TARTAN TOPPERS Paisley pub wins‘heart of the city’award
Community spririt beats through the veins of Paisley pub the Tartan Rose...and that’s official.
For the popular watering hole has beat off competition from across the UK to pick up a prestigious ‘ heart of the city’ award.
The pub in Broomlands Street in the West End clinched the title, winning against bars across the nation who also qualified for this years Best Bar None awards.
The Best Bar None award scheme rewards premises that provide a safe and welcome environment for people to enjoy responsible drinking.
Owner of the Tartan Rose, Alyson Finnigan, said the victory was not only an achievement for the staff but for all of Paisley.
Shesaid: “There was around 700 people from all over Scotland at the awards and the ‘heart of the city’ award is the one that everyone has their eye on each year.
“I couldn’t believe it when we won, the competition was very tough.
“Not only is it an amazing achievement for the staff and customers who show a lot of loyalty to the bar, but its an amazing achievemet for Paisley – especially as a prospective city of culture.”
Since 2012, Police Scotland and Renfrewshire Council have worked to facilitate the nationwide competition, which recognises the success of Scotland’s best bars.
Businesses are scored against national standards and can be awarded a gold, silver or bronze award in the scheme.
Paisley venues Kilty Kilty, Tartan Rose and Fantoosh and Bar Varia were shortlisted as finalists.
They made the cut after being awarded gold standard status following inspection by Renfrewshire Council’s Community Resources’ Trading Standards and Licensing Team.
The contenders are judged on the award night based on core standards relating to five licensing objectives, which are; preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving public health, and protecting children from harm.
Alyson, who also owns Kilty Kilty, Fantoosh and Caffufals in the town, said that following the winning news, herself and the rest of the management travelled straight from the Hilton back home to Paisley.
She explained: “We were so delighted to have won we left the awards early to have a party back at the Tartan Rose and celebrate with staff and regulars.”
Staff at the Tartan Rose support two or three local charities a year, donating thousands to causes such as Erskine Hospice and St. Vincents Hospice with cash raised from regular raffles, sponsored events and charity nights.
Alyson claimed: “The staff always go the extra mile to ensure the Tartan Rose is a welcoming bar.
“There’s a real community spirit in the West End and the people of Paisley make the pub what it is.
“It’s amazing that they’d received recognition for putting the heart back into the community.”