Galashiels pub crowned Community Bar of the Year

Niki's Lounge Bar was crowned Community Bar of the Year at the Scottish Licensed Trade Awards on Thursday night.

Local landlady Niki Fitzgerald and her husband Richard received their prize from television and stage star Denise Van Outen during a glitzy awards ceremony at the five-star Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph after the event, Niki, who next year celebrates 25 years in the business, said: "I'm just so happy. This award means everything to me.

"It was always my dream to have a pub, although I only originally planned to stay here for five years. It's now my life."

But she added: "I couldn't have done it without my customers, my staff, my son Nommie and my wonderful husband Richard. And I would like to thank them all for their support because without them Niki's Bar would not be the bar it is today."

The awards - now in their 16th year - celebrate the best pubs in Scotland and attracted entries from all over the country.

But, this year, it was third time lucky for the Balmoral bar which has been runner-up in the competition for two of the last three years.

Niki's is believed to be the first pub in the Borders to win the award, which was sponsored by Scottish ales giant McEwan's. It was shortlisted alongside The Kimberley Tavern and The Old Smiddy, both in Glasgow, after being nominated by its loyal customers.

However, the family-run pub, which is managed by Niki's son Nommie and his wife Susan, emerged victorious following a visit from a touring panel of judges - all experts in the industry.

Niki, who was presented with a cork screw shaped trophy and a giant bottle of champagne to mark the occasion, said: "I could hardly believe it when they announced we had won. I was shaking like a leaf.

"It was a fabulous night. And after the awards were presented the champagne was flowing. Ever since the announcement was made I have been inundated with texts of congratulation." But she added: "I don't do the things I do for the recognition, I do it because I love doing it, but it's nice to know others appreciate it as well."

Niki's only regret is that her son Nommie and his wife Susan were not able to attend the awards bash last week. However, she revealed she planned to throw the pub a party when they return from holiday this week.

Niki, who is renowned for raising money for local charity, as well as her support of local sports teams and her after-match stovies, said: "Nommie did joke we would probably win this year when he realised the awards took place the same week he was on holiday in Tenerife."

But she added: "He text and called me on the night and was just as excited as if he was there."

Niki, who was invited to attend the Queen's garden party at Holyrood House in Edinburgh in recognition of her charity work, revealed winning the award was even better than having tea with the Queen.

She has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the past three decades - despite being struck down by Obstructed Airwaves Disease, which can make it difficult for her to breathe.

The landlady began fundraising for the special unit of a local hospital after the mother of one of her regular's was admitted to the ward.

And, with the support of her customers, has continued to donate to various good causes, hosting numerous charity events from coffee mornings to charity head shaves, every year since.

Niki said: "That (garden party) was great but this was just wonderful."

Niki's husband Richard, who runs the outside catering side of the business, said the whole community could take pride in winning the award. He revealed one of the highlights of his night was receiving a kiss from Denise Van Outen - a former Rear of the Year winner.

Richard said: "I'm really happy for Niki. She deserves it for all the work she has done in the community over the years."

But, when asked how the bar could top this, he added: "We can't change anything in here. It's always been this way and it will always be this way - and that's why the customers keep coming back."

As well as boasting two pool teams, two dart teams, and two domino teams, the bar has also sponsored a number of local football, rugby, bowling and cricket teams in the town, as well as the local pipe band. And regulars admitted winning the award meant just as much to them as it does to Niki and her staff.

Stewart Cunningham, who is believed to be the bar's longest serving customer, said: "I love the place. Niki really knows how to look after her customers. And every night she always puts food on the table. It's the heart of the local community, a proper family pub.

"It's not really changed much over the years. I began drinking here as a 17-year-old when it was owned by the Co-op and now I'm 53.

"It has been redcorated and refurbished over the years but it's still the same place we all know and love."

The SLTN Awards recognise excellence across Scotland's diverse hospitality sector.

Congratulating Niki on her success, SLTN editor Scott Wright said: "We're living in very challenging and uncertain times, but the Scottish hospitality industry continues to shine. Tonight's winners prove that the licensed trade continues to be fertile ground for dynamism, innovation and commercial success."

Earlier this year, we reported that customers at Niki's Bar were held up as an example to the rest of Scotland after we pictured Celtic and Rangers fans standing together at the Galashiels pub before the two sides met in April. And the judges were said to be particularly impressed with our story.

But regulars insisted it has always been a friendly pub. Brian Smith said: "I've been drinking in here since the bar opened. I can come here and have a drink and feel safe. There's good patter with the old fellas. And there's never any problems, the young ones look after us. It's aye been a friendly bar. I've known Niki since she was a wee lassie and she deserves this award."

Graham Wilson went on: "It's a good community pub. There is always many of the same faces in and when strangers come in they are always made welcome by the regulars and there is always a good atmosphere in the place. They also put a lot back in to the community with their sponsorship of the local sports teams."

And Tom Brown added: "It's just a great, friendly pub. I feel grand coming along here because I have lots of mates here and it's a grand place to be."