Best Bar None Awards 2011

2011 Nightclub category and overall winner Embargo 59, 533 King's Road

Embargo 59, a long-established nightclub in Chelsea has scooped the coveted Best Bar None ‘overall winner’ for 2011 at last night’s (Wednesday 9 November) annual awards ceremony at a packed Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington.

Beating off stiff competition to the overall title, the club was also named ‘best nightclub’. Embargo 59 has been under the operation of its current owners since 2006, and has taken part in Best Bar None since the scheme began in 2008.

Councillor Nick Paget-Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "It is always gratifying to be at the Best Bar None awards, particularly tonight when so many licensees have come along to show their support for the scheme. We want this borough to be a great place to visit and live and part of that is down to the quality of management of all the licensed premises we have. This is not only the excellence of the service inside, but how you and your patrons treat the streets outside and show respect for residents living nearby.

"Accreditation through Best Bar None shows that you seek to run establishments which residents can see meet high standards. This is bound to be good for business and it is pleasing that so many of you have chosen to sign up to Best Bar None and all it stands for."

A further 46 pubs, bars and clubs across the borough were awarded membership of the scheme, with the category winners as follows:

Best Club runner-up – The Roof Gardens

Best Pub – Builders Arms
Runner up – Hereford Arms

Best Bar – Janet’s Bar
Runner up – Juju

The Mayor of the Royal Borough, Councillor Julie Mills, added: "Well done to all of you for all the hard work you are putting in to being considerate neighbours as well as ensuring your premises are safe and welcoming to its clientele."

Best Bar None in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is proudly sponsored by Diageo GB and Soundsec Security with support from various partner agencies including NHS Kensington.

All the premises are judged on a range of criteria including safety, training for staff, security, drugs policy, litter disposal, noise control and much more.

Visit the Awards 2011 Gallery to see images of the award ceremony.