Meet the finalists: John Smith's GBPA Best Live Entertainment pub category

Chandos Arms, Colindale, London​

This pub hosts a variety of different performances, including cabaret nights, live magic, puppet shows, children’s theatre, circus skills and will soon host the performances of a local theatre company of young actors. 

Special flair come in the form of a glitter ball and bubble machine, in addition to the use of live-streaming services, with some events reaching audiences of up to 6,000 people online.

The pub also operates as a small record label, having released two albums this year. This innovation is one way the pub has been capable of juggling good quality live entertainment with added extras for its loyal customer base.

Chaplin’s & the Cellar Bar, Bournemouth​

This cellar bar aims to provide something for everyone at any time of day or night. It is by no means a small challenge, but the pub has managed to deliver a formidable offering of live entertainment. 

A 24-hour licence gives the pub flexibility, with charity events featuring up to 20 bands a day and DJs playing until 4am on weekends. Comedy, poetry and live music are all on offer. 

There are plans to increase the capacity of the bar to bring in different live music acts, adding to a roster which already sees a live music event every day.

The Fulford Arms, York​

Rooting for the underdog is a core principle of the way this pub approaches its live music offer. Promoting local and new performers is key, as highlighted by the pub’s provision of educational support to a variety of local music students through its work with York College and Access To Creative, a creative access programme. 

Celebrating art that might not have a blatant commercial advantage is another unique feature, from hosting a special open mic for experimental electro acts to local science lectures. 

Staff also focus on the enjoyment and welfare of their performers, ensuring both artists and customers have a relaxing and fun experience at the pub.

Phoenix Artist Club, Soho, London​

Situated in the heart of the West End, this pub has a reputation for developing new talent. A full-time creative team works in-house on nurturing performances, which exceed 600 per year. 

Thoughtful investments made in recent months include air conditioning units worth more than £10,000 in both theatre rooms. Another example of forward-thinking is the installation of eco-friendly LED lighting for the performance spaces. Themed cocktails and paired food options, such as ‘Trunche’s Sour’ and ‘Cinema Scope-sized fish & chips’ complete the offer.

Rendezvous, Weymouth, Dorset​

Some form of live entertainment is on offer every day of the week at this seaside pub. There is something for everyone, even dog shows are hosted every once in a while. 

A highlight in the calendar has been the Quayside music festivals, which have grown year on year. Last year, three extra days were added, with an increase of 6% in like-for-like sales. The pub has big hopes for its inaugural Beachfest event, now in advanced planning stages, which will see three days of music and cinema on the Weymouth beach.

The Anchor Inn, Canterbury, Kent​

Six years ago this Kent-based inn was on the brink of closure but thanks to its new management’s focus on live events, the pub has more than quadrupled its turnover. 

A recent addition has been open air cinema nights in the beer garden, including a smoke machine and lasers. Popular open mic nights featuring local talent are booked at least three months in advance. 

Preparation for gigs is all done in-house. This means money is saved by not needing to employ outside specialist events companies.

This year’s awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 6 September.​

To book your tickets, contact Stevie Robinson on 01293 846508, or email her at fgrivr.ebovafba@jeoz.pbz .​​