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

Which are Northampton’s best licensed premises?  And who is the best of the best?

The wait will be over for 13 venues next Wednesday when the town centre bar, pub and club judged to provide the most safe and enjoyable environment for their customers are named in the Best Bar None awards.

Best Bar None is a scheme that rewards venues that go the extra mile to show that they are well-managed and take customer safety and the prevention of crime and disorder seriously. 

The scheme was launched by Northampton Pubwatch with support from the Northampton Community Safety Partnership to help create a safer town and recognise the pubs, bars and clubs that are working hard to reduce alcohol related disorder and promote responsible drinking.

Twenty four venues took part and were assessed on a number of criteria including good management, the prevention of crime and disorder and taking wider responsibility on issues like binge drinking.

They were visited by specially trained assessors from Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire Police, Northamptonshire Fire & rescue and other partners from across the county and now the winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Cordwainer in the Ridings, Northampton, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 3 November.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Jelley of Northamptonshire Police will present the awards to the three winners and three runners-up and 13 premises will be given Best Bar None Accreditation.

Neil Bartholomey, chairman of Northampton Pubwatch said:  “Best Bar None gives licensees the opportunity to look at their procedures. I know they will see that they are already doing everything that is essential, but this will give them the chance to see what they can do that will take them over and above what is expected so that they can prove that they are doing all they can to make Northampton a safer place.