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

Nearly 200 members of the Licensed and Hospitality industry gathered at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth, for the 3^rd Annual Citysafe Ball, incorporating for the first time this year the “Best Bar None” awards. Publicans, hoteliers, restaurant owners, training companies and licensing authorities all donned their dinner suits and posh frocks to celebrate the “cream of Plymouth’s licensed trade”.

The evening kicked off with Mess Beatings from The Corps of Drums of Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band, Plymouth, the salute being taken by Cllr Peter Brookshaw. This was followed by a fantastic 4-course dinner. The famous Frank “it’s the way I tell um” Carson provided the cabaret, and has lost none of his fast wit, even at the age of 84.

After Frank Carson, a short break, (no-one dared to leave the room while he was on), then the next, and most important stage of the evening, the presentation of the Best Bar None awards.

Before the presentations, the Chairman, Mick McDonnell made a short speech, thanking everyone for making such a splendid effort. He thanked all the sponsors of the awards, he then explained why he felt it was very important to be a member of Citysafe, after which he handed over to Mr Keith De Bruin (South West Regional Chairman of the BII) to explain how the judging was done, and how the decisions were made.

Then the presentations.

Best Community / Local, sponsored by Booker Wholesale was won by The Eagle.

Best Student Venue, sponsored by U.P.S.U. was won by Oceana

Best Charity pub, sponsored by Plymouth Gin was won by The Mount Pleasant.

Best Late Night Venue, sponsored by Excell Taxis was won by Oceana

Best Food Pub, sponsored by Punch Partnerships was won by The Elburton.

Then came the moment the whole evening had been about. The Best Bar None overall winner, chosen from the 5 category winners. Cllr Vivian Pengelly, the Leader of Plymouth City Council, opened the gold envelope and announced “ Plymouth’s Best Bar None winner 2010 is The Mount Pleasant”. This was greeted by a standing ovation from all the guests, and a fanfare by the Royal Marines.

Keith De Bruin, BII South West Chairman added ” The quality of the entries were outstanding, personally I was very impressed with all the applications. If  we were able to roll this expertise across the rest of the licensed sector the night time economy would look a far more attractive place, not only to the residents of Plymouth but to the tourists we so badly need and quite frankly deserve.”

After the presentations the evening was finished off with music and song from Mr David Whitfield, who compared the whole evening