The licensed premises industry of Gloucester came together on the night of Tuesday 22 January to celebrate the accreditation of the city’s pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs to the annual Best Bar None scheme. BBN is a national award scheme aimed at responsible management & operation of alcohol licensed premises.

Seventeen businesses were recognised for their commitment to promoting responsible drinking and proving a vibrant and safe environment for their customers and staff. Best Bar None is a countrywide accreditation scheme with national awards supported by the Home Office and the drinks industry. This year, the awards ceremony was held at Gloucester Guildhall alongside a gala dinner. Winners were announced for individual categories including Best Chain Pub, Best Independent Pub and Best Food Experience; before the best overall winners were announced.  Once again, Butlers Venue Bar took home the Gold award with Gloucester Guildhall taking Silver and Atik taking the Bronze.

The full list of winners:

Gold Award 2019 – Butlers Venue Bar

Silver Award 2019 – Gloucester Guildhall

Bronze Award 2019 – Atik – Gloucester

Best Chain Pub – The Abbey

Best Independent Pub – Tank

Best Chain Late Bar / Club – Atik – Gloucester

Best Independent Late Bar / Club – Butlers Venue Bar

Best Family / Community Pub – Turmut Hoer

Best Small Local Pub – Angies

Best Food Experience – Portivo Lounge

Best Newcomer BBN 2019 – The Abbey

Accredited Venues:

The Abbey                                                                          Angies

Atik – Gloucester                                                             Bumble Bee

Butlers Venue Bar                                                           The Chambers

Fox & Elm                                                                         Gloucester Guildhall

The Lord High Constable of England                         Miller & Carter – Gloucester

One Eyed Jacks                                                                Pike & Musket

Portivo Lounge                                                                 The Regal

Tank                                                                                    Turmut Hoer

Wagon and Horses

Venues who signed up to Best Bar None in Gloucester this year were assessed (or should we say ‘grilled’?)  by two independent, specially trained assessors who ‘Scored’ against criteria set nationally by the Best Bar None scheme. To reach accredited status, each venue had to meet 42 Essential criteria that relate to cornerstones of the Licensing Act including prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm. In addition, Best Bar None assessment takes into consideration staff training and community engagement.

Councillor Jennie Watkins, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: “The Best Bar None awards scheme is now in its fourth year in Gloucester and we are delighted to see it growing, with even more local businesses taking part this year. It really does go to show that our licensed premises in the city have a responsible attitude to safe and sensible drinking. Gloucester City Council and partners support Best Bar None as a fantastic way to recognise this and reward them for their efforts.  The success of the scheme demonstrates that we are all pulling together to make the city an even safer and more enjoyable experience at night time.”

The Best Bar None scheme in Gloucester is organized in partnership between Gloucester City Council & The Police Licensing Teams.  The scheme is funded by Gloucester City Council & the Gloucester Business Improvement District. The awards ceremony was organised by Marketing Gloucester.