West End venues recognised for stellar contributions to area’s safety

25 September 2025: Albert’s Schloss received the highest score for its venue in London’s West End at Tuesday night’s Best Bar None Awards, facilitated by Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) and Best Bar None. Throughout the evening 32 premier evening and night-time venues received an accreditation recognising their commitment to excellent venue management, which in turn contributes to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the West End. With over 280 million people visiting the West End last year, one the of UK’s most recognised and high-profile areas, these businesses have proved to be essential in establishing the district's status as a 24-hour destination and safeguarding its future.

Supported by the Home Office and the hospitality and drinks industries, Best Bar None is an accreditation scheme that assesses staff training and care; customer safety and welfare; and customer service and contribution to the community. Albert’s Schloss, the Bavarian bar and live entertainment venue new to the West End, earned the coveted Golden Bell award after excelling across all categories and being recognised for outstanding management.

This year’s edition also featured the introduction of a Mystery Shop Award, won by W London Hotel. Scoring an impressive 90% in the category, W London has demonstrated a clear commitment to safety for staff, customers, and the wider community alike, contributing to building public trust and setting a benchmark of best practice across the industry.

Held at St Martins Lane Hotel, the Best Bar None awards ceremony was hosted by HOLBA - a 500-strong multi-sector business membership organisation in the heart of London’s West End. The awards celebrate the dedication of licensed venues in upholding exceptional standards in the area, cultivating a safer environment and helping customers identify well-run pubs, bars, clubs, and other hospitality venues when visiting the West End. This year’s awards ceremony was sponsored by licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, the UK’s leading licensing law firm specialising in alcohol and gambling licensing.

Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “The Best Bar None Awards celebrate the outstanding commitment of West End venues to delivering a safe, welcoming, and world-class experience for everyone who visits. With millions coming to the district each year, it’s vital that our hospitality businesses continue to set the benchmark for excellence in safety, customer care, and community impact. Albert’s Schloss, W London Hotel, and all accredited venues should be immensely proud of their achievements in making the West End a vibrant night-time destination.”

Roisin Finnerty, General Manager at Albert’s Schloss, Soho, said: “Thank you to Heart of London Business Alliance’s recognition, we are proud to see our London venue rewarded in the Best Bar None awards for the team’s hard work to make Albert’s Schloss, Soho, a premier hospitality and live entertainment destination.”

Morten Skumsrud, General Manager at W London Hotel said: “Safety has always been a key priority for W London, and we are thrilled to be awarded the first Mystery Shop Award after scoring so high in that category. W London will continue to work together with the Heart of London Business Alliance to ensure our guests, staff and community are safe in our wonderful West End.”

Philip Smith, The Lord Smith of Hindhead, Chairman of Best Bar None, said: “It is excellent to see so many West End venues recognised for their commitment to creating safe, welcoming and well-managed environments. These businesses not only enhance the experience for millions of visitors each year but also play a vital role in supporting safer socialising.

We are particularly proud to see such an active and engaged Best Bar None scheme in London’s West End - a district of national and international importance. Its continued success demonstrates what can be achieved when local businesses and stakeholders work together to raise standards and promote excellence, and my thanks go to them all for their commitment and hard work.”

Cllr Ryan Jude, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality said: “We are fortunate that some of London’s most loved pubs, bars and restaurants are right here in Westminster. This outstanding reputation is a direct result of the hard work, passion and professionalism of those working across our hospitality sector. The awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional efforts being made to ensure the West End remains a safe, vibrant and welcoming place for residents, workers and the millions of visitors we welcome each year.

Congratulations to all the newly accredited venues—your commitment not only strengthens our thriving late-night economy but also plays a vital role in creating a more inclusive and secure environment for everyone.”

Carl Weston, Head of Marketing & Partner, Poppleston Allen, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in this year’s awards. And a big thank you to everyone working in hospitality for your hard work, dedication, and passion to make every night out not just enjoyable, but safe and memorable. We are especially thrilled for Albert’s Schloss and its fabulous team for getting the highest score. We helped them secure their premises licence and it was a privilege to work with such an outstanding operator and committed team who deliver a truly exciting entertainment experience (and some superb pretzels!).”

Customers and visitors to the West End can see the locations of accredited venues through the interactive map: Best Bar None Venue Map.

West End businesses which have been accredited with the Best Bar None award are:

• 14 Leicester Square
• Albert’s Schloss
• All Bar One
• Blame Gloria
• Brewmaster
• Browns Restaurant & Bar
• Empire Casino
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Hippodrome Casino
• London Reign
• McDonald’s - Leicester Square
• McDonalds - Shaftesbury Avenue
• Moon Under Water
• Mr Foggs
• Neon 194
• O’Neill’s
• Platinum Lace
• Simmons
• Slim Chickens
• St Martins Lane Hotel
• Tabu
• The Alchemist
• The Bear and Staff
• The Garrick Arms
• The Imperial
• The Porcupine
• The Rialto Casino
• The Roundtable
• The Salisbury
• The White Swan
• W Hotels
• Zoo Bar