Westminster Best Bar None 2025 winners announced

On Tuesday, 23rd September, Poppleston Allen was proud to sponsor and present at the Best Bar None Awards, hosted by the Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) in partnership with Best Bar None.

The evening celebrated the dedication of licensed venues across the West End, recognising their role in maintaining the highest standards, creating safer spaces, and helping visitors identify well-managed pubs, bars, clubs, and hospitality venues. A total of 32 venues were accredited on the night, each acknowledged for their excellence in venue management and their contribution to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the West End.

The evening also showcased the ongoing impact of the Best Bar None scheme, the nationally recognised initiative that continues to raise standards across the licensed trade. With over 280 million people visiting the West End in 2024, accredited venues play a crucial role in maintaining the district’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant 24-hour destinations, while safeguarding its future for both visitors and residents.

Poppleston Allen partner, David Inzani, opened the ceremony with a welcome speech before presenting the awards to the winners.

Albert’s Schloss received the highest score for its venue; the Bavarian bar and live entertainment venue, new to the West End, earned the coveted Golden Bell Award after excelling across all categories and being recognised for outstanding management.

Carl Weston, Head of Marketing & Partner, Poppleston Allen, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in this year’s awards. And a big thank you to everyone working in hospitality for your hard work, dedication, and passion to make every night out not just enjoyable, but safe and memorable. We are especially thrilled for Albert’s Schloss and its fabulous team for getting the highest score. We helped them secure their premises licence and it was a privilege to work with such an outstanding operator and committed team who deliver a truly exciting entertainment experience (and some superb pretzels!).”

West End businesses which have been accredited with the Best Bar None award are:

• 14 Leicester Square
• Albert’s Schloss
• All Bar One
• Blame Gloria
• Brewmaster
• Browns Restaurant & Bar
• Empire Casino
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Hippodrome Casino
• London Reign
• McDonald’s – Leicester Square
• McDonalds – Shaftesbury Avenue
• Moon Under Water
• Mr Foggs
• Neon 194
• O’Neill’s
• Platinum Lace
• Simmons
• Slim Chickens
• St Martins Lane Hotel
• Tabu
• The Alchemist
• The Bear and Staff
• The Garrick Arms
• The Imperial
• The Porcupine
• The Rialto Casino
• The Roundtable
• The Salisbury
• The White Swan
• W Hotels
• Zoo Bar

Best Bar None is a national initiative supported by numerous trade bodies and business including the Home Office, UK Hospitality, British Beer and Pub Association, Mitchells and Butlers and Wetherspoon. The Nottingham initiative, which has been running since 2014, is the largest in the country and now includes over 100 accredited venues and brings major benefits to licensed venues by identifying them as safer and more welcoming places to socialise.