WINCHESTER pubs, bars and restaurants raised a glass at this year's Best Bar None Awards, celebrating a safer night-time economy in the city.

The fifth annual event at the Guildhall saw 14 local venues congratulated on their actions to live up to the National Accreditation’s criteria, which aims to keep a safer environment for revellers.

A judging panel comprising of representatives from Police Licensing, Winchester City Council Licensing, Winchester BID, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Winchester Street Pastors discussed and agreed on the awardees.

One bronze award was accredited to Alfie’s, and 11 silver went to The Mucky Duck, The Westgate, Slug and Lettuce, Pitcher & Piano, O’Neill’s, The Old Gaolhouse, The Old Vine, Crown and Anchor, Cabinet Rooms, The Winchester Stable and The Eclipse Inn.

Two gold accredited awards went to Guildhall Winchester and Royal Oak.

The scheme is co-ordinated by Jane Bastock, crime reduction manager at Winchester BID, who said: "This is the fifth year we have taken part in this localised scheme that forms part of the national project aimed at promoting safety and high standards for pubs, bars and restaurants.

"It is a great achievement for all the venues who have worked exceptionally hard, above and beyond the required standards, ensuring a better safer social environment for the city of Winchester."

With the introduction of two new categories this year, Best Newcomer was awarded to Crown and Anchor, and Best Independent was awarded to Cabinet Rooms.

Royal Oak was announced as the overall winner and will now go forward to the National Best Bar None Awards, held at the Houses of Parliament in early 2020.

"The Winchester Best Bar None scheme sought not just to accredit venues, but to also recognise those venues that not only achieved all the “essential” criteria required, but were also successful against the “desirable and bonus” criteria.

"It is an excellent endorsement not only for the individual venues directly, but collectively as Winchester’s night-time economy, helping to establish Winchester as safe and responsible evening destination."