WINCHESTER pubs and bars have been entered for the national award scheme Best Bar None.

Alfie’s, The Pitcher and Piano, The William Walker, The Exchange, The Royal Oak, O’Neill’s, The County Arms, The Old Gaol House and The Slug and Lettuce will be assessed in the coming weeks in a bid to take home the award.

The members of the Winchester PubWatch scheme and Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) will find out the results at an award ceremony in September.

Coordinating the Winchester scheme is Tom Manville, vice chair of Winchester PubWatch, and Jane Bastock, crime reduction officer at Winchester BID.

Mr Manville works as bar manager of Winchester University’s Students’ Union, which recently scooped the overall winner’s gold award at the National Best Bar None NUS Awards for the fourth year running.

He said: “Each venue achieving Best Bar None accredited status, will show a dedication to operating to a high standard with genuine regard for offering a safe environment for its customers and staff alike as well as the wider community.”

Ms Bastock said: “Taking part in this nationally accredited award encourages businesses to share best practise, build good working relationships with the police and local authorities and the competitive nature of the scheme keeps businesses constantly on the lookout for new innovation ideas to improve business and contribute to the safe night time economy of Winchester city centre.”