IT was a night spent raising a glass to toast their own success when it comes to giving people a safe night out.

The first Best Bar None awards took place in Winchester with the very best in the business being honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The national accreditation scheme runs in cities and towns around the country, with Winchester the latest to sign up so that local pubs and bars can be praised for keeping standards high for revellers enjoying the nightime economy.

And such was the success, organisers are already looking to bring the event back next year.

Managers and their staff from across the city gathered at the Guildhall and enjoyed a glass of fizz to celebrate achieving their new accredited status.

Among them were the overall winners, The Slug and Lettuce, who were crowned Winchester’s Best Bar.

They will now go forward to the National Best Bar None Awards and a reception at the Houses of Parliament, later this year.

In its first year as a localised scheme it forms part of the national project aimed at promoting safety and high standards for pubs and bars.

Nine venues from around the city centre were endorsed including Alfie’s, Pitcher and Piano, The William Walker, The Exchange, The Royal Oak, O’Neills, The County Arms and The Old Gaol House.

The scheme is co-ordinated by Tom Manville, vice-chairman of Winchester PubWatch, with Jane Bastock, Crime Reduction Officer at Winchester Business Improvement District.

Mr Manville, bar manager of Winchester Student Union, recently scooped the overall winner’s Gold Award at the National Best Bar None NUS Awards for the fourth year running, beating off 96 other student unions.

He said: “Each venue which has achieved Best Bar None accredited status, shows a dedication to operating to a high standard with genuine regard for offering a safe environment for its customers and staff alike as well as the wider community.”

Jane Bastock, crime reduction officer at Winchester BID, said: “Taking part in this nationally-accredited award encourages businesses to share best practice and build good working relationships with the police and local authorities.

“The competitive nature of the scheme keeps businesses constantly on the lookout for innovation ideas to improve business and contribute to the safe night-time economy of Winchester city centre.”