None better in Notts than our Mr Nott

Two Wetherspoon pubs in north Nottinghamshire have gained accreditation at the inaugural Best Bar None awards for the area.

The Liquorice Gardens and The Dominie Cross were among 19 businesses to complete their assessments, to become North Notts Best Bar None accredited venues for 2023/24, organised by North Notts BID.

The Liquorice Gardens also scooped the ‘best chain’ title at the awards ceremony, while the pub’s manager James Nott was voted winner of the ‘outstanding contribution’ award.

James (pictured right), who has managed The Liquorice Gardens for 10 years, said: “We knew we had achieved the accreditation, and I was hoping to win something on the night.

“The ‘best chain’ award is a great achievement, and we are well over the moon. “However, when they announced the ‘outstanding contribution’ award for me personally, I was in shock. It is quite humbling.”

This award was voted for by judges including Stella Bacon (Bassetlaw Council licensing), Hayley Crawford (police inspector for Bassetlaw), Sally Gillborn (North Notts BID), Elizabeth Murphy (Dragon Fly Place Management) and Michael Dennis (Premier Security).

The award recognises James’ contribution to the local community, night-time economy and commitment to the safety and security of customers and staff in the area.

James said: “I have a good reputation and great rapport with the local police, council and North Notts BID.

“I am also vice-chair of the local pubwatch and regularly attend the late-night economy partnership meetings.

“We were involved with the relaunch of the ‘Ask Angela’ scheme, the brainchild of Hayley Crawford, and also support with training for the Women’s Aid ‘Stay by Her’ (ending men’s violence against women) initiative.

“The Liquorice Gardens is a designated ‘safe venue’ and we get involved with all the police safety initiatives, so we are a real hub for all of the local activities.

“I have also had a lot of input with BID, as well as helping to merge the Worksop and Retford pubwatch schemes into one larger and more efficient unit.

“Kyle Byrne (pub manager of The Dominie Cross) and I work closely together, too.

“We are a very good team, and I guess my award is in recognition for all the time and effort I have put in to the Worksop community.”

Kyle (left), who is a director of North Notts BID, added: “It’s great to see James being recognised for his efforts in the community, regarding customer safety.

“Because James and I are so heavily involved with local initiatives, it shows that we are both committed to providing the safest of venues for customers and staff.”

North Notts BID chief executive, Sally Gillborn, said: “We had a fantastic turnout for our inaugural awards night, with more than 100 attending from across 18 of the district’s hospitality businesses.

“The event showcased how committed our local venues are to delivering exceptional standards of management, including customer and staff well-being.

“The awards were an amazing opportunity to collectively celebrate our achievements – and congratulations to all award-winners.” Best Bar None assesses businesses which sell alcohol against the core themes of venue management, staff training and care, customer safety and welfare, as well as customer service and community support.