LICENSED premises across Cumbria have raised the bar at an awards ceremony.

The big winners in the Best Bar None scheme were Whitehaven Civic Hall and Walkabout in Carlisle who received awards for the best in West Cumbria and North Cumbria.

Paduas in Workington; The Whittington Cat and Shakers Cocktail Bar in Whitehaven and The Cumberland and The Caledonian in Carlisle were also included in the winners’ list.

The national Best Bar None scheme was rolled out to premises in Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle earlier this year in a bid to encourage licensees to strive for nationally-recognised accreditation.

All 17 premises who went through the rigorous assessment process successfully achieved the accreditation and were presented with a certificates at the ceremony held at Carlisle Racecourse.

Sergeant Mitchell Franks has been involved in the scheme on behalf of the police in West Cumbria. He said: “Schemes such as this can only improve those venues taking part and deliver the aim of a night-time economy free from crime and disorder.

“The aim has been to ensure customers who wish to enjoy themselves on a night out do so in safe and vibrant venues.

“I would encourage licensees to register for the scheme and embrace the ideals of Best Bar None. We will be launching Best Bar None 2020 in January and extending it across a wider part of West Cumbria.”

Sergeant Scott Adams, licensing officer for North Cumbria, said: “We believe the scheme has been a great success, with licensed premises joining up to add to the service they provide as they aim to give the best and safest night out for their customers.”

The awards were presented by assistant chief constable Andy Slattery and superintendent Matt Kennerley from Cumbria Police and Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland.

Mr Starkie said: “Promoting the responsible management and operation of licensed premises is beneficial for everyone; from the licensees and their customers, to the local licensing authorities and emergency services.

“Many congratulations to the premises being recognised with the national Best Bar None stamp; it offers a significant boost to their reputation in that they can show customers that they are working hard to achieve and maintain high standards.

“The number that have achieved success in Copeland only goes to strengthen the message that our borough is a safe place to enjoy a night out.”

The local scheme has been organised by the district authorities and Cumbria Constabulary, with support from Cumbria County Council, the West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership, and Pubwatch. It is run by steering groups made up of police, local authority and industry representatives. Particular thanks were extended to Pauline Cullen, secretary of Whitehaven Pubwatch, for her “commitment and hard work” towards the scheme.

For further information, contact licensing@copeland.gov.uk (Whitehaven), licensing@allerdale.gov.uk (Workington) and scott.adams@cumbria.police.uk (Carlisle). Licensees in Whitehaven can also get involved in the project on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (BBNWhitehaven).

The awards went to:

West Cumbria

  • Paduas, Workington – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
  • Bubbles/Manhattans, Whitehaven – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
  • Joe Bananas, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category
  • Whitehaven Civic Hall – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category; Best Large Entertainment Venue; and Best in West Cumbria
  • Shakers Cocktail Bar, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Small Pub category; and Best Small Pub
  • The Whittington Cat, Whitehaven – accredited in the Large Pub category
  • The Henry Bessemer, Workington – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category
  • The Bransty Arch, Whitehaven – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category; and Best Large Pub

North Cumbria

  • The Bombshelter – accredited in the Large Entertainment Venue category
  • Walkabout – Gold Standard in the Large Entertainment Venue category; Best Large Entertainment Venue; and Best in North Cumbria
  • The Harraby Inn – accredited in the Large Pub category
  • Toby Carvery – accredited in the Large Pub category
  • The Cumberland - accredited in the Large Pub category
  • The Caledonian - accredited in the Large Pub category
  • The Griffin – Gold Standard in the Large Pub category; and Best Large Pub
  • 301 Miles – Gold Standard in the Small Pub category; and Best Small Pub
  • Carlisle Racecourse – Gold Standard in the Large Function Venue category; and Best Large Function Venue