Having opened its doors just 12 months ago, the Students’ Union run venue won the Highly Commended award as part of the Best Bar None 2014 competition.

Held at the Bedford Corn Exchange on Tuesday evening (4 February), Best Bar None is an awards scheme for licensed premises in Bedford, which was developed to prevent and address alcohol-related crime and to improve the night-time economy.

Sponsored by local organisations including newspaper Bedfordshire on Sunday and Bedford Borough Council, Best Bar None accreditation means The Pub in the Hub is officially recognised as a safe place to socialise in the town.

The outlet in the heart of the Bedford campus opened in early 2013, in direct response to student feedback received in the previous year’s National Student Survey (NSS).

The NSS gives final year students the opportunity to share their opinions on what they like about their institution and course, as well as things they would like to see improved.

James Darkings, manager of The Pub in the Hub, who was joined on stage by Beds SU Chief Executive, Michele Flynn, to collect the award, said: “It has been such an amazing night. To be recognised by industry professionals for our hard work is great, and should make students feel proud that they have such a good venue right on their campus.”

This year for the first time, a special accolade called The Graham Dean Award was included, named after Beds SU’s late Commercial Services Manager, with the announcement met by a standing ovation. Bedford Street Angels emerged as winners of the award.

James added: “I am so glad that Graham was honoured for all of his hard work. He did so much for Beds SU and our venues. The award just shows how highly he was regarded in Bedford and beyond.”

In addition to The Pub in the Hub’s success, Bedford’s Elements Nightclub, hosts of Beds SU’s Wednesday club nights, received the top award of the night – the Gold award.

Photo: Michele Flynn with James Darkings (image courtesy of Bspoke and Captured Moments)