Battle of the bars – finalists announced 18 March 2007
The finalists of Safe Newcastle’s Best Bar None scheme are revealed today with some of the biggest players in the licensed industry set to battle it out between them. Ultimate Leisure, Fluid Group and Ladhar Leisure all have venues competing for the ultimate prize of Best Bar None Overall Winner.
Set up and organised by community safety partnership Safe Newcastle, Best Bar None assesses pubs, bars and clubs on the policies and procedures put in place to reduce alcohol related disorder and promote responsible drinking. Those that meet the stringent standards are then awarded accredited status. The top scoring venues in each of the categories of Pub, Bar and Club were shortlisted as finalists. They will present before a panel of judges on the 21 March. Seventy-four venues entered the scheme, with the finalists whittled down to 16.
Councillor Anita Lower Executive Member for Transformation, Modernisation and Regulation said “The City Council and the Licensing Authority fully endorses the Best Bar None scheme. It allows us to work in an effective partnership with the licensed trade whilst importantly at the same time, award and recognise the responsible operators who have embraced the ethos of Best Bar None.
“The leisure economy, which includes all licensed premises which operate in both the daytime and night-time economies, is recognised by the City Council and the Licensing Authority as very important for the development of Newcastle. We also recognise the pressures from many sources that the licensed trade continues to face and we look forward to the continued partnership working that the Best Bar None scheme represents.”
Sitting on the panel of judges is senior management from Safe Newcastle’s partners such as the police, the local authority, Security Industry Authority, the PCT, the fire service and Metro Radio. They will be looking at their policies and procedures and why the venues think they should be crowned best Bar None.
The Best Bar None process began in September. Venues had to complete an application form and receive an inspection visit to evidence their polices and procedures. Inspection teams were officers from agencies such as the police, the fire service, the council, SIA and the PCT.
The top five scoring venues were then shortlisted for awards. The bar category was particularly tough, with six venues being selected.
Last year saw Mandy Davison from Fluid Bar take the top prize of Best Bar None Overall Winner and Gold Award for the bar category. Mandy is in the running again with her latest management role at Barluga. Mandy said "To have three of our premises into the final stage of the competition is a great achievement for Fluid Group. We believe that it is our duty as licensees to focus on public safety, responsible drinking and the effects on society of the industry, Newcastle is a great city and the number of venues recognised by the scheme reflects this.”
Hoping to put some silverware in the St James’ trophy cabinet is Chris Reed from Shearer’s Bar. He told us “I’m proud that Shearer’s has been shortlisted in the bar category of such an important competition. We have recently introduced new polices designed to support the wellbeing and safety of all of our customers and clearly Safe Newcastle have noted this.”
Ladhar Leisure have three venues battling it out, including husband and wife, Daniel and Claire Metcalf. They will be presenting Offshore 44 and Red House/Bob Trollops.
Manager Dale Holden from Blu Bambu won the Gold Award for Club category last year. This year he is up against five of his fellow Ultimate Leisure venues. Dale said “As last years winner in the club category of the awards we have set ourselves a high target to better this year’s application. Although having last year’s application form to hand, it was just as difficult to make sure we get our message across to the judges. I have enjoyed the challenge in entering this year, with more more entrants that last year it should be an interesting, yet nervous awards night.
“This year Ultimate Leisure has been expanding; because of this, the company has five venues in the next phase of judging. Going head to head with other companies’ policies is tough enough, but competing against the same company policies is incredibly tough. It is down to the individual to pull it out of the bag for the venues to come away with the awards.”
The only finalist outside the city centre is The New Three Mile Inn, managed by Lysanne Gillespie. Lysanne told us “I am absolutely delighted that The New Three Mile Inn has been chosen as a finalist in this year’s Best Bar None competition. Receiving such prestigious recognition is extremely rewarding for both customers and staff. We are all very excited and will be working especially hard in an effort to secure the winners trophy.”
Cllr Gareth Cooper, Chair of Safe Newcastle added “It really is a credit to our finalists that they have been shortlisted. The competition is tough, really tough and they will need to pull out all the stops to win.
“This year we have 67 venues that have been accredited. That means that they have proven to all the authorities that they are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for their customers and staff. They deserve a pat on the back and that is why we have the awards.
“By taking part in the scheme, these venues have demonstrated their professionalism and keenness to work in partnership with Safe Newcastle. By working together we can create a safer city for those who live, visit and work in Newcastle.”
The awards ceremony is sponsored by MNX Security Ltd this year. Company Director, Diane Thomas said “MNX Security is proud to be sponsoring the 2007 Best Bar None Awards. The issues brought to light by an event such as this are ones that we deal with on a day to day basis.
“Ensuring the safety and well being of our clients and their customers is our primary objective, therefore being presented with an opportunity to promote responsible drinking alongside Safe Newcastle and Northumbria Police in our own community, whilst supporting the very deserving Just For Kids charity is something we feel honoured to be a part of.”
The winners will be announced at a glitzy black tie awards ceremony on 25 March at the Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel. Hosting the event is Wayne Tunniclife from Metro Radio. He said
“Its fantastic that there is an awards scheme that celebrates the venues that take their customer’s safety seriously. I tell everyone to look for the Best Bar None logo when they are out partying.
“I talk to a lot of the managers from the bars and clubs and I know there is a real element of competition as everyone wants to be known as the Best Bar None winner in Newcastle. We’ll just have to wait to the Awards Ceremony to find out who’s won – but it should be exciting!”
The Awards Ceremony will be attended by a number of VIPs including the Leader of the Council and Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Mike Craik. Live entertainment will be provided by 80s soul legend Alexander O’Neal. All proceeds raised from the night go to Metro Radio’s Just for Kids Charity, helping disadvantaged children in the region.
The finalists this year are:
Club Category: Blu Bambu, Digital, Legends, Sea and The Attic.
Pub Category: Luckies Corner Bar, Offshore 44, Red House/Bob Trollops, The Lodge and The New Three Mile Inn.
Bar Category: Barluga, Shearer’s Bar, The City Vaults, The Lodge, The Mushroom, The Quilted Camel and Yates Wine Lodge.
Best Bar None fits in with Safe Newcastle’s commitment, to make Newcastle a safer place for those who live, visit, and work in the city.