Best Bar None

In partnership with Best Bar None, we award evening and night-time venues with an accreditation that recognises their commitment to high standards of responsible venue management and to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the West End.

Through fostering positive relationships between businesses, the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council, HOLBA and the Best Bar None scheme help customers to identify well-run pubs, bars, clubs and other businesses that serve alcohol, ensuring the West End remains famous for its thriving evening and night-time economy.

With a high density of accredited businesses found solely in the Heart of London area, the scheme further solidifies the West End’s reputation as a thriving and safe destination to be enjoyed by all those who visit, live and work in the area.

In 2025, licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, who specialise in alcohol, betting and gaming, became the first sponsors of our Best Bar None initiative.

How does it work?

Receive support:
In 2026, venues will be approached about gaining or renewing an accreditation. Our team will discuss the steps your business needs to take and provide support with any training you may need.

Get assessed: 
The assessment period will begin when the 7 assessment themes are introduced: licences, certificates and insurance; safety and security; public nuisance; staff training and care; customer safety and welfare; and customer service and community.

1. Venue management:
   Includes security measures and the steps taken to reduce noise, litter and other impacts the business may have on the local area.
    
2. Staff training and care:
   Assesses how staff are supported by the business to perform, develop and grow, and how their wellbeing is protected.
    
3. Customer safety and welfare:
   Evaluates how effectively the venue cares for and supports its customers.
    
4. Customer service and community:
   Recognises businesses that work hard to provide a warm welcome to customers and play an active role in their local community.
    
5. Attend the awards:
   Businesses that have successfully gained accreditation will be invited to an evening awards ceremony and will receive a full promotional marketing pack.
    

What are the benefits?

The local scheme accredits premises that demonstrate a commitment to raising standards, promoting excellence and in turn, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. Being recognised as a Best Bar None accredited venue also helps customers identify you as a well-run establishment.

Free to all members, those who achieve the accreditation can access benefits such as:

• Customers identifying you as a well-run establishment
• Being added to a nationwide venue list of accredited businesses
• Access to partnership opportunities through the Best Bar None network
• Ideas to enhance the work businesses already do with free tools and resources
• Access to best practice advice and staff training on crime & anti-social behaviour
• Contributing to the reduction in crime and disorder in the area