Best Bar None

In 2025, Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) and Best Bar None are awarding evening and night-time venues and businesses with an accreditation that recognises their commitment to raising standards in responsible venue management and, in turn, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the West End.

Through fostering positive relationships between businesses, the Metropolitan Police and Westminster City Council, Heart of London and the Best Bar None scheme helps 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.

businesses were accredited in the HOLBA patch in 2024
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assessment themes: training & care, customer safety & welfare, customer service, and community contribution.
4
year of accreditation. Be sure to renew it on time.
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How it works?

Receive support

Businesses that have questions about gaining or renewing an accreditation can book a 90-minute slot.

Our team will discuss the steps your business will need to take and support with any trainings you need to undergo.

Get assessed

The assessment period will begin during the summer.

  • Venue management:
    Including security measures and steps taken to reduce noise, litter and other effects the business may have.
  • Staff training and care:
    How are staff supported by the business to perform, develop and grow, and how is their wellbeing protected?
  • Customer safety and welfare:
    How well does the venue take care of its customers?
  • Customer service and community:
    Recognises that businesses work hard to provide a warm welcome to their customers and be an active part of their community.

Attend the awards

Businesses that have successfully gained accreditation will be invited to an evening awards ceremony in September 2025 and will receive a full promotional marketing pack.

Want to know more?

Our team explains the benefits of becoming an accredited venue.

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

Last year’s highest scoring venue

Platinum Lace, one of the UK’s leading Gentleman’s Clubs, received the highest score for its two venues in the West End of London at Best Bar None awards beating 31 other licensed venues.

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Ensuring the West End remains a safe and welcoming destination is a top priority for Westminster City Council. Initiatives like the Best Bar None scheme run by Heart of London Business Alliance are instrumental in achieving this goal, bringing businesses together to uphold the highest standards of safety and management. The scheme’s focus on collaboration and accountability has had a tangible impact, reinforcing the West End’s reputation as a world-class destination where visitors, residents, and workers can enjoy a safe and vibrant experience.

Mary O’ Connor, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Westminster City Council