Best Bar None award fires up

The second Weston-Super-Mare Best Bar None award scheme was launched on 8 March. Awards will be dished out for best bar, best club, best pub and best overall. "This year there is likely to be more competition between licensees and improved standards," said Sergeant Dave Holtby.

Burnley club kicks off footy brew

Burnley Football Club Supporters' Trust has brewed its own beer to raise money for the club. The trust has commissioned West Yorkshire brewer Eastwood & Sanders to produce the beer. Its name will be unveiled at the launch in April.

Revamped pub opens its doors

More than 300 guests braved four inches of snow and made it to the opening of a newly-refurbished Pitcher & Piano bar in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, last week. The £500,000 investment included a new beer garden at the front and back. "We wanted to give it a more stylish and fresh look," said Pitcher & Piano boss Mike Dowell.

Wessex Taverns awards top boss

John Stewart of the Tavern pub in Melksham, Wiltshire, has been named best pub manager 2004 in the Wessex Taverns estate. He was given a week-long holiday and £1,000. "John has been an excellent ambassador for the company," said Wessex Taverns BDM Donna Douthwaite.

Swansea LVA tries smoke ballot

Members of the Swansea Licensed Victuallers Association are to gauge customers' opinions on plans for a smoking ban by installing ballot boxes in pubs. The group has said as many as 250 pubs in Wales could close if there was a ban.

Correction ­ Tup Idol final date

The final of the "Tup Idol" karaoke competition is on 11 May, not 17 May as stated in the Morning Advertiser on 3 March.

Jefford, Clarke stage radio show

A six-week radio series about wine, presented by wine writers Andrew Jefford and Oz Clarke, has begun its run on Radio 4. The show is broadcast on Monday afternoons at 4pm. The first episode was on 7 March.