Best Bar None

In 2025, Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) and Best Bar None will award 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 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.

We're delighted to have licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, who specialise in alcohol, betting and gaming, sponsor this year's awards.

Accredited Venues:

How does it work?

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 provide support with any training 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.

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