Oak Tree Inn Celebrates Another SLTN Award Win

We are delighted to report that The Oak Tree Inn, now in its twenty-ninth year, has secured a significant SLTN honour. The popular family-owned venue in Balmaha has been crowned Independent Pub/Bar of the Year once again.

SLTN stands for Scottish Licensed Trade News, Scotland’s leading publication for the hospitality, pub, bar and drinks industry. The Oak Tree Inn first won the Independent Pub/Bar of the Year award in 2015 and was also later recognised as SLTN Gastropub of the Year in 2022.

The latest award was presented early in November at a major ceremony at the Glasgow Hilton by Scottish actor Alan Cumming, who handed the trophy to Stuart and Lucy Fraser alongside members of the Oak Tree team.

The SLTN Independent Pub/Bar of the Year category recognises businesses that embrace independence, respond to customer needs and demonstrate both popularity and commercial success. Judges look for strong operating standards, well-trained staff, seasonal food and drink, community involvement and a lively programme of events supported by engaging social media activity.

Steven Dobbin, Group Operations Manager at The Oak Tree Inn, said: “We’re absolutely delighted. Working as an independent business brings its own challenges, especially when competing with larger operators, but it also allows us to deliver a warm, personal service that our guests appreciate. This recognition is a huge boost for the whole team.”

If anything has defined The Oak Tree Inn's success, it is that the business never stands still. Over nearly three decades, the company has grown steadily and thoughtfully, adding new accommodation, a village shop and the ever-popular St Mocha Coffee Shops in Balmaha, Aberfoyle and Carbeth, serving coffee roasted by their own Loch Lomond Coffee Co.

More recently, The Oak Tree Inn has expanded its event and meeting spaces, including an innovative vintage bus converted into a lochside venue, and a versatile meeting space within The Roastery. Both have quickly become favourites with visitors seeking something a little different. Last year also saw the launch of ‘Hunt the Haggis’, a fun activity that proved an instant hit with families visiting Balmaha.

As Steven explained, a spell of glorious spring weather gave the 2025 season a flying start, and momentum stayed strong throughout. “Like the rest of the industry, we’ve felt the pressure of rising costs across the board, but our beautiful location continues to draw visitors, which makes a real difference.”

 The business remains one of the area’s leading employers. At the height of the season, The Oak Tree Inn employs around 140 staff. Across the wider Conic Group – incorporating the St Mocha venues, Lomond Kitchen and Loch Lomond Coffee Co. – more than 190 people were working during the summer.

 With another season just around the corner, the mix of day-trippers, West Highland Way walkers and visitors from across the UK and the world will soon return in force. The team is preparing to launch a collection of stunning new bedrooms in the coming months, including rooms with spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views over Loch Lomond. Sustainability remains a key focus, with ongoing investment in renewable energy and green initiatives. More than 300 solar panels power much of the site, including EV charging ports.

The final words go to the Fraser family, who have asked us to share their sincere appreciation for SLTN, their amazing staff and all their valued customers - twenty-eight years and still going strong!