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Monday 21st January saw Doncaster’s second Best Bar None awards ceremony at Doncaster Racecourse, where the trade celebrated the cream of Doncaster’s bars, pubs and clubs.

As well as a champagne reception, courtesy of John Smiths, and a fabulous four-course meal, guests where entertained by the no.1 hit singer Liz McClarnon, who sold over 10 million records Atomic Kitten. Also performing were Jazz pianist Scott Bramley and singer Paul Hughes, who performed a medley of “Rat Pack” favourites.

A trio of DJs from radio station HallamFM hosted the evening and through an auction and raffle, licensees raised £2700 for their Help a Hallam Child charity.

In addition to awards for Best Pub, Best Club and Best Bar, two additional media categories, voted for by customers, have been hotly contested!
The Hallam FM “Best Behind Bar” award was won be Liam Gallagher from the St. Leger Tavern and the Doncaster Free Press “Friendliest Atmosphere Award” was, for the second year running won by Number 15.

Richard McIvor, who owns the Lazarus Court bar Manana Manana with brother Dave, saw his business beat off the competition for Best Bar for the second year running – and to add to his delight Manana also scooped the Overall Winner award.

He said: “It’s brilliant – even better than last year. We were happy enough to win Best Bar again but to be the Overall Winner is just fantastic.

“All the staff here have worked really hard for this and we’ve made sure that we’ve kept up with all the staff training.

“It is great – we’re an independently owned Doncaster-based pub and you’re competing with all the national chains, so it’s really special for us.

Councillor Stuart Exelby, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Best Bar None. They have played an important part in Doncaster’s vibrant nightlife, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable but safe and crime-free night out.

“The Best Bar None scheme is proving a huge success in Doncaster and continues to go from strength to strength each year.”

The winner of the Best Pub award went to Hogshead on Hall Gate and the Best Club was Walkabout in Priory Walk.

Martin Winter, Mayor of Doncaster, said:

“Doncaster is rightly proud of its adoption of the Best Bar None Scheme, and the awards evening is a great way to recognise the efforts of pubs, clubs and bars in the town, who are working hard with the Doncaster Evening Economy Partnership to make Doncaster a safe, friendly and welcoming place for local people and visitors alike.”