Nottingham Best Bar None - recognising the city’s safest night-time venues

The It's in Nottingham team are gearing up to start Best Bar None assessments in 2026 and have prepared this handy guide - we’re here to help you through the assessment process and to meet the criteria for venue accreditation. 

Best Bar None is a national initiative supported by the Home Office and drinks industry that aims to improve standards in the evening and night-time economy.

The accreditation evaluates licensed venues across four main themes –

• Venue management – assesses security measures and steps taken to
  reduce noise, litter and other effects the business may have on customers
  and the environment near the venue 
   
• Staff training and care – considers how staff are supported by the business
  to perform their role, develop and grow, and to protect their wellbeing 
   
• Customer safety and welfare – reviews how well the venue takes care of
  its customers including preventing alcohol being sold to those under 18 
   
• Customer service and community – recognises that businesses work hard
  to provide a warm welcome to their customers and the communities they are
  part of

Since 2010, It’s in Nottingham – the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) – has proudly run the scheme and hosted the annual awards. Working closely with both national chains and independent operators, the BID team assesses venues on efforts to prevent crime and disorder, protect children, enhance public safety, and safeguard women and girls as part of Safe Space Notts.

Here's a reminder of Best Bar None in 2025

An evening of celebration took place at Saltbox on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with winners from across the city’s vibrant night-time economy invited on stage to collect their awards.

In 2025, 89 venues across twelve categories earned accreditation, making Nottingham’s Best Bar None scheme the largest city-based scheme in the UK. 

2025 Winners

Best Bar None Club – Rock City

Best Bar None Hotel – Crowne Plaza & Park Plaza (Joint Winners)

Best Bar None Independent Bar or Pub – Saltbox

Best Bar None Leisure Venue – Grosvenor Casino

Best Bar None Live Music Venue – The Level

Best Bar None National Bar or Pub – The Roebuck Inn

Best Bar None Restaurant – Son of Steak

Best Bar None Accessible Venue – Rileys Sports Bar

Best Bar None Initiative – Cosy Club

Best Bar None Safe Space Contribution – Broadway Cinema

Best Bar None Scheme Newcomer – The Palais

Outstanding Contribution Award – The Level

Commenting on collecting the award for Best Bar None Live Music Venue and the Outstanding Contribution Award, James Slater from The Level said:

“The awards are always a special moment for Nottingham hospitality to come together and celebrate a year of hard work. We’re proud to have been recognised in two categories this year. Winning Best Bar None Live Music Venue shines a light on the incredible efforts of our teams to deliver outstanding experiences with the highest standards of safety and care.

The Outstanding Contribution award is especially meaningful, reflecting our work on community projects, partnerships, and showcasing Nottingham’s vibrant, diverse nightlife to students and residents alike.

“It’s in Nottingham and the Best Bar None scheme do an amazing job supporting and celebrating operators of all kinds. We always leave inspired - thank you for raising the bar for our city.”

Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said:

“The Best Bar None Awards are an annual highlight for Nottingham’s night-time economy. They recognise the hard work and dedication venues put into creating safe, welcoming, and vibrant spaces.

“Over 85 city centre leisure and hospitality venues have met and exceeded the Best Bar None standards this year. Visitors can enjoy Nottingham’s pubs, bars, clubs, and hotels with confidence, knowing they’re experiencing the best in customer care, safety, and community.”