We were thrilled to host Canterbury’s second annual Best Bar None awards this week with 30 businesses in the city now accredited, up from 19 in 2023.
Thirteen awards were given out for the highest scores in the accreditation process and for staff who go above and beyond. Congratulations to the winners and to everyone for achieving this incredibly high standard that demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible alcohol management, excellence in safety and excellence in customer service.
Best Bar None is a nationally recognised scheme that provides businesses with an official, independent accreditation that shows customers how hard they work to provide a safe and welcoming place to visit while they are out socialising.
The award ceremony took place on 15 May 2024 at the Kent Cricket Spitfire Ground where a glittering award ceremony paid tribute the 30 venues that have achieved Best Bar None accreditation this year. Canterbury remains the leading location for accredited venues in Kent.
The awards ceremony was also an opportunity to award thirteen venues and individuals for their outstanding achievements in keeping our community safe. Awards were given to The Venue, Club Chemistry, The Ballroom, The Unicorn Inn, Boom Battle Bar, and McDonald’s, while staff from The Westgate Inn, JD Wetherspoon, Boom Battle Bar, Club Chemistry and ABV Bars were given individual awards.
These awards were based on the highest scores achieved in the Best Bar None accreditation process (6 categories):
- Best Venue Management: The Venue
- Best Staff Training & Care: Club Chemistry
- Best Customer Safety & Welfare: The Ballroom
- Best Customer Safety & Community: The Unicorn Inn
- Best Newcomer: Boom Battle Bar
- Best Overall Venue: The Venue
These are individual and special awards based on the stories submitted by management about their staff going over and beyond
- Best Commitment to ENTE Safety & Prevention:
Charles Smythe, ABV Bars (Dolphin, Black Griffin, Seven Stars & Old City Bar) - Best Dedicated Staff Member: Mary Baker, Club Chemistry
- Best Event Safety: Under 18s, Club Chemistry
- Best Community Experience: McDonald’s Canterbury
- Best Op Lester Anti-Spiking Promotion & Awareness: Club Chemistry
- Special Recognition – Bystander Award:
Olaoluwabode Olanrele, Boom Battle Bar
Jade Wilson, The Westgate Inn, JD Wetherspoon
Lisa Carlson, CEO Canterbury BID said:
‘Canterbury has been the proud receiver of Purple Flag for 12 years, thanks to the existing partnership working between agencies, police and businesses. That has led us being in a really strong position to roll out Best Bar None in 2023, and we have gone from 19 businesses accreditations in that year to 30 this year.
‘We were delighted to be able to dedicate an evening to showcasing the amazing work our businesses do to keep us safe, and the awards allowed them to be on the other side of the bar for a change.’
CLICK HERE to see full event photo album
The 30 venues to receive Best Bar None accreditation were:
Boom Battle Bar, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and Precincts, Citi Terrace, Club Chemistry, Kent County Cricket Club, Las Iguanas, Matches Sports Bar and Social, McDonald’s Canterbury, Old City Bar, The Ballroom, The Bishops Finger, The Black Griffin, The Cherry Tree, The Cuban, The Dolphin, The Foundry BrewPub, The Lady Luck, The Lounge, The Old Buttermarket, The Penny Theatre, The Pound, The Seven Stars, The Shakespeare, The Thomas Ingoldsby, JD Wetherspoon, The Unicorn Inn, The Venue, The West Gate Inn, JD Wetherspoon, Tokyo Tea Rooms, Woody’s and Ye Olde Beverlie. Congratulations to everyone!
