Best Bar None Awards 2014

Thirty-two licensed venues from across Edinburgh celebrated recently after receiving official accreditation at the Best Bar None 2014 Awards ceremony.

The event, held at the Lothian Chambers at the end of November, marked the fourth year the awards have been held in the city.

The Edinburgh Reporter spoke to Councillor Eric Milligan and restaurateur James Thomson ahead of the presentation:

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The Best Bar None scheme, which is sponsored by Diageo, Molson Coors, Heineken, Tennents and Maxxium and Chivas Brothers is an integral part of the Safer Areas Initiatives throughout Scotland.

Accreditation to the scheme shows the venue and its staff have met a level of standards that assures members of the public they will be able to enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

The scheme has operated in Leith from 2011 and in the Grassmarket from 2013.  It was extended to incorporate Gorgie/Dalry this year.

 Stacey Lucas from Police Scotland, BBN Co-ordinator for Edinburgh said:

“The scheme focuses on  customer safety and care and allows each venue to demonstrate that they meet the standards set by the Government and the alcohol industry at a national level.

“The scheme  recognises and awards well managed licensed premises  and the Best Bar None award can then be used to promote their venue. The overall aim is for partner agencies; the Scottish Business Resilience Centre, City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue service, to work together with the licensed premises to create a more welcoming and safer environment  within venues across the capital.

“Congratulations to all the premises who have taken part this year.”

Councillor Eric Milligan, Convener of the Edinburgh Licensing Board, presented the awards alongside renowned Edinburgh restaurateur James Thomson.

Cllr Milligan said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to extend the Best Bar None accreditation to include licensed premises within Gorgie/Dalry.

“What started out as a pilot project in Leith was confirmed and then extended to the Old Town of Edinburgh around the Grassmarket and Cowgate.

“We have now been able to extend again to Gorgie/Dalry- an area I myself represent.

I offer my congratulations to all award winners and my appreciation to all premises that subjected themselves to this accreditation.

“I hope it will be possible during my time as Licensing Board Convenor to extend this scheme throughout the whole City.

“We have the finest pubs and restaurants in the Country and I want to lift the standard of all of them’

James Thompson added:

 “Enhancing our reputation for delivering great hospitality and a warm welcome is vital to making Edinburgh and attractive place for those who live, work or visit here.

“Hospitality workers are in the front line of delivering those experiences every day. All of today’s winners and finalists have shown great commitment to improving their service and delivering it safely. They are all working hard to ensure their guests have the most enjoyable time whilst keeping them, and the wider public, safe.

“They should all be commended and I look forward to seeing next year’s group of finalists.” 

List of Winners

Three Sisters	GOLD
Espionage	GOLD
Granary	GOLD
The Jazz Bar	GOLD
Malmaison	GOLD
Beehive Inn	GOLD
Prison Officers Club	GOLD
Opium	GOLD
Bond No. 9	GOLD
Foot of the Walk	GOLD
Leith Beer Company	SILVER
Constitution Bar	SILVER
Dropkick Murphys	SILVER
Malt & Hops	SILVER
Biddy Mulligans	SILVER
Spey Lounge	SILVER
Windsor Buffet	SILVER
Lioness of Leith	SILVER
Parlour	SILVER
Pryde’s Bar	SILVER
Polwarth Tavern	SILVER
Athletic Arms	SILVER
Victoria Park Hotel	SILVER
Cameo Bar	BRONZE
Tamsons	BRONZE
Dukes Head	BRONZE
Oz Bar	BRONZE
Greyfriars Bobby	BRONZE
Caley Sample Room	BRONZE
The Portland Bar	BRONZE
Spiers Bar	BRONZE
Harbour Inn	BRONZE