A late-night Mansfield bar is celebrating after being named the Best Bar None in the town and Nottinghamshire.

After Dark, on Leeming Street, received the accolade for its work to offer the safest possible environment for its customers.

Venues competing for the awards were put through their paces in a Best Bar None assessments, which were reviewed by licensing experts who chose the most well-run premises in each district and an overall countywide winner.

The area winners were:

Ashfield – The Pilgrim Oak, Hucknall.
Bassetlaw – The Liquorice Gardens, Worksop.
Broxtowe – Mecca, Beeston.
Gedling – The Elwes Arms, Carlton.
Mansfield – After Dark, Mansfield
Newark & Sherwood – The Sir John Arderne, Newark.
Rushcliffe – University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus.

Best Bar None is a national scheme, supported by the Home Office, and has led to reductions in alcohol-related crime and disorder because of the improved way venues are run.

The scheme in Nottinghamshire. launched in 2015, is the country’s first countywide project. It is funded by police and crime commissioner, Paddy Tipping, who said: “I want people to have a great night out in safety. Licensed venues can play a key role in this, while ensuring a thriving local economy, but only when they provide a safe environment where people can enjoy themselves.

“Best Bar None helps to nurture this safe environment by raising standards and encouraging licensees to take pride in their premises.

The commitment the venues have shown in achieving accreditation deserves to be recognised, and will hopefully be rewarded through increased custom from people looking for a safe place to visit.”

This year the Nottinghamshire scheme was sponsored by Diageo GB and Fraser Brown Solicitors.

More information on the scheme, award winners and accredited venues is at www.nottinghamshirebbn.com

ABOVE: From left, Megan Rose, assistant manager, After Dark; Cerie McClure, manager, After Dark; and Paddy Tipping, police and crime commissioner for Nottinghamshire.