SEVEN licensed premises in Whitehaven have applied for a prestigious national accreditation.

The premises have signed up to be part of Best Bar None Whitehaven – a scheme aimed at increasing safety and improving standards – and are in the process of being assessed.

If they successfully pass their assessment, the businesses will receive the significant Best Bar None status and the improved reputation, footfall and customer confidence it brings. They will also be eligible for an awards ceremony held in Carlisle in November.

The businesses that are currently under assessment are: The Bransty Arch (Wetherspoons), The Whittington Cat, Shakers, Joe Bananas, The Globe, Whitehaven Civic Hall and TJs/Manhattans/Bubbles.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “There are significant benefits of a premises being recognised with the Best Bar None stamp. Primarily it offers a boost to their reputation in that they can show customers that they are working hard to achieve and maintain high standards.

“It also offers the opportunity to share best practice with colleagues, and invest in their staff in terms of training.

“I am pleased that a number of venues in Whitehaven have taken the chance to strive for this much sought-after recognition, and I’d urge all those who haven’t yet to make an application.

“With schemes like Pubwatch already achieving great results, I am delighted that Best Bar None is being adopted here to further strengthen the message that Whitehaven - and Copeland as a whole - are safe places to enjoy a night out.”

The scheme has been organised by Copeland Council and Cumbria Constabulary, with support from Cumbria County Council, the West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership, and Pubwatch. It is run locally by a Steering Group made up of police, local authority and industry representatives.


All premises in Whitehaven are currently eligible to participate, and it is hoped the scheme will be extended to other areas in the future.