News archive

The bar was raised on Monday night (30 September) when the winners of Woking Best Bar None 2013 were revealed at an awards evening held at the H.G. Wells Conference and Events Centre.

The event, sponsored by Miller Brands UK and organised by Woking Borough Council, was held to celebrate and reward the responsible management of licensed premises in the Borough, with 31 local pubs, bars and restaurants registering for this year's scheme.

More than 150 guests from local licensed premises joined the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Anne Roberts; Member of Parliament for Woking, Jonathan Lord; Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Licensing, Cllr Ashley Bowes and other distinguished guests to discover the winning premises.

The awards were hosted by 96.4 Eagle Radio presenter, Stuart Provan and the winners were:

Jonathan Bennett, Head of Corporate Affairs for Miller Brands UK, said: "We have been proud to sponsor Woking Best Bar None for the second year. It's at the heart of the community as it encourages responsibility within licensed premises, whilst ensuring a safe night-time economy. Venues across the Borough have really got behind Best Bar None and an award lets patrons know they strive for the best possible standards.

"I'd like to extend my congratulations to all the winners of the scheme, particularly The Cricketers, who were awarded the Miller Brands UK Overall Best Bar None for implementing community initiatives and achieving the highest level of accreditation."

Cllr Ashley Bowes, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Licensing, said: "Congratulations to all the winners of Woking Best Bar None 2013, those premises who have achieved their gold, silver and bronze certification and all those premises who took part in the scheme. A lot of hard work goes into Woking Best Bar None and I believe the scheme is important in ensuring that Woking remains a healthy and safe place to live, work and socialise."

Venues that signed up to the scheme were visited by licensing officers from Woking Borough Council and Surrey Police during the summer to assess how well they met current licensing and trading laws. Points were awarded for steps taken to prevent crime and disorder; plans for ensuring public safety; dealing with public nuisance like noise, litter and waste; and demonstrating steps to protect children from harm, such as having a robust proof of age policy in place. Those meeting the Best Bar None criteria are accredited to the scheme with a gold, silver or bronze sticker to display in their premises' window.

All those who voted for their favourite premises in the Woking Advertiser Public Choice Award will be entered into a prize draw for their chance to win one of two iPad minis, courtesy of the Woking Best Bar None sponsor, Miller Brands UK. The winners will be revealed shortly.

Woking Best Bar None would like to thank its sponsor, Miller Brands UK, and supporters the Woking Advertiser, Surrey Alcohol Responsibility Initiative (SARI), Drinkaware and Eagle Radio for their invaluable support of the scheme.

To register your interest in next year's Woking Best Bar None, or to provide feedback on this year's scheme, please contact Woking Borough Council's Licensing Officer, Sam Marshall, on 01483 743650 or email [email protected]