Best Bar None - the UK's national awards scheme for best practice in the licensed trade

Doncaster Council’s Best Bar None scheme celebrated the town's success with a celebratory awards night at Keepmoat Stadium on Monday 24^th January.

The awards night, which rewards licensees for the safe and responsible management of licensed premises, saw guests dressed up for the theme of “Chicago The Musical”.

More than 300 guests and licensees attended the night, which was hosted by Doncaster radio station Sine FM and sponsored by John Smiths, Britvic and Highfield ABC . A charity fund organised by Best Bar None managers raised £2560, which will be donated to The Aurora Centre.

The overall 2011 Doncaster Best Bar None Winners award went to Manana Manana and was presented by Mayor of Doncaster Peter Davies. The Bradford Row venue also scooped the best town centre Bar award.  

Richard McIvor, who co-owns Manana Manana with his brother David said: “All our staff are over the moon with the results, we’ve put a lot of work in over the last 12 months and it’s paid off with us reclaiming the Best Bar and Overall winners titles this year. Best Bar None has helped a lot over the years and I think we now probably have the best trained staff in the area. This proves that Manana Manana is a great place to enjoy a night out and arguably the best bar in Doncaster!”

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, opened the awards night, and said afterwards: “I’d like to congratulate all the winners of tonight’s awards and I’m pleased to see the Best Bar None scheme celebrating the most responsible establishments in Doncaster. These venues have raised the bar yet again and I’m sure that next year they’ll have strong competition for their awards.

"Doncaster known throughout Yorkshire for a vibrant and exciting night out, and I hope the winners of these awards will continue to make sure people are enjoying themselves and spending their hard-earned money here!”

The Dome won the 2011 Best Leisure Venue award, beating last year’s winner Keepmoat Stadium into second place. Flares and Reflex claimed the club of the year, with Goose on Hallgate taking the Best Pub award. Community pub awards went to The Dog Daisy in Mexborough for the West and North of the borough and Ziniz in Bawtry for the South and East.

There are also additional awards, which are voted for by the public. The Doncaster Free Press award for “Friendliest Atmosphere” was won by Number 15 in the town centre and The Dog Daisy at Mexborough for the Community Pub.

For the first time Doncaster’s bouncers have been rewarded for their efforts. Sponsored by Sine FM and Prosec UK the winner of the “Best on Door” award was The St. Leger Tavern.