On the evening of 7th September, we welcomed 60 guests to the Guildhall for the Winchester Best Bar None 2016 awards. The prestigious title was scooped by Winchester’s popular watering-hole, O’Neill’s.
Best Bar None is a long-standing award scheme which improves the overall vitality and quality of Winchester’s nightlife by ensuring participating venues adhere to a set of criteria which promote safety, responsible management and licensing.
Any premises can enter the yearly awards and Winchester BID encourages those who have not previously participated to do so.
This year 8 businesses gained the prestigious accreditation and were presented with trophies by Claire Taylor (District Commander Chief Inspector for Hampshire) and Jane Bastock (Crime Reduction Officer at Winchester BID) who coordinates Winchester Best Bar None. Premises who gained accreditation are; The Westgate, Alfies, The Old Gaolhouse, The Slug and Lettuce, County Arms, Royal Oak, Exchange and O’Neill’s. Congratulations to these venues who passed the scrutiny of 6 judges on the Best Bar None panel.
The overall all winner of Winchester Best Bar None was O’Neill’s, who scooped the award for the second year running. O’Neill’s have demonstrated a level of excellence above and beyond other Winchester establishments. After winning the Winchester heat, they will now go on to the National Best Bar None heat at the House of Lords and here they will have the chance to battle other contenders for the overall Best Bar None crown.
The evening highlighted the level of excellence of the city’s nightlife and this is mirrored by low crime levels and the wonderful extras that the city offers, such as Winchester Street Pastors, who look after people who may become in trouble after a night out.
If you would like to participate in next year’s Best bar None competition, please contact Jane Bastock.
