Torbay venues shine at Best Bar None Awards 2026

Torbay’s nightlife was given a well-earned toast as the Bay’s best bars and venues were crowned at this year’s Best Bar None Awards.

More than 100 guests gathered at the The Imperial Hotel on Tuesday 17 March for the annual celebration of the evening and nighttime economy, recognising venues that go above and beyond in safety, service and responsible hospitality.

The Home Office-backed scheme assesses licensed venues on everything from management and staff training to customer safety and community contribution, with top performers honoured across a range of categories.

Hosted by DJ Mark Voisey, the evening featured a drinks reception, three-course dinner and live music from the Oo De Lallys, before awards were handed out to venues across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Co-chairman Rob Elford thanked businesses for their continued commitment to the scheme, acknowledging the pressures facing the industry and praising the “quiet strength” shown by venues that continue to raise standards.

Among the big winners on the night was Twenty1, which took home the overall Best Bar None Torbay 2026 title – the first time the venue has claimed the top prize. The venue also secured the award for Venue Management, sharing that category win with sister site Otto.

Otto also picked up the People’s Choice Award following an online public vote, while J D Wetherspoon was recognised in the chain categories for both Venue Management and Staff Training & Care.

Elsewhere, Bank was named best independent venue for Staff Training & Care, while Viva received the T.R.E.V.O.R Award for prioritising customer safety and wellbeing.

Offshore enjoyed a standout evening, winning both the Community Contribution award and the Chairman’s Award for Most Improved Venue, while Harbour Light claimed the Customer Visit Experience award for achieving the highest online review scores.

Reacting to their success, Twenty1 said they were “so surprised and thrilled” to take home the overall title, adding: “We can’t thank our team enough… we’re truly blessed to have the team that we do, all management and front and back of house staff work their socks off making Twenty1 & Otto the special places that they are, it never goes unnoticed by us and clearly not by anyone else either now!”

Otto also thanked customers for their support, saying: “Also huge thank you to all of our customers who voted for Otto in the Peoples Choice Award… we love you too!”

The awards once again highlighted the strength of Torbay’s hospitality sector, with venues recognised not just for great nights out, but for creating safer, more responsible environments for residents and visitors alike.