A TOP vegan cafe bar venue was last night celebrating after being named as Glasgow's Favourite Business.

Mono, in the city's King's Court, emerged ahead of five other strong candidates in the award, which is sponsored by the Evening Times.

The accolade was one of the highlights of the 2016 Glasgow Business Awards, which are organised by the city's Chamber of Commerce. The headline sponsor was Bank of Scotland.

There was joy amongst the Mono staff present when the cafe bar's name was read out by the host, Fred MacAulay. The black-tie ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow was attended by around 700 guests.

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Mono opened in 2002 with the aim of giving Glasgow a "unique and versatile space in which to eat, drink and discover new music."

The cafe bar not only stages gigs, art performances and exhibitions, but also shares its roof with an independent record shop, Monorail Music.

Mono's director, Craig Tannock and his staff were delighted to have been named the city's favourite business, the latest in a long line of winners that also includes Barrhead Travel and the Pets 'n' Vets Family.

Just two months ago Craig, in the Vegfest Express online vegan magazine, wrote: "It is already fantastic that things have moved so far in recent years that a vegan business can be considered for such an award, and when we heard about it we were really chuffed but didn't really consider that we could ever win it.

"Our thinking has changed and we now realise that we have as much chance of winning than the other worthy candidates. We have also started to realise what an amazingly positive message it would be if we were to actually win this."

The other five contenders were the St Enoch Centre mall, the West on the Green brewery/restaurant, the Clutha bar, Glasgow Science Centre and Shapes of Things, an online children's wear retailer.

Glasgow Airport was also celebrating last night after winning the Bank of Scotland award for Most Outstanding Business.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive at the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “As always, The Glasgow Business Awards were excellent night, and a huge number of businesses from across the city’s many sectors were honoured.

“Glasgow boasts a diverse business community, and it was great to see so many of them represented at the ceremony.

“Congratulations to all of the worthy winners and each of those commended. I would also like to thank our main sponsor, Bank of Scotland, which has supported the awards for 15 years, as well the individual category sponsors."

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Scott McKerracher, area director, Glasgow & West of Scotland at Bank of Scotland, said: “Yet again, The Glasgow Business Awards have presented an excellent showcase of the health, vibrancy and diversity of Glasgow and the West of Scotland’s business community.

“A big congratulations to Glasgow Airport on winning the Bank of Scotland award for Most Outstanding Business. It’s great to see such an integral part of the city’s offering and connectivity receive recognition for its success and continuing valuable contribution to the region’s bright economic outlook.”

* See tomorrow's Evening Times for a full report, with photographs, of the awards ceremony.