Putting safety first earns awards for record number of Borders bars

Winners at this year's Best Bar None award ceremony for the Borders, held at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells.

No fewer than 16 bars and hotels were given gold awards at this year’s ceremony, held at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells last Thursday, and a further seven picked up other plaudits as part of a national accreditation scheme intended to cut crime and raise standards.

The Buccleuch Arms was among the venues hitting the gold standard, along with the Barony Castle Hotel at Eddleston, the Carters’ Rest in Jedburgh, the Cobbles and Queen’s Head Hotel in Kelso, the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel near St Boswells, the George and Abbotsford Hotel at Melrose, the Horse and Hound at Bonchester Bridge, the Hunters Hall in Galashiels, Oblo in Eyemouth, the Plough Hotel at Town Yetholm, the Templehall Hotel at Morebattle, the Town Arms Inn in Selkirk and the Bridge Inn, Cross Keys and Central Bar in Peebles.

Silver awards went to the Bourtree and Cooper’s Bar in Hawick, the Liddesdale Hotel in Newcastleton and the Tontine Hotel in Peebles.

The Queen's Head Hotel in Kelso was among the winners at this year's Best Bar None award ceremony for the Borders, held at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells. Pictured collecting its award are, from left, Jo Aitken, Julie Ann Beck and Anna Ewart.

The County Hotel in Peebles was the only bronze award winner on the night.

Three venues had even more cause for celebration as they have also been nominated for honours at Best Bar None Scotland’s national award ceremony, taking place at the Dunblane Hydro on Thursday, March 19.

The Plough Hotel is nominated for awards for best individual pub and heart of the community, the Queen’s Head Hotel is vying for the prize for best hotel bar and the Central Bar has been shortlisted for the title of top newcomer.

Nick Walker, Best Bar None’s co-ordinator for the region, said: “Again, we have enjoyed an excellent year for Best Bar None in the Borders.

The Plough Hotel at Yetholm was among the winners at this year's Best Bar None award ceremony for the Borders, held at the Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells. Pictured with its award is senior barmaid Emma Redpath.

“We have 21 venues taking part, with 16 of them achieving gold accreditation, meaning they are going over and above the call of duty in terms of improving safety and best practice.

“Best Bar None plays a vital role in ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe night out, and I would like to congratulate all the venues that have taken part.

“Safety has to be the first priority on a night out, and all our licensed premises have shown a real commitment to placing the welfare of staff and customers first.”

Mid Berwickhire councillor John Greenwell, chairman of the Borders’ licensing board, added: “We have had a fantastic response to the Borders’ Best Bar None awards, with 21 premises being recognised, up from last year’s total of 18.

Staff at the Central Bar in Peebles with their Best Bar None award.

“It’s really reassuring to see our bars and hotels taking customer care and safety seriously, which is what Best Bar None is all about.”

“I congratulate all of our worthy winners and also wish Kelso’s Queen’s Head, the Plough Hotel in Yetholm and Central Bar in Peebles the best of luck in the national Best Bar None finals.”