Pride of Camden
The winners of Camden Best Bar None 2007 have been crowned at a glittering awards ceremony.
Best Bar is University of London Union (Malet Street, WC1), Best Pub is The Penderels Oak (High Holburn, WC1) and Best Club is The End (West Central Street, WC1).
And after much nail biting, the overall winner of Best Bar None 2007 was awarded to University of London Union.
These awards intend to celebrate those premises that are well-run across all of CamdenCllr Don Williams, chair of the licensing committee.
The contest, which this year attracted a record number of entrants, aims to help cut alcohol related crime and disorder by recognising well-run bars, pubs and clubs in Camden.
Winners were announced at an Oscar-style awards ceremony at the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel, in High Holborn.
Over the last few weeks entrants have been scrutinised by a panel of expert judges on aspects such as security measures, customer safety, sensible drinking policies, and preventing the use or supply of drugs.
By encouraging as many bars, pubs and clubs in Camden to become known for being safe, well-run venues, the awards aim to encourage more people to come and socialise in the borough.
Alex Massey and Sari Kiiskinen, managers of University of London Union, said: "We're in shock but so proud to be named winners. To be honest it's the way we run the bar anyway.
"We didn't make any special dispensations. It was normal business when the judges visited. We're used to running the bar in a safe environment but we're still known as a fun place to have a party at.
"The thing that makes us even prouder is we have very little money to run the place but we still manage to get up to the same, if not better, standards as high street bars."
Caroline Douglas, manager of The Penderels Oak, said: "It's brilliant to be crowned winners of the best pub category but it really is all down to having really good staff and really good customers. We're extremely proud and it's a great motivator for the team."
Liam O'Hare and Gill Walmsley, manager of The End, said: "It will mean a lot to all the staff and management who work so hard to support the excellent standards we provide to our customers. We're very proud to be crowned winners."
Cllr Don Williams, chair of the licensing committee, said: "The council is committed to promoting well-run pubs, clubs and bars across the whole borough both for patrons and residents. An important element is encouraging safe drinking. These awards intend to celebrate those premises that are well-run across all of Camden."
