On Nov. 26, the Nest Taphouse Grill won the Best Bar None award for Best Campus Pub. For those of you that don’t know, the NAITSA-run Nest is NAIT’s oncampus bar. Opened in 1988, the Nest has been a popular spot for friends to hang out, grab a drink or enjoy events. In addition to their menu offerings, each day has a weekly special for both food and drinks.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) and Edmonton Police Service presented the Best Bar None Edmonton awards this year for high service and safety standards. This year was the first year that campus pubs were awarded. Competition included Dewey’s Lounge and Eatery (U of A) and Towers Pub (MacEwan).
The categories were bar/lounge, hotel bar, restaurant and bar, pub, large pub, club, campus and casino. While Room at the Top and Dewey’s Lounge and Eatery won second-place for the campus award, the Nest walked away with first place. Additionally, it received Best Bar None accreditation, an award focused on improved safety standards for liquor establishments. There was a lot of excitement regarding this honour, as many NAIT students, staff and instructors already know it as a place for camaraderie, excitement and fun.
“I am so extremely pleased. This award validates the Nest team’s hard work and boosts morale,” said Nest Manager Michelle Dirksen.
“I’m always trying to find ways to validate our product and promote our venue. The stigma surrounding food and beverage establishments is slowly changing as venues become safer.”
Best Bar None program manager David Young explained how the Nest came out on top.
“The Nest distinguished itself in Best Bar None by working hard to achieve as many of the bonus items on the checklist as possible. Among their strengths were strong staff training, a strong working relationship witch campus protective services and capable management,” said Young.
“ The Nest was the first campus bar accredited in Best Bar None, achieving accreditation last year. This is the first year Best Bar None has featured a campus bar category.”
Mayor Don Iveson and EPS Deputy Chief Brian Simpson praised the award winners.
“These establishments honoured here have shown their commitment to best business practices and care for their patrons,” said Iveson. “I’d like to thank all of the award winners and nominees. You are helping keep Edmonton safe and strengthening our local economy.”
Brian Simpson, EPS Deputy Chief, said the annual awards promote better establishments .
“The value of Best Bar None lies in the fact that those bars that meet stringent standards have demonstrated that they are responsibly managed, and that they are committed to ensuring their patrons can socialize in a clean, safe, well-managed establishment,” Simpson said.
The award only further strengthens the Nest as a potent feature at NAIT. If you’ve never been to the Nest, it is located in the main campus. Show your support for the Nest by visiting if you have the time this term. Remember that lunch hour is very busy, so get there early or come by at least an hour before the closing times of 5 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays or 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Gervaise Branch-Allen
