07/09/2009
ONE of Blackpool’s most popular nightspots is on course to be named the top entertainment venue in the UK.
The Stanley Arms, on Chapel Street, has just been crowned the best entertainment venue in the North West in the 2009 Great British Pub Awards.
The Daniel Thwaites-owned cabaret bar will now go head-to-head with seven other regional finalists in the race to be crowned the UK’s number one entertainment pub, with the overall winner set to be unveiled at a glittering awards ceremony in London early next month.
Mick Sugden, who is the manager of The Stanley, said: “To be named the top entertainment venue in the North West is a fantastic achievement. However, to win the national award would be unbelievable!"
“When the brewery decided to refurbish The Stanley just over a year ago, our plan was to turn it into the best cabaret bar in Blackpool, and I am delighted to say it has more than surpassed our expectations."
“We now put on entertainment every afternoon and evening, seven days a week, and people are coming from all over the UK to see our stage shows."
“To get shortlisted for such a prestigious award like this is recognition for a lot of hard work over the last 12 months. It has been a real team effort by everyone, from the entertainment team to the bar staff.”
The Great British Pub Awards, run by drinks industry ‘bible’ the Morning Advertiser, are seen as the ultimate accolade in pub retailing, and competition for a finals placing is intense.
Following a ‘paper’ judging and a visit from an industry expert, The Stanley was named Best Entertainment Pub in the North West and now has a chance of scooping the national title in London on 9th September.
The judges were impressed with the diverse entertainment provided by the pub, commenting: “Entertainment, from live music to comedy shows, has always been an important part of pub life. It is to The Stanley’s credit that they have developed a lively, popular programme that brings many customers into the pub.”
Andrew Buchanan, Director of Pub Operations at Daniel Thwaites said: “Since the re-launch last April, The Stanley has been extremely successful from day one. In fact, today (Tuesday 11 August), it transferred to a leased tenancy and we are delighted that Mick Sugden will remain as Manager under the new business ownership."
“It was always a case of getting the right people involved to make The Stanley work. Mick Sugden has run a number of very successful pubs and bars in the past, so we were keen to get him on board and coupled with a great team, has achieved wonders in a very short space of time. "
“We also employed the services of a top compere, Brad Leigh-Scott, who is accompanied by the Emmi J Showgirls, and they are joined nightly by some of Blackpool’s best comedians and vocal acts.”