Poppleston Allen to sponsor Best Bar None Awards 2025 – Westminster

Poppleston Allen, the UK’s largest law firm specialising in alcohol and gambling licensing, is proudly sponsoring the Best Bar None Awards 2025 – Westminster In partnership with the Heart of London Business Alliance.

The Heart of London Business Alliance is a non-profit focused on securing the long-term commercial and cultural well-being of the West End.

Best Bar None is a nationally recognised accreditation scheme, backed by the Home Office and the UK drinks industry, aimed at raising standards in licensed venues. The initiative promotes best practices in areas such as customer safety, responsible alcohol management, and venue operations. By rewarding excellence, it helps create a safer, more welcoming environment for both visitors and the wider community.

The Awards will take place on 23 September 2025 at The Blind Spot, 45 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4HX, to recognise well-run pubs, bars, clubs and other businesses that serve alcohol, with a focus on safer socialising and raising standards.

Accredited venues demonstrate best practice in venue management, staff training and welfare, customer safety, and community engagement. By meeting these rigorous standards, participants contribute to a safer, more enjoyable night out for everyone. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the evening and night-time economy by building trust between businesses, authorities, and the public.

With 33 accredited venues in 2024, the Heart of London areas continue to lead the way in making London’s nightlife among the safest and most vibrant in the country.

Graeme Cushion, Managing Partner at Poppleston Allen, said: “As a law firm that considers itself part of the leisure sector and not just advisors to it, we are delighted to support a scheme that champions best practice, safety, and excellence across Westminster’s hospitality sector. These awards not only recognise the outstanding efforts of licensed venues but also highlight the vital role they play in creating a safe, responsible, and thriving night-time economy.”

Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, said: “London’s nightlife is a cornerstone of the city’s identity, and initiatives like Best Bar None are essential in ensuring it remains safe, inclusive, and world-class. We’re proud to celebrate the venues that are setting the benchmark for excellence, and we’re really pleased to have Poppleston Allen as a sponsor, a firm that truly understands the value of a thriving and responsible night-time economy.”

Growing connections through sponsorship play a key role in Poppleston Allen’s marketing program, as the Best Bar None deal is in addition to working with the Institute of Licensing’s National Training Week, the Night Time Industries Association and UKHospitality.

For further information on general licensing, please contact any of our licensing solicitors at 0115 953 8500.