Elior UK, catering partner at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh, has secured two top accolades at Scotland’s Best Bar None Awards. The win includes the Champion of Champions award, naming BT Murrayfield as the best licensed venue in the country.
BT Murrayfield also received the Best Specialist Entertainment Venue title at the Best Bar None awards – which recognise socially responsible venues. According to the judges, Elior gained the award because of its customer-focused approach to the sale and consumption of alcohol across all hospitality areas.
The panel, comprising senior police officials, licensing board members and drinks industry professionals, also offered outstanding praise to the Elior team.
Mandy Haeburn-Little, Scottish Business Resilience Centre director and panel judge, said: “We were particularly impressed by the level of staff engagement, education and training, and the way in which Elior has built a great culture throughout the organisation. The concept of welcoming and thanking every member of the visiting crowds was very impressive and I hope it is mirrored by other venues.”
As part of the judging process, BT Murrayfield underwent an assessment by the judging panel, which took place while 67,000 rugby fans visited the venue to see Scotland play France.
James Nicholson, site director for Elior at BT Murrayfield, said: “We’re so proud to have been named the best licensed venue in Scotland. Whether its 10 or 10,000 guests coming through the doors at BT Murrayfield, we work hard to make the whole experience matter. From greeting every guest as they arrive, to providing a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, we’ll continue to do everything we can to make BT Murrayfield a safe and enjoyable venue.”
The Best Bar None scheme was developed by Greater Manchester Police as part of the Manchester City Centre Safe project in 2003. Its remit is to address alcohol related crime, particularly anti-social behaviour and violence, and promote socially responsible venues.