Bars, pubs, restaurants and venues in Luton town centre have received top awards this month – all part of a national scheme designed to reduce alcohol-related crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and create a safe, night-time economy.
The scheme, Best Bar None, is designed to promote the responsible management and operation of alcohol licensed premises and this year has been supported by Luton Business Improvement District (BID), Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police and Luton Safe.
At the awards ceremony award winners were unveiled, with the town centre’s Grosvenor Casino scooping the top accolade and rated the top venue by Best Bar None judges.
Jerry Lewis, Assistant General Manager at the casino, said: “I would like to thank everyone for this superb event, and thank you to our team without whom we would not have received this award. It is humbling to be acknowledged for our commitment to creating a safe and vibrant venue in Luton town centre.”
The Jolly Milliner were named the Best Newcomer to the Best Bar None scheme in Luton.
Other winners on the night were:
GOLD:
• The Crown public house, George Street
• Metro Bar & Kitchen, University of Bedfordshire
SILVER
• The UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA), St Mary’s Road
• Flame Bar & Nightclub, Wellington Street
• The Red Lion Hotel, Castle Street
BRONZE
• Off The Wall public house, Park Street
• The White House public house, Bridge Street
• Icon Hotel, Stewart Street
• Jolly Milliner Pub, Icknield Way
More than 70 people attended the awards evening, including Luton BID Chair Gavin O’Brien, who said “After enjoying many great nights out in Luton town centre over the years tonight perfectly illustrates that this night time tradition is continuing on for the next generation – enabling all our visitors to have a safe, fun and great night out.
“It was great to see so many of the venues in the Luton BID area taking part and see the partnership working between venues and local organisations including Luton BID, Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police and the fire service.”
Just last year Luton town centre was recognised for its mix of dining, entertainment and culture. In May 2018 judges from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) awarded Luton town centre ‘Purple Flag’ status – a sought after accreditation for towns and cities that provide a vibrant mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.
Luton is now one of over 70 town and city centres in the UK and Ireland with the award, which is comparable to the ‘Green Flag’ for parks and ‘Blue Flag’ for beaches.