebb's
