LICENSED premises across Cumbria have ‘raised the bar’ at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Representatives from 17 organisations in the Best Bar None accreditation scheme were praised for their contributions to improved safety and standards in the local industry at the gathering held yesterday (Wednesday).

The big winners on the day were Whitehaven Civic Hall and Walkabout, in Carlisle, who received the ‘Best in West Cumbria’ and ‘Best in North Cumbria’ awards respectively.

The national Best Bar None scheme was rolled out to premises in Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle earlier this year in a bid to encourage licensees to strive for nationally-recognised accreditation.

All 17 premises who went through the rigorous assessment process successfully achieved the accreditation – with a number reaching Gold Standard – and all were presented with their certificates at the ceremony held at Carlisle Racecourse.

The awards went to:
West Cumbria
Paduas, Workington – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
Bubbles/Manhattans, Whitehaven – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
Joe Bananas, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category
Whitehaven Civic Hall – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category; Best Large Entertainment Venue; and Best in West Cumbria
Shakers Cocktail Bar, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Small Pub category; and Best Small Pub
The Whittington Cat, Whitehaven – accredited in the Large Pub category
The Henry Bessemer, Workington – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category
The Bransty Arch, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category; and Best Large Pub

North Cumbria
The Bombshelter – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
Walkabout – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category; Best Large Entertainment Venue; and Best in North Cumbria
The Harraby Inn – accredited in the Large Pub category
Toby Carvery – accredited in the Large Pub category
The Cumberland - accredited in the Large Pub category
The Caledonian - accredited in the Large Pub category
The Griffin – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category; and Best Large Pub
301 Miles – Gold Standard in the Small Pub category; and Best Small Pub
Carlisle Racecourse – Gold Standard in the Large Function Venue category; and Best Large Function Venue

Presenting the awards were Assistant Chief Constable Andy Slattery, Superintendent Matt Kennerley, and Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland.

Mr Starkie said: “Promoting the responsible management and operation of licensed premises is beneficial for everyone; from the licensees and their customers, to the local licensing authorities and emergency services.

“Many congratulations to the premises being recognised with the national Best Bar None stamp; it offers a significant boost to their reputation in that they can show customers that they are working hard to achieve and maintain high standards.

“The number that have achieved success in Copeland only goes to strengthen the message that our borough is a safe place to enjoy a night out.”

Sergeant Scott Adams is the licensing officer for North Cumbria. He said: “We believe the scheme has been a great success, with licensed premises joining up to add to the service they provide as they aim to give the best and safest night out for their customers.

“It’s been fantastic to see those involved here today and I’d like to congratulate the winners and all those taking part.”

Sergeant Mitchell Franks has been involved in the scheme for the police in West Cumbria. He said: “Schemes such as this can only improve those venues taking part and deliver the aim of a night-time economy free from crime and disorder.

“The aim has been to ensure customers who wish to enjoy themselves on a night out do so in safe and vibrant venues.

“I would encourage licensees to register for the scheme and embrace the ideals of Best Bar None. We will be launching Best Bar None 2020 in January and extending it across a wider part of West Cumbria.”

The local scheme has been organised by the district authorities and Cumbria Constabulary, with support from Cumbria County Council, the West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership, and Pubwatch. It is run by steering groups made up of police, local authority and industry representatives. Particular thanks were extended to Pauline Cullen, secretary of Whitehaven Pubwatch, for her “commitment and hard work” towards the scheme.