Weymouth's best pubs and clubs came together this week to celebrate the town’s nighttime economy - with a bustling seafront pub grabbing the top award. 

A ceremony was held at Yates in Saint Thomas Street to acknowledge the success of venues in the town that have achieved the nationally recognised Best Bar None accreditation. 

The Gloucester Pub, located on Weymouth Esplanade, was judged as the overall winner of the scheme, as well as receiving gold accreditation.

Manager of The Gloucester, Mikey Gates, was overwhelmed to receive the award, which will be proudly displayed in the pub. 

He said: “There’s no I in team and never has this been more true for The Gloucester than when receiving this award. 

“With two years of trading as an independent business and the successes we have had, it’s always been a team effort that has seen us through to where we are now and all I want to say is well done to everyone at The Gloucester, you are Best Bar None.”

The accreditation scheme, launched by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Dorset Police and Pubwatch, celebrates establishments that have worked hard to improve community safety and reduce alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

Deputy mayor of the borough, Cllr Gill Taylor, who presented the awards, said: “This is all about making our vibrant night time economy even safer and celebrating great work being done by local businesses.”

Other pubs and clubs celebrating a gold accreditation include the George Bar and Grill, the Lazy Lizard, the Nook, Aura, Rendezvous, the Closet, the Actors club, Yates, the Royal Oak, and the New Vic. 
Those receiving a silver accreditation included The William Henry and Ayya.

The pubs and clubs were graded in four different areas: prevention of crime and disorder, prevention of public nuisance, protection of children from harm and training.

Best Bar None is a nationally recognised scheme aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder in towns by building a positive relationship between the licensed trade, police and local authorities. 

Keith Treggiden, local chairman of Best Bar None, added: “We have lots of new initiatives planned to make our customers even safer.

“It is good to celebrate the success of our night time economy and the great nightlife Weymouth offers.”