Pub bags Best Bar None hat-trick

A delighted licensee has praised her hard-working staff for helping scoop a hat-trick of awards at a regional Best Bar None ceremony.

Kerry Simpson, manager of the St Leger Tavern - known as Biscuit Billy's - in Doncaster, said she was "thrilled" to get the recognition, in front of an audience of more than 300.

Her venue won the overall Doncaster Best Bar None award, on top of the Best Pub award and Doncaster Free Press "Friendliest Atmosphere Award".

"I'm so proud of our staff, who work hard to ensure our customers enjoy visiting Biscuit Billy's.

"This is an award which reflects all of their efforts, as well as the work of the venue itself," said Simpson, who was presented with the awards by new BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

Manana Manana won the 2008 Best Bar award for the third consecutive year, beating Che Bar into second place.

Walkabout claimed the club of the year, with the Keepmoat Stadium scooping the leisure venue title. Community pub awards went to the Boy and Barrel (West and North) and Nordest (South and East).