Pub Awards: Best Beer finalist - The Griffin, Halstead, Essex

The Griffin’s manager, Gilly Ryan, is passionate about beer, and particularly cask ale, and has worked tirelessly to build this once-neglected pub into a haven.

She strives to provide an eclectic choice, offering a range of local beers and styles. This year, the completely wet-led pub has introduced a new bottled beer range, showcasing exciting and innovative styles from around the world, and available to take out.

Mummy

Nicknamed the “pub mummy”, Ryan is committed to improving her team’s knowledge of beer. Regular brewery visits and daily tastings equip staff with the confidence and language to talk to customers about beer choices.

Ryan is involved in the local community, running a bar at the community centre, organising the biggest beer festival the town has seen and planning customer trips to events, race meetings and breweries.

Beer is sourced direct from local breweries, a monthly beer tasting group continues to thrive and Ryan is very active on social media in order to promote the pub and its range.