Member Article

‘Make ours a double’ say bar staff

A popular bar has been served up a double by being named Middlesbrough’s top night spot while celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Dickens Inn on Southfield Road was named the overall winner in the Best Bar None awards scheme run by Middlesbrough Council in partnership with Cleveland Police and the local licensing trade.

The awards scheme, now in its seventh year aims to reward pubs, bars and clubs for responsible management and the work they do to provide safe, enjoyable and crime free places to eat and drink.

The Dickens Inn was opened in 1993 by Tony Spensley who said it was doubly sweet to win the Best Bar None award in an anniversary year.

Mr Spensley, who still owns and runs the bar with wife Julie, said: “We are delighted to receive this award, especially in our 20th year.

“It is recognition of the hard work and commitment of our staff, who go above and beyond the call of duty to make the Dickens the great bar it is.”

Other winners include The Empire on Corporation Road, being named Best Bar/Club, The Rudds Arms on Stokesley Road taking Best Community Pub and Kalinka taking the TFM Listeners Award.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Community Protection said: “Licensees across the town continue to play a vital role in reducing disorder, anti-social behaviour and crime.

“They are helping to make Middlesbrough a safer and more attractive place for people to enjoy an evening out and it’s only right that they should be recognised.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .