A SKIPTON gin bar has become the first in North Yorkshire to receive a prestigious 'Best Bar None' award.

The V.SQ Gin Bar in Victoria Square was the first business to successfully apply for the new accreditation scheme funded by the Skipton Business Improvement District (BID).

Supported by the Home Office, the scheme is aimed at raising standards and recognising good practice in licensed premises.

It operates successfully in other parts of the country and uses regular assessments and annual awards to encourage licensees to go beyond the legal minimum with a view to reducing alcohol related disorder and to enhance the reputation of town centres where the scheme operates.

V.SQ opened in December, 2015 and is run by mother and daughter team Lorraine and Aimee Forshaw and general manager Tom Venning. It is hoped that the majority of pubs and bars will join in the scheme in the coming months.

Andrew Mear, BID chairman, said: “When we suggested the scheme at a meeting of local licensees, there was almost universal enthusiasm – and we’re delighted that V/SQ has become the first to complete the process and receive the award.”

He added: “The BID has been working with Skipton Police, local authorities and the local STAND (Stop Trouble And Nighttime Disorder) pubwatch scheme to progress this initiative which is being fully funded by the BID. We hope that all pubs and bars will join the initiative so we can make Skipton stand out from the crowd in terms of high standards in its licensed premises.”

In addition to being the first licensed premise in Skipton to receive the award, V.SQ has also pioneered the BBN accreditation scheme in North Yorkshire.

It has moved from strength to strength since opening and prides itself on a first class service and innovative cocktails created by lead mixologists Amy Reynoldson and Nathan O’Brien.

Anyone who would like further information about the Best Bar None scheme – or any licensee who would like to start the accreditation process – should contact Geraldine Thompson at the BID by emailing: geraldine@skiptonbid.com