City venues prove they are Best Bar None

09 November 2016

Over 40 pubs, clubs and nightclubs in Aberdeen have triumphed in the Best Bar None awards – an initiative which aims to create a safer and more welcoming licensing environment across Aberdeen and to boost the night-time economy.

Each business that applied for accreditation was visited by an independent assessor and judged on their efforts around the prevention of crime and disorder, securing public safety, prevention of public nuisance, promotion of public health and the protection of children from harm.

Venues which demonstrated a passing score in all of the key criteria were allocated a Bronze accreditation. Silver and Gold accreditations were allocated to venues which went above and beyond to achieve the five objectives.

Aberdeen City Council Licensing Board Convener Councillor Marie Boulton said: "It has been fantastic to see the Best Bar None initiative grow in Aberdeen over the past 10 years.

“For a business to hang a Best Bar None plaque in their premises is a great honour.

“All of our winners must be commended for proving they have what it takes to receive accreditation. It not only demonstrates their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for customers but also shows that they are keen to build a positive relationship between the licensed trade, police and local authority.

“I offer many congratulations to all our newly-accredited licensed premises."

Winners were announced during a ceremony at the Douglas Hotel on Tuesday 8 November 2016.

Best Pub
Gold - Slains Castle, The Bobbin, Ma Camerons, The Globe, Old Blackfriars, The Old School House
Silver - The Prince of Wales, The Northern Bar, The Abercrombie Bar, The Archibald Simpson
Bronze - The Butchers Arms

Best Independent Pub
Gold - Malone’s Irish Bar, McNastys, The Noose and Monkey, The Wig
Silver - Aitchies Ale House

Best Bar
Gold – Revolution, The Albyn, Campus, Halo Bar, Holburn Bar, The Justice Mill, Triplekirks, The Wild Boar

Best Independent Bar
Gold - Siberia Vodka Bar, The Boozy Cow, The College, Soul Bar
Silver - Cheerz Bar, Cafe Drummond, The Vulture Lounge

Best Hotel Bar
Gold - Molly’s Bistro, Carmelite Hotel, The Copthorne Hotel

Best Nightclub
Gold – Babylon, Garage Aberdeen, Exodus, The Institute, The Tunnels
Silver - Cheerz Nightclub

Specialist Entertainment
Gold - Grosvenor Casino, Aberdeen Football ClubSilver - Gala Bingo Aberdeen

Overall winners
Pub - Old Blackfriars
Independent pub - Malone’s Irish
PubBar - Halo Bar
Independent bar - Soul Bar
Hotel Bar - The Copthorne Hotel
Nightclub - Garage Aberdeen
Specialist Entertainment - Grosvenor Casino Aberdeen

Specialist Categories:

Winner Best Newcomer
The Boozy Cow

Winner Purple Flag
Stuart McPhee on behalf of Belmont Street

Winner Best Public Health Initiative
Soul Bar

Highly Commended Heart of the Community
The Boozy Cow

Winner Heart of the Community
The Holburn Bar

The People’s Choice Award
Siberia Vodka Bar

All of the overall winners and those in the specialist categories will also be nominated in their respective category in the Best Bar None national awards in early 2017.