Winchester pubs, bars and restaurants at Best Bar None Awards

The awards were held on Wednesday September 6 at Winchester Cathedral's refectory.

Some 11 venues took part in the Winchester Best Bar None assessment scheme with all of them achieving accreditation. 

The national accreditation scheme runs in cities and towns 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 the participating venues achieved a very high standard this year.

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Five gold awards went to Alfies, The Eclipse Inn, The Mucky Duck, O'Neill's and The Westgate. Six silver awards went to The Bishop on the Bridge, County Arms, The Old Gaolhouse, Pitcher and Piano, The Royal Oak and The William Walker.

Gold Accredited Best Independent was awarded to The Eclipse Inn.

Gold Accredited Venue Overall winner was awarded to O'Neill's.

Gold Accredited Venue Overall runner-up was awarded to The Westgate.

The scheme is coordinated by Jane Bastock, business crime reduction manager at Winchester Business Improvement District (BID).

She said: “This is the seventh 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 longest 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 and safer social environment for the city of Winchester. 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.

“The participating venues demonstrated a very high standard this year and we hope this will encourage even more venues in the city to take part next year."

Paul Spencer, executive director at Winchester BID, said: “Congratulations to this year’s Best Bar None accredited venues which have all demonstrated the important role they are playing in helping to ensure that Winchester is a safe place to visit and enjoy the night-time offer. They should all be very pleased of their achievements and of how well-managed their venues are.” 

Winchester Best Bar None was organised by Winchester BID and supported by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Winchester City Council and University of Winchester.