ABERDEEN pubs and clubs have the chance to be the Best Bar None as a prestigious national awards and accreditation scheme to promote the highest standards of customer care and safety is revived in the Granite City.
Many licensed premises have already signed up for the relaunched Best Bar None initiative – backed by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Inspired and Police Scotland – and others are being urged to join to boost their business and make the city centre an even more vibrant and safe place to visit.
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Not only does the campaign aim to reduce crime and promote outstanding customer care through free advice and training, it also offers the prestigious annual Best Bar None Aberdeen Awards, sponsored by Aberdeen Inspired, to recognise excellence.
Participating venues will have the chance to win Gold, Silver or Bronze accolades in a variety of categories – as well as the coveted top title of Aberdeen’s Best Bar None.
The winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony due to be held on February 8 in the Douglas Hotel. Local winners could then go on to compete in the national Best Bar None Scotland Awards.
One of the first venues to sign up for the free scheme was Revolucion de Cuba at the Academy, and assistant manager Stefan Scott said the popular bar and restaurant was delighted to be part of Best Bar None’s comeback after the pandemic.
“We were part of Best Bar None a couple of Years ago and we welcome any opportunity to celebrate the best practice we have in place and to celebrate with local bars and the local community is something we definitely want to be involved in,” said Mr Scott, who praised Best Bar None’s firm focus on the best in customer care and safety.
“The assessments offered would help us see what we are doing correctly, but anything we can improve on is definitely something we want to look at.
“Ensuring we have the right practices in place means everyone who comes in our doors is safe – and also safe when they leave. Knowing everyone around us doing the same is important as well, so we would encourage other bars to join Best Bar None.
“It’s a good exercise to be involved in and creates a sense of community, especially being able to go to the awards and celebrate not just our success but everyone else’s as well.”
Aberdeen City Council Culture Spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig also welcomed the return of Best Bar None and encouraged city centre venues to sign up for the initiative.
“Best Bar None is an excellent example of working together to make our city a safer and more attractive place to live in and visit.
“We all share responsibility in caring for the wellbeing of everyone and it’s great that licensed premises are willing to work together with partners and play their part in looking after the safety of the people of Aberdeen.”
Innes Walker, Aberdeen Inspired’s City Centre Manager, said he was delighted to see the Best Bar None returning to Aberdeen.
“Best Bar None sets the benchmark for excellence for pubs and clubs, not only in terms of offering the best in customer care but also keeping everyone safe when they are on a night out in town. Its return is something everyone should welcome,” said Innes.
“We already have a safe and welcoming environment in Aberdeen at night – as demonstrated by recently retaining our prestigious Purple Flag Status for a 10th year. Best Bar None – and all the participating premises– can only enhance that right across the city centre.”
Mr Walker said the Best Bar None Aberdeen Awards could become a hugely popular and keenly anticipated event in Aberdeen’s calendar.
“Being named as Best Bar None in Aberdeen would not only be a massive accolade, but a huge boost for any business. That is a prize that any premises would be proud to have on their wall.
“We can’t wait to see all the entrants gather at the Douglas Hotel in a celebration of everything that is the Best Bar None in Aberdeen.”
Mr Walker said the drive to recruit venues to Best Bar None Aberdeen is being spearheaded by Aberdeen City Council Senior Warden Callum Kerr who is visiting pubs and clubs to tell them more about the scheme and ask them to sign up.
“I would urge venues to look out for Callum and give him every support in this very important drive to help Best Bar None Aberdeen once again play an important role in the Granite City.”
To find our more about Best Bar None Scotland visit www.bbnscotland.co.uk
