Worksop: The Ashley Hotel was the big winner at the Best Bar None awards

Jo Blakemore (Landlord, The Ashley Hotel), Charles Blakemore (Landlord, The Ashley Hotel) and Paddy Tipping (Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire).

Pubs, bars and clubs across the county celebrated as the winners of Nottinghamshire Best Bar None were announced at an exclusive awards evening held at the Village Hotel in Chilwell.

All of the venues eligible for an award had been through a rigorous assessment process of their operating policies and procedures to prove that they are worthy of being Nottinghamshire Best Bar None accredited.

Nottinghamshire’s residents and visitors were asked to vote for their favourite places to visit in the county from those that had made the mark, and nearly 3,500 votes were cast.

A panel of independent judges also chose a winner for each council borough. The winner for Bassetlaw was The Ashley Hotel in Worksop, with the judges recognising the team’s extreme hard work and dedication to ensuring their customers had a safe and enjoyable time.

The judges also chose The Ashley Hotel as the overall winner of Nottingham’s Best Bar None scheme for 2015.

CounJosie Potts, Chair of Licensing at Bassetlaw District Council said: “I jumped out of my seat with excitement when I heard The Ashley had won.

“It was amazing for a Bassetlaw business to get overall winner, especially with all the people across Nottingham who were represented. I feel very proud for The Ashley and for Worksop.

“This is the positive side of licensing and shows the rewards for running a quality establishment. I am absolutely chuffed that a Bassetlaw business is the best in Nottinghamshire.”

PCC Paddy Tipping said: PCC Paddy Tipping said: “Licensed venues play a significant role in our local economies and I want people to enjoy themselves and have a great night out, but it’s important that alcohol is both sold and consumed as safely as possible.

“Best Bar None, in encouraging licensees to act responsibly and take pride in their premises, makes it a win-win situation as local people and visitors benefit from well-run and, most importantly, safe pubs, clubs and bars to visit, encouraging increased custom.”