Council and democracy

Tiger Tiger claws its way to title of Croydon's best bar, bar none

Actor Graham Cole, who plays PC Tony Stamp in ITV cop show The Bill, handed out the awards at a glitzy black-tie event at the Croydon Hilton on Monday June 16.

In addition to being named overall winner, Tiger Tiger also claimed the title of Best Bar, with High Street neighbour Milan Bar netting the runner-up award.

Other winners were:

Best Pub - The Green Dragon (runner up - Ship of Fools)
Best Club - Hustler (runner up - Black Sheep Bar)

Claiming a prized "accredited" rating were 31 other establishments from around the borough.

Now in its sixth year, Best Bar None, run jointly by the council and Croydon police, drew its highest number of participating pubs, clubs and bars, with 45 premises applying for the scheme.

Best Bar None offers licensed premises the opportunity to prove they are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of their customers. The scheme promotes responsible standards of management and aims to reduce drink-related crime.

Following a self-audit, establishments taking part are inspected by a team of officers from the council's licensing department, the police and fire brigade, who check door policy, health and safety, staff training, customer care and methods of dealing with disorder.

Councillor Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion, offered his congratulations to the management and staff of Tiger Tiger and the other successful establishments.

He added: "Over the course of its six years, Croydon's Best Bar None scheme has gone from strength to strength.

"It has become an established event which every pub, club and bar looks forward to each year and is keen to be a part of. Since its introduction it has also helped contribute to a significant reduction in alcohol-related crime and associated disorder in and around the town centre."