A RIVERSIDE pub in the centre of Winchester has been named as the best boozer in the city - and the most safest.
The Bishop on the Bridge, in High Street, was named Best Overall pub at the sixth Best Bar None Awards, took place on Thursday, September 1 at the University of Winchester.
Best Newcomer was awarded to Inn the Park and The Eclipse Inn, in The Square, was also named Best Independent.
Having been a pub since 1750, with parts of the building dating back to 1540, The Eclipse Inn boasts plenty of history - and even has a resident ghost called Lady Lisle.
READ MORE: The Eclipse Inn - is this Hampshire's most haunted pub?
Owner Michelle Tempest said: "We are so proud of our staff for achieving these magnificent awards. Together our staff worked to submit 166 pages of evidence for consideration by Winchester BID and Winchester City Council to prove that we are doing everything we can to support both staff and customers. We hope Lady Lisle likes her new silverware!”
Twelve venues took part in the Winchester Best Bar None assessment scheme with 11 venues achieving accreditation status.
Each venue that entered the scheme was required to meet the National Accreditation’s criteria.
The national accreditation scheme runs in cities and towns around the country and is an opportunity for local pubs, bars and restaurants to be recognised for keeping standards high and creating a safer environment for revellers in the city.
A national Best Bar None judging system then assesses and accredits the score received by each venue. It was recognised that venues achieved a high standard despite the challenges that Covid-19 has presented within the industry, and thus prevented the scheme taking place for the past two years.
With 11 local venues achieving accreditation status, there were seven silver awards accredited to The Eclipse Inn, Inn the Park, The Mucky Duck, The Old Gaolhouse, The Royal Oak, The Westgate and the William Walker. Four Gold accredited awards went to Alfie’s, Bishop on the Bridge, O’Neill’s and Pitcher and Piano.
The scheme is co-ordinated by Jane Bastock, Business Crime Reduction Manager at Winchester Business Improvement District (BID).
He said: “This is the sixth year we have taken part in this local scheme that forms part of the national project aimed at promoting safety and high standards for pubs, bars and restaurants, and this is the longer running Best Bar None scheme in Hampshire.
"It is a great achievement for all the venues who have worked exceptionally hard, above and beyond the required standards, ensuring a better safer social environment for the city of Winchester.
"The Winchester Best Bar None scheme sought not just to accredit venues, but to also recognise those venues that not only achieved all the “essential” criteria required, but were also successful against the “bonus” criteria. It is an excellent endorsement not only for the individual venues directly, but collectively as Winchester’s night-time economy, helping to establish Winchester as safe and responsible evening destination.
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"This scheme also encourages local businesses to share best practice, and build good working relationships with the police and local authorities. The competitive nature of the scheme keeps businesses continually on the lookout for innovative ideas to improve and creates healthy competition between the venues.”
The event was hosted by Winchester BID, with the awards presented by Police Chief Inspector Jon Turton, Divisional Commander for Winchester.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of this event and to present the awards to the venues. This is a fantastic way of raising operating standards and in doing so making Winchester a safer place to visit. They have all worked incredibly hard and should be proud of their achievements. I’d like to congratulate all of the venues and also recognise the hard work of the teams from Winchester BID, Winchester City Council and the University of Winchester for making this event possible.”
Photpgrapher Stuart Martin captured the event in photos, click the top image to see pictures from the night.
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